MSC Cruises has announced its first-ever year-round Southern Caribbean itinerary, launching from a brand-new homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic, from November 2026.
*All details correct at time of publish (22 January 2026)
Revealed at FITUR in Madrid, the long-term commitment will see MSC Opera sailing weekly seven- and 14-night itineraries, including standout calls to Catalina Island, Martinique, Antigua & Barbuda, Virgin Gorda and more. It marks a major milestone for MSC Cruises and is expected to bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana annually.
With sailings now on sale with fares starting from just £509 per person, this new programme opens up a fresh, accessible way to explore the Southern Caribbean year-round.
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 16 November 2026. For full itinerary information, visit MSC Cruises’ website here.
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 programme will bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, meaning 240,000 inbound and outbound flight passengers, and a boost to hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses in the surrounding areas.
Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, commented: “MSC Cruises first started calling in the Dominican Republic in 2014, so after more than ten years, it is a proud 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.”
Fly&Cruise: MSC Cruises will offer a range of convenient Fly&Cruise packages to the Dominican Republic, with packages including cruise, air travel and transfers. These packages offer true peace of mind, with everything booked through MSC Cruises and dedicated assistance for any travel questions guests may have.
Some of MSC Opera’s new itinerary highlights include: La Romana and Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; and St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Guests can fly from London Heathrow to Bridgetown, Barbados, and enjoy a 14-night cruise aboard MSC Opera from just £2,959 per person, departing 3 December 2026. Sailing from Bridgetown, the itinerary includes Fort-de-France, Pointe-à-Pitre, Road Town, La Romana, Virgin Gorda, Basseterre, Philipsburg, and Catalina Island.
Alternatively, guests can opt for a 7-night cruise-only sailing aboard MSC Opera, departing La Romana on 7 December 2026, visiting Virgin Gorda, Philipsburg, Basseterre, Road Town, and Catalina Island, from just £509 per person.
For more information and to book, visit www.mscbook.com
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