With MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages scheduled to call on Alaska for the first time next year, the 2026 season is shaping up to be an exciting one for cruise travelers visiting "The Great Land.”
During the annual Alaska Media Road Show, which was hosted at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas this year, we gathered the latest intel from attending cruise lines, ports, experience vendors and more. Here’s what advisors should know.
Cruise Line News
Holland America Line
Holland America Line is enhancing its Alaska offerings with $70 million in Denali lodge improvements, fresh culinary options and added Kenai Peninsula ports through 2027, when the line will celebrate 80 years in the region. The brand is also introducing new Great Bear and Prince Rupert itineraries.
MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises will debut in Alaska in 2026 with MSC Poesia, offering seven-night sailings from Seattle to Juneau, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria. Following an extensive dry-dock refurbishment, the ship will feature a new MSC Yacht Club, a sports bar, an upgraded spa and gym and Alaskan-inspired food and beverages.
Seabourn
Seabourn is expanding on its expedition offerings in Alaska in 2026, with Seabourn Encore accommodating Zodiac and kayak adventures led by a 12-member expedition team. Seven- and 14-day itineraries will combine classic ports with remote wildlife sites, and in 2027 there will be enhanced Northwest Passage expeditions featuring new Arctic loops and extended operations.
In Ketchikan, the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is set to open a new arena next year.
Credit: 2025 Bruce Shippee/stock.adobe.comCruise Ports and Destination News
Anchorage
Representatives from Visit Anchorage highlighted efforts to extend cruise stays beyond embarkation or disembarkation, emphasizing easy transfers from Seward and Whittier, scenic sightseeing en route to ships and attractions such as the Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alyeska Resort and Anchorage Museum. They also noted the city’s growing boutique hotel scene, vibrant dining options and expanded year-round adventures.
Dutch Harbor
The port of Dutch Harbor in Unalaska is experiencing growing cruise and expedition traffic, with dozens of small ships visiting May to September and Azamara Cruises set to debut in 2026. Known for its World War II relics, Unangan culture, rich fisheries and abundant wildlife, the destination offers guided tours to historic landmarks, museums and remote hiking areas situated throughout the Aleutian Islands.
Fairbanks
Although inland, Fairbanks remains a crucial pre- and post-cruise destination for Alaskan cruisers; most visitors arrive via rail from Denali before flying out. Popular day tours include the Riverboat Discovery and Gold Dredge 8 experiences. Officials encourage guests to extend stays to enjoy local breweries, distilleries, museums and the aurora season, which usually begins in August.
Huna Totem Corporation
Huna Totem Corporation continues to expand Native-led tourism beyond its well-known Icy Strait Point. Advisors should be aware ofnew developments at Chugach Glacier Gateway in Whittier and Klawock Island, in addition to Juneau’s Aak'w Landing. Each destination emphasizes cultural storytelling, community benefits and sustainability. Future plans extend to global partnerships and expanded pre- and post-cruise experiences.
Juneau
Juneau tourism officials discussed existing attractions such as the downtown doll museum, and new offerings such as hot tub-outfitted boats, the Sacred Grounds Cafe coffeehouse and a local Indigenous art market. Other updates include enhanced cultural programs at Mendenhall Glacier and a new dock in development, along with continued efforts to sustainably grow regional cruising through a tourism management initiative that has been in place for nearly three decades.
Ketchikan
Ketchikan’s Ward Cove is evolving into a full visitor hub with the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show’s new arena, a distillery, artisan shops and local dining. Berth 4 is also gaining food trucks and cooking classes, and Creek Street’s long-defunct funicular is finally operational again.
Sitka
Sitka-based Alaska native corporation Shee Atika highlighted new visitor attractions such as the Sheet'ka Treetop Adventure and a Salmon Tales experience, underscoring genuine cultural engagement. With a deep-water dock now hosting cruise companies (including Holland America Line), Sitka continues to expand its sustainable local tourism and visitor offerings.
Skagway
Skagway is preparing for the 2026 season with several new attractions and enhancements. Highlights include the YMCA building’s planned mid-summer opening, revamped Mascot Saloon exhibits and hybrid “sail, rail and trail” excursions. Local dining is expanding with new food trucks, the rededication of the Salty Siren restaurant and diverse fare ranging from reindeer dogs to Thai street food.
Cruise Tours and Experience News
Alaska Shore Excursions
Alaska Shore Excursions offers locally operated, competitively priced alternatives to cruise line tours, working with more than 115 Alaskan providers and more than 300 experiences, many of which are unavailable through the cruise lines themselves. The company also guarantees on-time returns to ships, strong customer service and same-day refunds as needed.
Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show
The aforementioned Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is expanding to Ward Cove with a new 1,200-seat arena opening April 31, 2026, followed by an interactive retail and museum space in 2027. Built with repurposed water tanks, the cedar-clad facility will highlight Alaska’s logging heritage and host cruise guests seasonally, with other visitors and locals welcome year-round.
John Hall’s Alaska
John Hall’s Alaska, founded in 1983, presents eight all-inclusive land itineraries developed to pair seamlessly with partner cruise lines Alaskan Dream Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line and Royal Caribbean. The company’s programs feature Alaska Railroad segments, locally-owned lodges and immersive national park experiences for expanded year-round exploration from Anchorage and Fairbanks.
