MSC Cruises to offer a new year-round itinerary from La Romana, Dominican Republic

MSC Cruises has announced a new year-round operation from La Romana, Dominican Republic, starting in November 2026, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion in the Caribbean.

The announcement was made during FITUR, in the presence of the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, where the cruise line confirmed its long-term commitment to establishing La Romana as a home port in the southern Caribbean. This will be the first time MSC Cruises offers year-round itineraries in this region.

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New itinerary and operations

The ship MSC Opera will operate a completely new itinerary with weekly departures, giving passengers the option to choose between:

• A 7-night cruise
• A combined “butterfly” itinerary of 14 consecutive nights

Bookings are already open, with the first sailing scheduled for November 16, 2026.

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Highlights of the itinerary

One of the standout stops on the itinerary is Catalina Island, located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic.

This destination offers:

• White-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters
• Opportunities for relaxation and leisure
• Snorkeling experiences in coral reefs with rich marine ecosystems

Passengers can also explore nearby attractions such as Saona Island within Cotubanamá National Park.

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Connectivity and tourism impact

Thanks to its multiple international airports, the Dominican Republic provides strong global connectivity, facilitating access for cruise passengers.

The MSC Opera program is expected to generate significant economic impact:

• Around 120,000 international visitors annually
• Approximately 240,000 associated air passengers (arrivals and departures)

This will directly benefit:

• Hotels
• Restaurants and bars
• Local businesses and tourism services

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Executive statement

MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato highlighted the importance of this expansion, noting that the company has been operating in the Dominican Republic since 2014 and now strengthens its presence with a long-term home port strategy.

He emphasized that year-round operations will:

• Extend the traditional cruise season
• Generate continuous economic activity
• Bring additional international visitors to La Romana

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Fly & Cruise program

MSC Cruises will also offer Fly & Cruise packages, combining flights and cruise bookings into a single experience.

Key features include:

• Flights included from selected markets (such as Madrid)
• Simplified booking through MSC Cruises
• 24/7 customer support for travelers

This integrated approach enhances convenience and accessibility for international passengers.

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Conclusion

This new year-round itinerary represents a strategic step in positioning La Romana as a key home port in the Caribbean, strengthening the Dominican Republic’s role in the global cruise industry and ensuring a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.