MSC Cruises Is Piloting AI Robotic Dogs and Humanoids at Sea, an Industry First
Key Aspects:
MSC Cruises is introducing AI-powered robot dogs and humanoid robots on select ships in 2026.
Robots will appear in meet-and-greets, parades, and interactive workshops.
The robot program will begin with MSC Bellissima and MSC Magnifica.
Cruise ship entertainment is getting a high-tech upgrade with robot dogs and humanoid robots about to become part of the onboard lineup of MSC Cruises.
The cruise line announced it will introduce AI-powered robotic dogs on select ships in 2026, bringing interactive robotics and new tech-driven experiences to sea as part of a broader fleetwide entertainment refresh.
MSC Cruises announced that AI-powered robotic dogs will appear on select ships in 2026. The tail-wagging addition is part of a broader entertainment rollout that adds new technology-driven experiences, game shows, and refreshed live programming across the fleet.
The robotic dogs, developed by Unitree Robotics, will be accompanied by humanoid robots and are being positioned as a first-of-its-kind cruise ship attraction.
The technology is already being tested aboard MSC Bellissima in Asia and will also be introduced on MSC Magnifica during a segment of the 2026 World Cruise.
Guests will be able to attend meet-and-greets with the robots, watch robot-themed parades, and take part in interactive workshops designed to introduce children to robotics and emerging technologies.
The robots will also appear during select family programming, including dance sessions tied to onboard events.
“As a family-owned company, we know how important it is to offer entertainment that brings generations together,” said Steve Leatham, MSC Cruises’ vice president of entertainment.
He said the cruise line is building on what 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,” he exclaimed.
The robotics initiative is part of a wider refresh of MSC Cruises’ entertainment lineup for 2026, with new activities planned for families, teens, and adults across multiple ships.
Shows, Parades, and Family Programming
MSC Cruises’ entertainment update will touch nearly every corner of its onboard programming in 2026.
Said Matteo Mancini, MSC Cruises’ family entertainment development director, “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.”
Across the fleet, the cruise line is introducing new original game shows designed to bring more audience participation into daily schedules.
“Chart Toppers,” a music-focused competition spanning decades of popular hits, and “Quiz O’Clock,” a revised take on traditional cruise trivia, will be staged on multiple ships and integrated into evening entertainment lineups.
Several ships will see significant updates to theater productions and live music this year, including MSC Poesia, which will debut 20 big band performances and host “Dirty Dancing: In Concert” as part of its refreshed entertainment lineup.
Meanwhile, MSC Seaview and MSC Grandiosa will introduce updated main theater productions, as MSC Meraviglia brings back the flamenco show “Paz.”
On MSC Seascape, dueling pianos and a new American country band experience will be added to the live music lineup, while a redesigned 1970s-themed party will also roll out across the fleet with updated music, new costumes, and more interactive elements.
Family programming is expanding as well in 2026. The LEGO Parade, first revealed on Cruise Hive in 2024, will grow from seven ships to 14 in 2026, with planned rollouts to MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia, MSC Divinia, MSC Seaside, and MSC Seaview.
A digital-focused LEGO family game show, first piloted on MSC World America, will launch on more ships, adding a competitive final round designed for both parents and children.
MSC Cruises’ Professional Coaches Program, offering instruction in sports, wellness, and arts activities, will also expand to 15 ships following its initial pilot.
An expanded naturalist program with wildlife and geology presentations, including sessions design specifically for children, will also be a highlight on MSC Poesia.
Additional educational programming will launch fleetwide through Ocean Day, an initiative developed with the MSC Foundation that focuses on ocean awareness and learning for younger passengers.
MSC Cruises Is Piloting AI Robotic Dogs and Humanoids at Sea, an Industry First