MSC Cruises will take entertainment at sea to a new level in 2026 with a revamped program for all ages across the fleet, from lively parties and interactive quizzes to digital experiences and live music, with options for all types of travelers, including, for the first time in the world, AI-powered robot dogs from Unitree Robotics, currently being tested on board MSC Bellissima in Asia.
Steve Leatham, Vice President of MSC Cruises, said: “As a family-owned company, we know how important it is to offer entertainment that unites generations. In 2026, we will build on what our guests already love, while introducing new ideas, new energy, and groundbreaking new experiences in the cruise industry: there is something for everyone, no matter which destination they choose.”
Matteo Mancini, Director of Family Entertainment Development at MSC Cruises, stated: “MSC Entertainment is fully focused on the future and actively invests in developing new and modern forms of entertainment, encompassing digital and immersive experiences. From robots and quizzes to interactive fun, active experiences, collaborations with renowned brands, original mascots, and music, this year’s offering on MSC Cruises is truly spectacular.”
The new and improved experiences in 2026 include:
Entertainment with AI-powered robots: MSC Cruises is testing, for the first time in the cruise industry, AI-powered robotic dogs, accompanied by humanoid robots, developed by Unitree Robotics on board certain ships.
This initiative is being tested on MSC Bellissima and will soon be available on both MSC Bellissima in Asia and MSC Magnifica during part of MSC World Cruise 2026.
Passengers will enjoy encounters with robots, themed parades, interactive workshops for children aged 7 and up to introduce them to robotics and future technologies in a creative way, and dance performances during the cruise line's Doremix Family Disco.
Refreshed shows, parties and live entertainment: Passenger favorites return with a fresh new look in 2026, including a fully revamped 70s party that will extend across the entire fleet with updated music, costumes and enhanced interactive experiences.
Twenty 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 overhaul of their main shows, and the popular flamenco show Paz, a passenger favorite, will return to MSC Meraviglia.
Dueling Pianos, very popular with passengers, will be introduced on MSC Seascape, along with a new American Country Band experience, a live entertainment concept designed for country music lovers.
New original contests from MSC Cruises: Passengers will have the opportunity to enjoy two new original contests launching in 2026. Chart Toppers is a high-energy musical game show celebrating the biggest hits from the 1970s to the present day. Meanwhile, “Quiz O’Clock: The Battle” is a competitive game show experience, a twist on the company’s classic quiz show.
Expansion of the professional trainer program: Following a successful pilot phase, MSC Cruises' professional trainer program, which covers sports, wellness and crafts, will be expanded to 15 ships in 2026, offering passengers even more opportunities to stay active and try new things while at sea.
Expanding collaborations with leading global brands: MSC Cruises will introduce its popular LEGO® parade, a passenger favorite, on more ships, expanding the offering from seven to fourteen ships by 2026. The popular parade, which brings together seven LEGO® mascots with MSC's mascot, Doremi, will be gradually rolled out on the MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia, MSC Divina, MSC Seaside , and MSC Seaview.
Meanwhile, Guinness World Records™ will introduce new formats for families and teenagers across the fleet, while the MasterChef at Sea offering will feature revamped formats for adults, children, and teenagers.
Even more for families, children, and teenagers: families can enjoy a revamped LEGO® Family Game Show, available on all ships, following the success of the pilot program on MSC World America. The format will feature an energetic final round designed to unleash the creativity of both children and parents, immersed in a vibrant experience surrounded by LEGO® bricks and mascots.
A new educational entertainment program, Ocean Day, by the MSC Foundation, will also be launched across the fleet, designed to inspire young people through interactive learning and play.
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