The Alaska cruise market is set for an eventful season in 2026, with the arrival of newbuilds, the debut of new brands and the return of a cruise line.

MSC Cruises is one of the three companies set to offer their inaugural seasons in Alaska in 2026.

After repositioning from Europe, the MSC Poesia is set to sail a series of seven-night cruises from Seattle between May and September.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will make its debut in the region with the brand-new Luminara, which is set to enter service in 2025.

With a season that extends between May and September, the 456-guest luxury yacht will embark on 13 voyages to 11 ports across Alaska and Canada.

For its first season in the destination, Virgin Voyages is also sending a new ship to Alaska: the Brilliant Lady.

After debuting in late 2025, the ship is scheduled to offer seven- to 12-night cruises from Seattle and Vancouver.

The new vessels will be joined by two additional newbuilds, the Star Princess and Windstar Cruises’ Star Seeker.

As a sister to the 2024-built Sun Princess, the first enters service for Princess Cruises later this year in the Mediterranean before debuting in Alaska in May 2026.

The new Star Seeker is another vessel scheduled to welcome its first guests in late 2025 before arriving in Alaska next year for its first-ever summer deployment.

Another ship debuting in the region is the Azamara Pursuit. The 710-guest vessel marks the return of Azamara to Alaska after a seven-year gap.

The summer season is also highlighted by Disney Cruise Line, which is doubling its presence in the region.

Debuting in Alaska, the Disney Magic is set to join the Disney Wonder for a series of cruises departing from Vancouver.

Other brands planning strong deployments in Alaska in 2026 include Cunard.