La Romana consolidates its position as a premium destination by leading the arrival of private aircraft in the Dominican Republic

La Romana led the Dominican Republic in the number of private non-commercial aircraft arriving, reaffirming its position as an exclusive destination for luxury tourism, investment, and air connectivity in the Caribbean.

La Romana continues to strengthen its image as one of the most exclusive and strategic destinations in the Caribbean, having led the country in the number of private non-commercial aircraft arriving. This result demonstrates the province’s growing appeal to high-profile travelers, investors, and tourists seeking premium experiences in the Dominican Republic.

The constant flow of private flights to La Romana reflects confidence in its airport infrastructure, the quality of its tourism services, and its prime location in the eastern region. It also confirms the economic dynamism generated by luxury tourism, boosting sectors such as hotels, private villas, marinas, gastronomy, and high-end ground transportation.

One of the main factors behind this leadership is the presence of La Romana International Airport, a terminal renowned for its operational efficiency and proximity to iconic destinations such as Casa de Campo, Bayahibe, and Saona Island. This allows for a quick and convenient connection for travelers who prioritize privacy, exclusivity, and speed in their journeys.

This trend also strengthens La Romana’s competitiveness compared to other Caribbean destinations, positioning it not only as a vacation spot but also as a center for business, events, and high-end residential tourism.

This growth confirms how private air travel and luxury tourism are advancing hand in hand, creating new opportunities for sustainable economic development and La Romana’s international profile.

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MSC Cruises to establish permanent base in La Romana

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic will host its first-ever permanent, year-round homeport for a European cruise line beginning in November 2026, operating out of La Romana. The announcement was made in Miami by Tourism Minister David Collado during the Seatrade Cruise Global event.

The project stems from an agreement between MSC Cruises and Costasur Casa de Campo, which includes the management and development of Catalina Island and the expansion of cruise itineraries to multiple Dominican destinations. The initiative is expected to drive investment, boost tourism, and create jobs, particularly in the eastern region.

Industry leaders подчеркнули the strategic importance of this move, noting that establishing a year-round base will strengthen the country’s position in the global cruise market. The plan is part of a broader effort to consolidate the Dominican Republic as a key cruise hub in the Caribbean.

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Flights from Canada boost home port with MSC Cruises in La Romana and strengthen its position in the Caribbean

The addition of flights from multiple Canadian cities, as part of MSC Cruises’ Fly & Cruise program departing from La Romana, reinforces one of the Dominican Republic’s key tourism strategies: consolidating this destination as a strategic home port in the Caribbean.

This operation, which had been previously announced, now enters a new phase with a decisive element: consistent airlift from one of the country’s main source markets.

The strengthened program includes flights from cities such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, facilitating direct access for travelers to the port of La Romana.

This structure allows for a less seasonal operation, expanding tourist flows throughout the year.

MSC Cruises operations

Starting in November 2026, MSC Cruises will operate weekly departures year-round from La Romana, offering 7- and 14-night itineraries aboard the MSC Opera.

This marks the first time the cruise line implements a continuous deployment in the Southern Caribbean, introducing significant changes to the country’s cruise model:

  • Reduced seasonality
  • Greater predictability in visitor flows
  • More stable demand

Projections estimate:

  • 120,000 additional international visitors per year
  • 240,000 air passengers associated with the program

Impact on La Romana and the region

This volume positions La Romana as a key integration point between air and maritime transport, increasing its competitiveness compared to other Caribbean destinations.

The impact is reflected across multiple sectors:

Hospitality

  • More pre- and post-cruise stays
  • Higher year-round occupancy rates
  • A more diversified visitor profile

Complementary offerings

  • Increased demand for excursions
  • Growth in restaurants and retail activity
  • Integration with local experiences

Destination positioning

  • Greater international visibility
  • Consolidation as a full destination, not just a port of call

In areas such as Bayahíbe, this model helps attract higher-value visitors, with longer stays and greater spending.

Fly & Cruise model

The Fly & Cruise model transforms destination marketing by offering a complete experience (flight + cruise + destination), reducing friction in traveler decision-making and simplifying the work of travel agencies and tour operators.

It also enables the destination to compete with traditional Caribbean hubs by offering a structured and accessible product from high-value markets such as Canada.

Strategic pillars of the Canadian market

The integration of Canada strengthens three key areas:

  • Tourism diversification (less dependence on Punta Cana)
  • Higher spending per visitor
  • Stronger value chain integration (aviation, hospitality, excursions, and retail)

Conclusion

The structured arrival of flights from Canada is not just an operational component, but the key factor ensuring the sustainability of the home port model in La Romana.

With this strategy, La Romana–Bayahíbe is positioning itself as an integrated tourism hub, capable of generating a steady flow of visitors, boosting the regional economy, and establishing itself as one of the most relevant destinations in the Caribbean’s evolving cruise tourism landscape.

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MSC CRUISES TO OFFER BRAND-NEW YEAR-ROUND ITINERARY FROM NEW LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HOMEPORT

MADRID – Today at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair taking place in Madrid, Spain, MSC Cruises spoke of their new year-round operation from La Romana, Dominican Republic starting November 2026.

In the presence of the Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, David Collado, the cruise line committed its year-round operation from a brand-new homeport in La Romana, in the south of the Dominican Republic for the long term. This is the first time MSC Cruises has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.

MSC Opera will operate a brand-new itinerary, operating weekly departures, and guests can opt to book a seven-night sailing or extend their cruise to a back-to-back 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise.

Sailings are already available to book, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026. For full itinerary information, visit MSC Cruises’ website.

One of the highlights of this new itinerary is the call to Catalina Island, close to the shores of the Dominican Republic, offering guests an exclusive nature reserve experience. Pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters allow guests to relax and unwind, or the more adventurous can snorkel the surrounding coral reefs to view their diverse ecosystems.

With multiple international airports, The Dominican Republic offers convenient connections from all over the world. MSC Opera’s program will bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, meaning 240,000 in-bound and out-bound flight passengers, and a boost to hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses in the surrounding areas.

Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said: “MSC Cruises first started calling in the Dominican Republic in 2014, so after more than ten years it is a proud a moment for me to speak about our new homeporting offering in La Romana. With year-round operations we extend the traditional season, bringing positive economic impact to the local community and bringing 120,000 additional international visitors to La Romana each year. MSC Cruises is committed to the Dominican Republic and this new program for the long term.”

Some of MSC Opera’s new itinerary highlights include:

  • La Romana, Dominican Republic: La Romana offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation, rich culture and natural beauty featuring pristine beaches, local craft shops, delicious seafood and easy access to renowned sites such as the enchanting Cueva de las Maravillas 16th-century Mediterranean inspired village Altos de Chavón.
  • Catalina Island, Dominican Republic: Catalina Island is the ideal tropical paradise for a memorable vacation for both relaxation and adventure. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and white sandy beaches perfect for snorkeling or sunbathing. Alternatively, book a scenic boat trip excursion to Saona Island, located in the Cotubanamá National Park and known for its mangroves and coral reefs.
  • Fort-de-France, Martinique: Martinique delights visitors from around the world with its renowned natural wonders, historical charm and beautiful bays and beaches. In the vibrant capital of Fort-de-France, guests can explore colorful architecture, lively markets and local shops, or venture further off to discover the island’s famous rum distilleries, lush rainforest and unique beaches.
  • Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: Virgin Gorda is one of the British Virgin Islands’ most picturesque and serene destinations, offering an unforgettable Caribbean escape. Visitors can explore its world-famous Baths, relax on pristine beaches, or enjoy scenic hiking trails such as Gorda Peak National Park for stunning island views.
  • John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: Saint John’s is the capital city ofAntigua and Barbuda renowned for vibrant, colorful houses, captivating historical landmarks such as Fort James fortress, and the gateway to some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous beaches – perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water activities.

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About MSC Opera

MSC Opera is one of four ships in the Lirica class, which provides guests with access to exclusive destinations, offering truly unique itineraries and even more personalized service due to the smaller size of this ship class.

The ship offers a variety of gourmet dining options, including two main restaurants with an array of Mediterranean and international specialties to delight guests’ palates, plus a range of bars and lounges to suit every preference.

For families, dedicated play areas are available for kids and teenagers of all ages, including an exciting spray park, while teens can enjoy virtual reality gaming and their own exclusive clubs.

There are plenty of options for fitness and relaxation on board including a gym powered by Technogym®, a power walking track, minigolf, shuffleboard, and the MSC Aurea Spa, with offerings including rejuvenating massages and treatments as well as a thermal area complete with a steam room and sauna.

About MSC Cruises 

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America.  

A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality. 

For more information visit MSC Cruises. 

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This Country Has the Cleanest Beaches in the Caribbean—With 21 Pristine Coastlines and Sparkling Blue Water

If you’re dreaming of sunshine, powdery sand, and crystal-clear water after a long, chilly winter, it might be time to plan a Caribbean beach escape. But instead of picking just any shoreline, why not seek beaches known for their cleanliness and eco-friendliness?

An easy way to do that is to look for the Blue Flag designation, an internationally recognized label awarded to beaches, marinas, and tourism operators that meet strict sustainability and safety standards. In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has the most Blue Flag–certified beaches, with 21 sites that meet these top-tier criteria.

From the resort-lined shores of Punta Cana to quieter stretches in La Romana and Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic’s growing list of certified beaches reflects a long-term focus on environmental stewardship. The country joined the Blue Flag program in 2004 and has continued to expand its presence, particularly in La Altagracia province, where Punta Cana is located. Some beaches have held onto the designation for years, including Dominicus Beach, which was one of the first in the Americas to earn the recognition and still meets the standards today. Travelers can experience this beach firsthand with a stay at Dreams Dominicus La Romana.

Managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education, the Blue Flag program is recognized globally as a leading standard for sustainable beaches. To earn the designation, beaches must meet a strict set of criteria that go well beyond aesthetics. Certified beaches must demonstrate consistently clean, safe water, with regular testing to ensure compliance with international standards. Blue Flag beaches are also expected to provide important services, including lifeguards, safety guidelines, first-aid resources, and essential facilities. As a result, travelers can feel confident about the quality and safety of the water.

Only 51 countries worldwide have earned Blue Flag designations, making it a relatively exclusive distinction. In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is the only independent country with certified beaches. A handful of territories in the region also hold the designation, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Sint Maarten, Martinique, and San Andres, Colombia.

To learn more about the designation and to see a map of all of the Blue Flag beaches worldwide, visit the organization’s website.

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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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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World2Fly inaugurates a new route between Lisbon and La Romana and announces a connection from Madrid

On June 6, World2Fly, the airline of World2Meet, the travel division of the Iberostar Group, inaugurated its new direct route between Lisbon (Portugal) and La Romana (Dominican Republic). The route, operated on an Airbus A330 with capacity for 352 passengers, marks the start of weekly operations every Friday until September 26.

  • On June 6, the first flight connecting the Portuguese capital with La Romana took place.
  • In addition, the inaugural flight between Madrid and La Romana on an Airbus A330 will take place on June 21.

The connection, operated as a package with the tour operator Newblue, strengthens the company’s commitment to the Portuguese market and allows Portuguese travelers to enjoy a comprehensive vacation package in one of the most attractive destinations in the Caribbean.

In addition, World2Fly announces the upcoming launch of a new direct route between Madrid and La Romana, also operated in collaboration with Newblue. The inaugural flight is scheduled for June 21 and will operate weekly on Saturdays until the end of the season. This new connection strengthens the airline’s presence in the Dominican Republic and significantly expands vacation options for travelers in both the Spanish and Portuguese markets.

In the words of Bruno Claeys, CEO of World2Fly: “We continue to consolidate our long-haul network with routes that respond to the real demand of European travelers. The addition of La Romana from Lisbon and Madrid reinforces our commitment to the Caribbean and to an efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused tourism operation.”

This new route represents another step in World2Fly’s international expansion strategy and the W2M Group’s commitment to offering comprehensive, quality tourism products to European markets.

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This Untouched Beach Was Just Named Best in the Caribbean—and It has Crystal-clear Waters, Zero Crowds, and Calm Waters

The Caribbean has no shortage of stunning beaches so it says something when one ranks supreme among them all. The World’s 50 Best Beaches just released its rankings for the best global beaches and one stunning spot off the Dominican Republic ranked No. 6 in the world—and No. 1 in the Caribbean. Learn more.

Soft white sand, a lush palm grove, and clear blue water await at Canto de la Playa, an under-the-radar spot that was recently named the No. 1 beach in the Caribbean by The World’s 50 Best Beaches.

Located on Saona Island, just off the ​​southeastern end of the Dominican Republic, the serene escape is about as remote as it gets. If you’re one of the many travelers vacationing in Punta Cana, you’ll need to take a 50-minute bus ride to Bayahibe, where you’ll board a boat to the island and its gorgeous beaches.

“While the entire island of Saona boasts fantastic beaches, Canto de la Playa stands out for its lush tropical greenery and absence of commercial activity. Untouched and pristine, it offers a peaceful escape where visitors can swim in calm waters and explore vibrant coral reefs just offshore,” the site states. “The sand is noticeably soft, and many claim the water is among the clearest and most turquoise in the Caribbean.”

Saona Island is part of Cotubanamá National Park, a protected area known for its coral formations, mangroves, lagoons, and coastal environments. And depending on your exact method of transportation—most travelers opt for a private boat tour or a group catamaran trip—you may also stop in the island’s only inhabited village, Mano Juan, prior to exploring the mile-long beach.

If you’re not with a guided tour, you can either hike from Mano Juan or arrange a private boat to Canto de la Playa. Just be sure to bring your sunscreen, water, snacks, snorkeling gear, and any other essentials. You won’t find a beach bar, restaurant, or restroom on this undeveloped stretch of sand.

In order to put together the World’s 50 Best Beaches list, the team tasked a group of travel professionals to vote for their favorite beaches. Once the data was collected, a panel of judges and “beach ambassadors” helped select the final ranking, factoring in additional criteria, such as wildlife, how crowded the beach is, and if there’s noise outside of just the ocean and nature.

While Canto de la Playa—the team described as a destination that’s “perfect for those seeking to experience the natural charm of the Caribbean in its purest form—was the top beach destination in this part of the world, it came in sixth place overall. PK 9 Beach in French Polynesia, Fteri Beach in Greece, Bang Bao Beach in Thailand, Entalula Beach in the Philippines, and Cala Goloritze in Italy took the highest honors.

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Spanish airline Iberojet launches direct route from Madrid to La Romana on June 22

Starting June 22nd, the Spanish airline Iberojet will launch its long-awaited direct flights from Madrid to La Romana, one of the most dynamic destinations in the Dominican Republic. This new flight joins the already operational route from Lisbon, which began on June 6th and was also a huge success during the summer of 2024.

With this operation of 12 flights, Iberojet expects to transport just over 5,000 passengers from the Spanish capital to La Romana International Airport, making this flight a strategic achievement for strengthening European tourism in the region. This new route will operate weekly (on Sundays) and will extend through October.

This initiative not only promises to facilitate European access to the heart of the Caribbean, but also represents a strategic milestone for boosting tourism in the region. La Romana International Airport is thus positioned as a key gateway to the Dominican paradise, and to that end, it is undergoing a modernization process: expanding its waiting and boarding areas to improve the passenger experience.

With a vision for the future, La Romana is preparing to welcome more visitors not only from Europe, but also from North America and Latin America, strengthening its role as one of the most vibrant tourist destinations in the Caribbean.

The flight is scheduled to depart at 2:15 p.m. from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas International Airport with an estimated arrival time of 5:30 p.m., after a 9-hour and 15-minute flight. The return flight is scheduled to depart at 7:30 p.m. and arrive the following day at 8:35 a.m.

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La Romana Airport welcomes World2Fly Portugal’s first flight from Lisbon, kicking off the 2025 summer season

On the afternoon of Friday, June 6, La Romana International Airport celebrated the arrival of the first World2Fly Portugal flight from Lisbon, marking the official start of the 2025 summer season.

The new route strengthens connectivity between Portugal and La Romana, consolidating the growing interest of the Portuguese market in enjoying the beauty and quality offered by the Dominican Caribbean. World2Fly will operate this weekly connection until Friday, September 26, using its modern Airbus A330-300 aircraft with capacity for 352 passengers.

The information provided highlights that passengers on the inaugural flight were warmly welcomed by airport staff and representatives of the tourist destination, in an atmosphere that reflected La Romana’s hospitality and commitment to service excellence.

“This first World2Fly Portugal flight symbolizes a new stage of growth for La Romana. We enthusiastically welcome Portuguese travelers, a market that certainly appreciates our hotel offerings, our beaches, and the serene atmosphere that characterizes this destination,” stated the airport administration.

The arrival of World2Fly Portugal not only strengthens La Romana’s positioning in Europe, but is also the result of a collaboration between all stakeholders in the local tourism value chain, committed to continually elevating the level of service and attention to international visitors.

La Romana Airport thanks World2Fly Portugal for choosing us as its gateway to the destination and reaffirms its commitment to offering the best experience to passengers, crews, and operational teams, making this the first of many seasons of successful collaboration.

World2Fly Portugal is a Portuguese charter airline, a subsidiary of the Spanish airline World2Fly, founded in 2020 and owned by the Iberostar Group through its travel division World2Meet (W2M). It operates flights to key vacation destinations in the Caribbean, with a modern fleet and a focus on service quality.

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