Major refurbishment of MSC Poesia gets underway ahead of the Ship's Alaska debut

MSC Cruises announced that will enter dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard in Malta, marking the next phase of the cruise line’s ongoing investment in enhancing the guest experience across its fleet.

Location:
Dry dock at Palumbo Malta Shipyard, Malta

Scope:
Second Musica-class ship to undergo major refurbishment, following her sister ship’s upgrade in December

New Features:
- MSC Yacht Club: 69 luxury suites, private amenities, 24-hour butler service
- Specialty Dining: Butcher’s Cut (American steakhouse) and Kaito Sushi Bar (Asian-inspired sushi)
- Wellness & Leisure: Redesigned MSC Aurea Spa, MSC Gym powered by Technogym®, Gentleman’s Barber, workout studios, outdoor Aurea area, and Top 15 Exclusive Solarium

Timeline
- Completion: April 2026
- Debut: Alaska season begins May 2026
- Future Itineraries:
- Summer 2026: 7-night Alaska cruises from Seattle (destinations include Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria, BC)
- Winter 2026–27: Caribbean roundtrips from Miami (visiting Jamaica, Colombia, Costa Rica, Aruba, Curaçao, Belize)
- Summer 2027: Return to Alaska itineraries

Strategic Context
- Part of MSC Cruises’ largest upgrade program in a decade, managed in-house by its Technical Department
- Ensures all four Musica-class ships will feature the MSC Yacht Club after upgrades are complete
- Reinforces MSC’s push into premium experiences while expanding into new markets like Alaska

This refurbishment positions MSC Poesia as a hybrid of luxury and adventure cruising, appealing to both traditional MSC guests and new travelers drawn to Alaska’s scenic itineraries.