MSC Cruises will expand its onboard entertainment lineup in 2026 with new technology-focused experiences, refreshed production shows and broader family programming across the fleet.
The cruise line said the updates will encompass everything from live music and interactive game shows to digital-first family events and robot-centric activities. This is part of a broader effort to refresh customer favorites while introducing new concepts aimed at multi-generational travellers.
The most notable addition is an AI-powered robot dog developed by Unitree Robotics, a first for the cruise industry.
AI robot dog and humanoid companion
MSC Cruises is piloting AI-based robotic dogs alongside humanoid robots on some of its ships. The plan is already being tested in Asia and will also be featured on the line’s World Cruise 2026 leg.
Robots are being incorporated into entertainment programming, including scheduled meet-and-greet sessions, robot-themed parades, and dance appearances during the cruise line’s Doremix Family Disco. Children ages 7 and up can also participate in interactive robotics workshops designed to introduce basic robotics concepts and future technologies in a hands-on format.
The move marks a significant technological addition to the mix of mainstream cruise entertainment, performance, education and guest interaction.
A refreshing 70s party across the fleet.
MSC’s popular ’70s party gets a complete makeover in 2026 with updated music playlists, new costumes and more interactive elements. Themed events will take place across the globe, continuing the long tradition of retro-inspired deck parties while modernizing the format.
Live music will also be expanded, with 20 new big band acts debuting on select ships. The cruise line will also present Dirty Dancing: In Concert, a live-to-film concert experience based on the iconic movie soundtrack.
On the production side, several ships will be completely revamped for major theater shows. Paz, a guest-favorite flamenco production from recent seasons, also returns to the lineup.
A duel of piano and American country music
MSC plans to add Dueling Piano to additional ships in 2026, building on the format’s popularity among guests. The interactive concept features a pianist performing live, often taking audience requests and incorporating comedy and crowd participation.
A new American Country Band experience will also be featured, designed as a live entertainment concept focused on country music hits and themed performances.
The additions reflect a broader push for genre-specific music programming, giving guests more choice in evening venues.
New interactive game show
Two unique entertainment concepts will be launched in 2026.
Chart Toppers is a music-centric game show built around hits from the 1970s to today, combining quizzes, live performances and audience participation in a high-energy format.
Quiz O’Clock: The Battle offers a competitive twist on MSC’s classic quiz show, structured as a staged game show experience rather than a traditional lounge quiz session.
Both concepts are designed to increase interactive entertainment options, especially in evening programming.
Professional Coach Program Expansion
Following a successful pilot, MSC Cruises’ professional coach program will expand to 15 ships in 2026. The program includes structured activities across sports, wellness, arts and crafts.
This expansion will offer a more scheduled program at sea for guests who wish to participate in guided fitness sessions, creative workshops and organized recreational activities.
LEGO® programming expands across your fleet.
MSC Cruises is also expanding its partnership with LEGO®.
Currently available with seven ships, the LEGO Parade is scheduled to expand to 14 ships in 2026. The parade features seven LEGO mascots, along with MSC’s family mascot, Doremi, in a themed procession designed for young guests and families.
After a successful pilot, the new digital-first LEGO Family Game Show is also set to launch across the military. The format includes a high-energy final round focused on collaborative building challenges that engage children and parents together in an environment filled with LEGO® bricks and mascots.
MasterChef at Sea Updates
MSC’s MasterChef at Sea experience will receive a new format tailored to adults, children and teenagers. Cooking competition-style programming has been a staple of the line’s enhanced offerings, and the updated version adapts content and structure depending on age group.
Ocean Day hosted by the MSC Foundation
In addition to the entertainment-focused additions, MSC Cruises will also introduce Ocean Day across the fleet, courtesy of the MSC Foundation.
The educational entertainment program is designed to inspire young passengers through interactive learning and play that integrates environmental awareness themes into onboard activities.
This initiative adds a structured educational component to the cruise line’s family programming, complementing its entertainment and technology-focused additions.
Promoting Broader Entertainment
Featuring robotics, expanded live music, new theater productions and new interactive game formats, MSC Cruises’ 2026 entertainment program represents one of the most comprehensive ship-wide updates in recent years.
The combination of AI-powered robot dogs, concert-style productions and expanded family programming highlights the line’s commitment to incorporating new technology into the cruise experience while broadening its appeal across age groups.
It’s a nice series of additions and part of the company’s ongoing efforts to create brand loyalty in the U.S. market, a foray that began primarily with the new World America ships (and the high-profile Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore campaigns that continue to accompany them).
