MSC Cruises is expanding its onboard entertainment lineup in 2026 with new technology-driven experiences, refreshed production shows and a broader slate of family programming across the fleet.
The cruise line says the updates will span everything from live music and interactive game shows to digital-first family events and robotics-focused activities, part of a wider effort to refresh guest-favorite concepts while introducing new ones aimed at multigenerational travelers.
Among the most notable additions: AI-powered robotic dogs developed by Unitree Robotics, a first for the cruise industry.
AI Robot Dogs and Humanoid Companions
MSC Cruises is piloting AI-powered robotic dogs, accompanied by humanoid robots, on select ships. The initiative is already being tested in Asia and will also be featured during a segment of the line’s World Cruise 2026.
The robots are being integrated into the entertainment program with scheduled meet-and-greet sessions, a robot-themed parade and dance appearances during the cruise line’s Doremix Family Disco. Children aged 7 and older will also be able to take part in interactive robotic workshops designed to introduce basic robotics concepts and future technologies in a hands-on format.
The move marks a significant technological addition to mainstream cruise entertainment, blending performance, education and guest interaction.
A Refreshed ‘70s Party Across the Fleet
MSC’s popular ’70s Party is getting a full refresh in 2026, with updated music playlists, new costumes and more interactive elements. The themed event will roll out fleetwide, continuing a long-running tradition of retro-inspired deck parties while modernizing the format.
Live music will also see expansion, with 20 new Big Band performances debuting on select ships. The cruise line will also stage Dirty Dancing: In Concert, a live-to-film concert experience based on the iconic movie soundtrack.
On the production side, multiple ships will introduce a complete refresh of their main theater shows. The Flamenco production Paz, a guest favorite in recent seasons, will also return to the lineup.
Dueling Pianos and American Country Music
MSC is adding Dueling Pianos to additional ships in 2026, building on the format’s popularity with guests. The interactive concept features pianists performing live, often taking audience requests and incorporating comedy and crowd participation.
A new American Country Band experience will also debut, designed as a live entertainment concept focused on country music hits and themed performances.
The additions reflect a broader push toward genre-specific music programming, giving guests more choice across evening venues.
New Interactive Game Shows
Two original entertainment concepts will launch in 2026.
Chart Toppers is a music-driven game show built around hits from the 1970s through today, combining trivia, live performance 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 trivia session.
Both concepts are designed to increase interactive entertainment options, particularly in evening programming.
Professional Coaches Programme Expansion
Following a successful pilot, MSC Cruises’ Professional Coaches Programme will expand to 15 ships in 2026. The program includes structured activities across sports, wellness and arts and crafts.
The expansion will provide more scheduled programming for guests looking to participate in guided fitness sessions, creative workshops and organized recreational activities while at sea.
LEGO® Programming Expands Fleetwide
MSC Cruises is also expanding its partnership with LEGO®.
The LEGO Parade, currently available on seven ships, will roll out to 14 ships in 2026. The parade features seven LEGO mascots alongside MSC’s family mascot, Doremi, in a themed procession designed for younger guests and families.
A refreshed, digital-first LEGO Family Game Show will also launch fleetwide following a successful pilot. The format includes a high-energy final round focused on collaborative building challenges, with children and parents participating together in an environment filled with LEGO® bricks and mascots.
MasterChef at Sea Updates
MSC’s MasterChef at Sea experience will receive refreshed formats tailored to adults, children and teens. The culinary competition-style programming has been a staple of the line’s enrichment offerings, and the updated version will adjust content and structure by age group.
Ocean Day by the MSC Foundation
In addition to entertainment-focused additions, MSC Cruises will introduce Ocean Day by the MSC Foundation across the fleet.
The educational entertainment program is designed to inspire younger guests through interactive learning and play, incorporating environmental awareness themes into onboard activities.
The initiative adds a structured educational component to the cruise line’s family programming, complementing its entertainment and technology-focused additions.
A Broader Entertainment Push
With robotics, expanded live music, refreshed theater productions and new interactive game formats, MSC Cruises’ 2026 entertainment program represents one of its most comprehensive fleetwide updates in recent years.
The combination of AI-powered robot dogs, concert-style productions and expanded family programming underscores the line’s effort to broaden its appeal across age groups while integrating new technology into the cruise experience.
It’s a cool series of additions, and part of the company’s continued push to create brand loyalty in the US market, a foray that largely began with its new World America ship (and the high-profile Orlando Bloom and Drew Barrymore campaign that continues to accompany it).
Caribbean Journal Staff
2026-02-23 21:10:00