MSC Cruises is taking entertainment at sea to the next level in 2026 with a refreshed programme for all ages. This year, guests sailing with MSC Cruises will enjoy a range of brand-new and updated experiences across the fleet, from vibrant parties and interactive game shows to digital experiences and live music, there’s something for every type of traveller – including, in a world-first, AI-powered robot dogs from Unitree Robotics, currently being piloted on board MSC Bellissima in Asia.
Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises’ VP Entertainment said “As a family-owned company, we know how important it is to offer entertainment that brings generations together. In 2026, we are building on what our guests already love, while introducing new ideas, new energy and new cruise-industry first experiences – there is something for everyone, wherever they choose to sail.”
Matteo Mancini, MSC Cruises’ Family Entertainment Development Director said: “MSC Entertainment is fully focused on the future and is actively investing in the development of new, modern forms of entertainment, spanning digital and immersive experiences. From robots and game shows to interactive fun, active experiences, partnerships with celebrated brands, original mascots and music, this year’s offering on MSC Cruises is truly spectacular.”
New and enhanced experiences in 2026 include:
AI-powered robot entertainment: In a first for the cruise industry, MSC Cruises is piloting AI-powered robotic dogs, accompanied by humanoid robots, developed by Unitree Robotics on board select ships.
The initiative is already being tested on MSC Bellissima and will be available soon on both MSC Bellissima in Asia and MSC Magnifica during a segment of the World Cruise 2026.
Guests will enjoy meet-and-greets with the robots, robot-themed parade, interactive robotic workshops for children aged 7+ to introduce them to robotics and future technologies in a creative way and dance appearances during the cruise line’s Doremix Family Disco.
Updated shows, parties and live entertainment: Guest-favourite events return with a fresh new look in 2026, including a fully renewed ’70s Party rolling out fleetwide with refreshed music, upgraded costumes, and elevated interactive experiences.
20 New Big Band performances will debut on MSC Poesia, which will also feature the highly anticipated Dirty Dancing: In Concert. Meanwhile MSC Seaview and MSC Grandiosa will launch a complete refresh of its main production shows and guest favourite Paz, a popular Flamenco show, will make a return to MSC Meraviglia.
Dueling Pianos, popular with guests, will be introduced to MSC Seascape, along with a brand-new American Country Band experience, a live entertainment concept designed for country music enthusiasts.
Brand-new original MSC Cruises game shows: Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy two neworiginal shows that are launching in 2026. Chart Toppers is a high-energy music game show celebrating the biggest hits from the 1970s to today, while Quiz O’Clock: The Battle is a competitive game-show experience, a twist on the line’s classic quiz show.
Professional Coaches expansion: Following a successful pilot, MSC Cruises’ Professional Coaches Programme, covering sports, wellness and arts and crafts, will expand to 15 ships in 2026, offering guests even more opportunities to stay active and try something new while at sea.
Expanded partnerships with leading global brands: MSC Cruises will be introducing itsguest-favourite, the LEGO® Parade, onboard more ships, expanding the offering from seven to 14 ships in 2026. The popular parade, which brings seven LEGO® mascots together with MSC’s own mascot, Doremi, will be gradually rolled out to MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside and MSC Seaview.
Meanwhile, across the fleet the MasterChef at Sea offering, will feature refreshed formats for adults, kids and teens.
Even more for families, kids and teens: Families can look forward to a refreshed, digital-first LEGO® Family Game Show launching fleet-wide, following the successful pilot on MSC World America. The format will feature a high-energy final round designed to unleash creativity for both children and parents, immersed in a vibrant experience surrounded by LEGO® bricks and mascots.
A new educational entertainment programme designed to inspire younger guests through interactive learning and play, Ocean Day by the MSC Foundation, will also be rolled out fleetwide.
For more information about MSC Cruises visit: https://www.msccruises.ie
