MSC Cruises to carry out major refit on MSC Poesia ahead of Alaska debut

MSC Cruises has announced a significant refit and refurbishment to MSC Poesia, which will see the ship emerge with new dining venues, entertainment spaces and wellness facilities. 

Central to the refit is the introduction of the line’s luxury all-inclusive “ship-within-a-ship” concept, the MSC Yacht Club. It will be the first time the concept has been installed on one of the line’s ‘smaller’ vessels.

The refurbishment, described as one of the largest in the company’s history, will also see the addition of Butcher’s Cut steakhouse, a reimagined Kaito Sushi Bar, the All-Stars Sports Bar, an expanded Aurea Spa, and an upgraded gym powered by Technogym equipment.

MSC Poesia, part of the Musica class, has capacity for more than 2,500 passengers, and has traditionally operated itineraries in Europe and the Caribbean. The latest refit marks the most extensive modernisation of her career to date, aligning her facilities with newer vessels in the MSC fleet.

The introduction of the MSC Yacht Club to MSC Poesia will provide 63 suites across five categories, ranging from balcony units suitable for families to the Royal Suite, which features a private whirlpool, a large terrace and outdoor shower. 

Other enhancements include a two-room Grand Suite, marble-finished bathrooms, Nespresso machines, and a complimentary minibar.

Facilities dedicated to Yacht Club guests will include a private restaurant, the Top Sail Lounge on the foredeck with floor-to-ceiling windows, and a sundeck with bar, grill and whirlpools. The concept, already present on newer MSC ships, provides exclusive spaces while remaining integrated into the wider vessel.

Among the new dining venues is Butcher’s Cut, offering a menu built around premium steaks and traditional accompaniments. Kaito Sushi Bar has been redesigned with a broader range of Japanese dishes. The All-Stars Sports Bar will provide a casual setting with large screens, games and bar snacks.

The Aurea Spa will gain new features including an ocean-view sauna, salt room, steam rooms and relaxation areas, while the gym will be expanded with ocean-facing workout spaces, a yoga room and improved sports facilities.

The refit is scheduled ahead of MSC Poesia’s deployment to Alaska in summer 2026, marking the ship’s first season in the region. Operating from Seattle between May and September, MSC Poesia will sail seven-night itineraries through the Inside Passage. 

Ports of call include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, and Juneau in Alaska, along with Victoria in British Columbia.

At each port, MSC plans to offer a range of shore excursions. These include opportunities to explore Native Alaskan culture at Icy Strait Point, view glaciers and wildlife in Tracy Arm, and experience the historic gold rush heritage of Juneau.

Following her Alaska programme, Poesia will redeploy to the Caribbean and Central America for winter 2026/27. Round-trip voyages from Miami will include calls at Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaçao and Belize. The ship will also undertake Panama Canal transits on longer repositioning voyages between Seattle and Miami.

MSC Poesia Refit Highlights

MSC Yacht Club – 63 suites across five categories, private restaurant, Top Sail Lounge, sundeck with bar, grill and whirlpools.

Butcher’s Cut – new American-style steakhouse.

Kaito Sushi Bar – redesigned with expanded Japanese menu.

All-Stars Sports Bar – new venue with screens, bar snacks and games.

Aurea Spa – expanded with ocean-view sauna, steam rooms, salt room and relaxation areas.

MSC Gym Powered by Technogym – enhanced fitness centre with ocean-facing workout areas, yoga room, jogging track, basketball and tennis courts.