MSC Cruises has revealed plans to launch a brand-new year-round cruise programme from La Romana in the Dominican Republic, with operations set to begin in November 2026.
The move marks the first time MSC Cruises has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean. The new operation will be based at a newly established homeport in La Romana, located on the country’s southern coast, and is expected to significantly boost tourism to the region.
MSC Opera To Operate Weekly Sailings
MSC Opera will be deployed on the new programme, offering weekly departures throughout the year. Guests will be able to choose between a seven-night cruise or a 14-night back-to-back ‘butterfly’ itinerary. Bookings are already open, with the inaugural sailing scheduled to depart on 16th November 2026.
A standout feature of the itinerary is a call at Catalina Island, a protected nature reserve just off the coast of the Dominican Republic. The island is known for its white sand beaches, clear waters and coral reefs, giving guests the option to relax ashore or take part in snorkelling excursions.
The Dominican Republic’s strong air connectivity is expected to support the programme, with multiple international airports providing access from key markets.
MSC Cruises estimates that the new homeport operation will bring around 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, translating to approximately 240,000 inbound and outbound airline passengers. The cruise line says this will deliver a meaningful economic boost to local hotels, restaurants and businesses.
“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 programme for the long-term.”
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO
Caribbean Ports And Fly And Cruise Options
The itinerary has been designed to showcase a mix of well-known Caribbean islands and lesser-visited destinations. Ports of call include La Romana, Catalina Island, Fort-de-France in Martinique, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda, as well as additional stops such as Philipsburg, Basseterre and Road Town on select sailings.
MSC Cruises will also offer Fly and Cruise packages as part of the programme, bundling flights, transfers and the cruise into a single booking. The cruise line says this approach is aimed at providing greater convenience and peace of mind for guests, with all travel arrangements handled directly by MSC Cruises.
Pricing has already been released for selected sailings. A 14-night Fly and Cruise itinerary aboard MSC Opera, flying from London Heathrow to Bridgetown, Barbados, starts from £2,959 per person, departing on 3rd December 2026.
The itinerary includes calls at Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, Road Town, La Romana, Virgin Gorda, Basseterre, Philipsburg and Catalina Island.
For guests preferring a shorter option, a seven-night cruise-only sailing departing La Romana on 7th December 2026 is priced from £509 per person. That itinerary includes visits to Virgin Gorda, Philipsburg, Basseterre, Road Town and Catalina Island.
MSC Cruises says the new year-round deployment underlines its long-term confidence in the Dominican Republic as a cruise destination and represents a significant expansion of its Caribbean offering.
About MSC Opera
MSC Opera is one of four ships in the Lirica class, a smaller ship class designed to access a wider range of destinations while offering a more personalised onboard experience.
On board, guests can choose from two main restaurants serving Mediterranean and international cuisine, alongside a variety of bars and lounges. Family facilities include dedicated children’s and teens’ areas, a spray park and virtual reality gaming spaces.
The ship also features a Technogym-powered fitness centre, outdoor sports facilities such as minigolf and shuffleboard, and the MSC Aurea Spa, which includes massage treatments, a steam room and a sauna.
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