Starting in November 2026, MSC Cruises 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 year-round operations from a new homeport in La Romana, in the south of the country, on a long-term basis. This marks the first time MSC Cruises will offer year-round itineraries in the southern Caribbean.
MSC Opera will offer a completely 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 can now be booked, as the first cruise will set sail on November 16, 2026.
Among the itinerary's main attractions is the stop at Catalina Island, off the coast of the Dominican Republic, where passengers can enjoy an exclusive experience in a nature reserve. Its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters invite relaxation, 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 around the world. It is estimated that the MSC Opera program will attract 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, resulting in approximately 240,000 arrival and departure flights, boosting activity in the area's hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.
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 homeport 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 program.”
Fly & Cruise – MSC Cruises will offer a wide range of Fly & Cruise packages to the Dominican Republic, which include both the cruise and the flight. From Spain, passengers can fly departing from Madrid. These packages allow you to book your entire trip through MSC Cruises and are supported by a 24/7 customer service center to answer any travel-related questions.
Some of the highlights of MSC Opera 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 places such as the enchanting Cave of Wonders and the 16th-century Mediterranean-inspired village of Altos de Chavón.
- Catalina Island, Dominican Republic: Catalina Island is the ideal tropical paradise for an unforgettable vacation, whether you're looking to relax or embark on an adventure. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches, perfect for snorkeling 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 renowned natural wonders, historic charm, and beautiful bays and beaches. In the vibrant capital, Fort-de-France, passengers can explore the colorful 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 breathtaking views of the island.
- Saint John, Antigua and Barbuda: Saint John is the capital of Antigua and Barbuda, famous for its vibrant and colorful houses, its captivating historical monuments, such as the fortress of Fort James, and for being the gateway to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water activities.
MSC Opera is one of the four ships in the Lirica class, which offers passengers access to exclusive destinations, truly unique itineraries and even more personalized 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 specialties to delight passengers' palates, plus a variety of bars and lounges to suit all tastes.
For families, there are dedicated 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 to stay fit and relax 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.
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