MSC Cruises announced at Fitur that, starting in November 2026, it will operate year-round from La Romana in the Dominican Republic.
In the presence of the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, the cruise line announced its commitment to operate year-round from a new home port in La Romana, in the south of the country, on a long-term basis. This is the first time that MSC Cruises will offer year-round itineraries in the southern Caribbean.
MSC Opera will offer a brand new itinerary, with weekly departures, and passengers will be able to choose between booking a seven-night cruise or extending their cruise to a consecutive 14-night “butterfly” cruise.
Trips are now available for booking, with the first cruise setting sail on 16 November 2026. For full details of the itinerary, visit the MSC Cruises website here.
Among the main attractions of the itinerary is a stopover at Catalina Island, off the coast of the Dominican Republic, where passengers can enjoy an exclusive experience in a nature reserve. Its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters invite you to relax, while the more adventurous can snorkel among the coral reefs and discover the richness of its ecosystems.
Thanks to its network of international airports, the Dominican Republic offers excellent air connections from all over the world. It is estimated that the MSC Opera programme will attract 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, representing around 240,000 arrivals and departures, boosting business for hotels, restaurants, bars and shops in the area.
MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato commented: “MSC Cruises began calling at the Dominican Republic in 2014 and, more than ten years later, we are proud to present our new home port offering in La Romana. With year-round operations, we are extending the traditional season, generating a positive economic impact on the local community and attracting an additional 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year. MSC Cruises is thus reaffirming its commitment to the Dominican Republic through this new long-term programme.”
Fly&Cruise – MSC Cruises will offer a wide range of Fly&Cruise packages to the Dominican Republic, including both the cruise and the flight. From Spain, passengers will be able to fly out of Madrid. These packages allow you to book your entire trip through MSC Cruises and are backed by a customer service centre available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to answer any questions related to your trip.
Some of the highlights of MSC Opera's new itinerary include:
- La Romana, Dominican Republic: La Romana offers visitors the perfect combination of relaxation, rich culture and natural beauty, with pristine beaches, local craft shops, delicious seafood and easy access to renowned sites such as the enchanting Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders) and the village of Altos de Chavón, inspired by 16th-century Mediterranean architecture.
- Catalina Island, Dominican Republic: Catalina Island is the ideal tropical paradise for an unforgettable holiday, whether you’re looking to relax or seek adventure. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and white sandy beaches, perfect for snorkelling or sunbathing. You can also book a boat trip to Saona Island, located in Cotubanamá National Park, known for its mangroves and coral reefs.
- Fort-de-France, Martinique: Martinique delights visitors from around the world with its famous natural wonders, historic charm, and beautiful bays and beaches. In the vibrant capital, Fort-de-France, passengers can explore the colourful architecture, lively markets and local shops, or venture further afield to discover the island’s famous rum distilleries, lush rainforest and unique beaches.
- Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: Virgin Gorda is one of the most picturesque and tranquil destinations in the British Virgin Islands, offering an unforgettable Caribbean getaway. Visitors can explore its world-famous Baths, relax on pristine beaches or enjoy scenic hiking trails, such as Gorda Peak National Park, to take in the island’s breathtaking views.
- Saint John, Antigua and Barbuda: Saint John is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, famous for its vibrant and colourful houses, captivating historical monuments such as Fort James, and as the gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water activities.
About MSC Opera
MSC Opera is one of four ships in the Lirica class, offering passengers access to exclusive destinations, truly unique itineraries and even more personalised service thanks to the smaller size of this class of ships.
The ship offers a wide variety of dining options, including two main restaurants with a wide selection of Mediterranean and international specialities to delight passengers’ palates, as well as a variety of bars and lounges to suit all tastes.
For families, there are specific play areas for children and teenagers of all ages, including an exciting water park, while teenagers can enjoy virtual reality games and their own exclusive clubs.
There are plenty of options for keeping fit and relaxing on board, including a gym equipped with Technogym® machines, a walking track, mini golf, shuffleboard and the MSC Aurea Spa, which offers massage and rejuvenating treatments, as well as a thermal area with bath and sauna.
About MSC CRUISES
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, privately owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise company and the market leader in Europe, with a strong and growing presence in North America.
A global cruise company with a fleet of 23 modern ships sailing across five continents, MSC Cruises offers its passengers the opportunity to discover more than 300 destinations in over 100 countries, creating unforgettable memories while enjoying exceptional hospitality.
For more information, visit the official website here.
Source: BURSON GLOBAL