MSC Cruises has announced that Dirty Dancing: In Concert will debut aboard MSC Poesia for the ship’s summer 2026 deployment in Alaska, marking the third vessel in the company’s fleet to host the live-to-film production created by Lionsgate and GEA Live.
The concert will premiere on MSC Poesia when the ship begins her Alaska programme from Seattle on May 11th, 2026, during the line’s first-ever summer season operating in the region.
The 90-minute production features the full screening of Lionsgate’s 1987 film Dirty Dancing, accompanied by live musical performances from an onboard band, singers, and dancers who perform in synchronisation with the film.
The concert format has already been introduced aboard MSC World America, sailing from Miami, and MSC Virtuosa, operating from Southampton during the northern summer season. It is also scheduled to continue on MSC Virtuosa during her upcoming winter deployment in the Southern Caribbean.
“We are thrilled to have ‘Dirty Dancing: In Concert’ on board MSC Poesia for MSC Cruise’s first ever sailings to Alaska this summer season,” said Steve Leatham, Vice President of Entertainment at MSC Cruises. “Following the incredible response we have seen since the launch on MSC World America and MSC Virtuosa, we’re excited to be able to offer it on more of our ships for our guests to enjoy this truly one-of-a-kind experience at sea.”
Throughout the Alaska season, passengers sailing aboard MSC Poesia will have multiple opportunities to attend the live-to-film concert during their voyage, including matinee performances on sea days.
The ship will operate seven-night itineraries from Seattle, calling at ports across Alaska and western Canada. Scheduled destinations include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau in Alaska, and Victoria in British Columbia.
Alongside the new concert offering, MSC Poesia’s entertainment programme for summer 2026 will also include a broad schedule of live music, themed events, theatrical productions, and enrichment activities.
According to the company, the programme will feature evening duelling piano performances, jazz ensembles, party bands, salsa and Latin music groups, themed parties, expanded theatre shows, and appearances by US-based comedians.
Activity hosts will lead wellness sessions, sports programming, and arts and crafts workshops, while regional specialists will provide lectures, narrated events, and workshops focused on the geography, wildlife, and natural environment of Alaska.
MSC Cruises has also confirmed that MSC Poesia will complete one of the most extensive refurbishment projects in the company’s history prior to her Alaska deployment. The upgrade will include the introduction of the MSC Yacht Club, the addition of two specialty dining venues, Butcher’s Cut and Kaito Sushi Bar, the creation of the All-Stars Sports Bar, and the refurbishment of the MSC Aurea Spa. The ship’s fitness facilities will also be updated with a new MSC Gym Powered by Technogym.
MSC Poesia’s Alaska deployment represents a new phase of growth for the cruise line in the North American market, expanding its itinerary portfolio beyond its traditional Mediterranean, Caribbean, and European programmes into one of the industry’s most established seasonal cruise regions.
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