MSC Cruises reveals 2026 entertainment lineup including robot dogs

MSC Cruises is set to welcome dogs onto its cruise ships – but only the robotic kind.

The cruise line has outlined features of its new onboard entertainment for 2026 including new parties, interactive game shows and a chance to play with artificially intelligent robot dogs.

The Italian-owned cruise brand is known for its family-focused activities, West End style shows and musical performances across its 22-strong fleet.

Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises’ vice president of entertainment said: “As a family-owned company, we know how important it is to offer entertainment that brings generations together.”

Here is what to expect.

AI-powered robot entertainment

In a first for the cruise industry, MSC Cruises is piloting AI-powered robotic dogs, accompanied by humanoid robots.

They are developed by Unitree Robotics and will be 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 its World Cruise 2026.

Passengers will be able to take part in meet-and-greets with the robots, plus see robot-themed parades and join interactive workshops for children aged over seven. There will also be dance appearances during the cruise line’s Doremix Family Disco.

Updated shows, parties and live entertainment

MSC Cruises has regular themed evenings such as white night and 1980s parties.

For 2026, there will also be a fully renewed 1970s party rolling out across the fleet with refreshed music, upgraded costumes and improved interactive experiences.

Guests can unwind with 20 new big band performances that will debut on MSC Poesia, which will also feature the onboard Dirty Dancing: In Concert.

Meanwhile MSC Seaview and MSC Grandiosa will launch a complete refresh of their main production shows, while guest favourite Paz, a popular Flamenco show, will make a return to MSC Meraviglia.

Dueling Pianos, a popular music show with guests, will be introduced to MSC Seascape, along with a brand-new American Country Band experience.

Game shows

Two new original shows 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.

Lego links

MSC Cruises has an ongoing partnership with Lego and its kids clubs are full of opportunities to build.

Its popular Lego Parade, available on vessels such as MSC World America, will be introduced on more ships – taking the total to 14.

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.

Families can also look forward to a refreshed, digital-first Lego Family Game Show and a MasterChef at Sea contest.

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.”

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