MSC Cruises marked the 10th anniversary of MSC Book, its online reservations platform for travel agents, highlighting its success with the support of 120,000 agents worldwide.
Since its launch in 2014, the platform has helped agents book over 10 million guests on MSC voyages. The company expressed gratitude to agents for a decade of collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to growing partnerships with current and new agencies.
To celebrate its 10th anniversary, MSC Cruises is offering digital gifts to agents who complete a short survey to gather feedback on MSC Book. The company will also host webinars to showcase planned upgrades to the reservations platform.
MSC Cruises’ local sales teams will lead these online sessions in collaboration with senior representatives from the headquarters-based e-commerce team. Additionally, MSC Book’s home and promotions pages have been redesigned to reflect agent feedback and improve the platform’s functionality.
Sailing in the region for the first time, the Azamara Pursuit will operate open-jaw itineraries that sail between Whittier and Vancouver.
According to Azamara, the voyages were created to prioritize unspoiled destinations, visiting locations such as Kodiak, Dutch Harbor and Icy Strait Point.
The deployment will also include excursions aimed at bringing guests closer to natural beauty, unparalleled wildlife and authentic culture, Azamara said.
MSC Cruises will debut for the first time in Alaska in 2026, with the MSC Poesia offering a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle.
The season runs from early May to late September and includes a regular itinerary that visits Ketchikan, Icy Strait Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau and Victoria.
In a press release, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato said that the new operation in Alaska and Canada further expands the company’s global offerings by sailing to a must-see region.
Virgin Voyages is also debuting in Alaska in 2026 with the new Brilliant Lady. After entering service in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to spend its first summer season in the region.
Ranging from seven to 12 nights, Virgin’s itineraries sail from Seattle and Vancouver and also include destinations in Canada, such as Prince Rupert and Victoria.
According to the company, the cruises will give guests opportunities to experience Alaska’s wildlife and landscapes while taking part in activities that include salmon fishing, glacier trekking, lumberjack shows and dog sledding.
As one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world, Alaska accounted for nearly five per cent of the industry’s market share this year, according to data from the 2024 Cruise Industry News Annual Report.
Disney Cruise Line welcomed its new ship, the Disney Treasure, during a waterfront christening celebration on the Hudson River in New York City, the line announced in a press release.
The celebration included a light show featuring Disney adventures on the new ship, including “Aladdin,” “Haunted Mansion,” “Moana,” and “Coco.”
The tribute to the stories and characters was brought to life by a synchronized showcase of 1,000 drones set to a medley of Disney songs.
Jordin Sparks performed a live rendition of “Live the Adventure,” the original anthem of the Disney Treasure.
Bob Iger, chief executive officer of The Walt Disney Company, said: “Since the launch of the Disney Cruise Line in 1998, our ships have become brand ambassadors that bring our world-class storytelling and the immersive nature of our theme parks to new audiences in new places all over the world.”
“This is an unprecedented era of growth for Disney Experiences and a dramatic period of expansion at Disney Cruise Line,” said Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences.
“We are doubling our fleet to 13 ships by 2031 to bring Disney cruise vacations to even more families across the globe.”
The Disney Treasure, sister ship to the Disney Wish (launched in 2022) and the Disney Destiny (setting sail in Nov. 2025), will use stories of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney Parks attractions to offer new and guest-favorite experiences.
The new ship embarks on its maiden voyage on Dec. 21, 2024, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.
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