Speaking at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain, MSC Cruises announced its commitment to year-round operations from La Romana, which is located in the south of the Dominican Republic, beginning in November 2026. This marks the first time MSC Cruises will offer year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.
MSC Opera will begin sailing from the homeport on November 16, 2026. She will offer weekly departures of a brand-new itinerary. Guests can choose a 7-night sailing or a back-to-back 14-night “butterfly” voyage.
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 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.”
Dominican Republic’s minister of tourism, David Collado, was on hand for the announcement, which included highlights of the new itinerary. MSC Opera will call on Catalina Island, allowing guests to visit an exclusive nature reserve, relax on the white sand beaches, swim in the ocean waters, or snorkel among the coral reefs.
The Dominican Republic is home to multiple international airports offering connections from all over the world. With MSC Opera bringing 120,000 international visitors annually, the region can expect an economic boost to its hotels, restaurants, bars, and more.
Some highlights of MSC Opera’s new itineraries include La Romana and Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; and Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda. Bookings for these amazing itineraries are open now.
MSC Opera is part of the cruise line’s Lirica-class, which you can read more about here.