MADRID, SPAIN – 21 January 2026 – MSC Cruises has announced a significant expansion of its Caribbean presence, confirming that it will base a ship in La Romana, Dominican Republic, for year-round operations starting in November 2026. The move, revealed today at the FITUR International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, marks the first time the Swiss-based cruise line will offer continuous, 12-month sailings in the Southern Caribbean.
The announcement was made in the presence of the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, underscoring the strategic importance of the new deployment for the region’s tourism sector. MSC Cruises confirmed that MSC Opera will operate the new programme, offering weekly departures from a dedicated homeport in La Romana.
A Strategic Commitment to the Dominican Republic
MSC Cruises has been calling at Dominican ports since 2014, but this development elevates La Romana from a seasonal stopover to a core regional hub. By basing a ship in the port year-round, the line aims to smooth out the seasonality of Caribbean cruising and deliver sustained economic benefits to the local community.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, 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.”
New Itineraries and “Butterfly” Cruises
Starting 16 November 2026, MSC Opera will sail seven-night itineraries that can be combined into longer 14-night “butterfly” cruises, allowing guests to explore different islands in consecutive weeks without repeating ports.
While full itinerary details are available for booking now, a highlighted feature of the new schedule is a call at Catalina Island. Located just off the coast of La Romana, this protected nature reserve offers pristine beaches and coral reefs, reinforcing the destination’s appeal to nature lovers. The deployment is expected to generate significant airlift, with an estimated 240,000 inbound and outbound flight passengers passing through the region annually to join the ship.
Economic and Operational Impact
The partnership with the Port of La Romana ensures operational stability for the cruise line while placing the port among a select group of destinations globally that host year-round cruise operations. Andrés Pichardo, President of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, noted that the agreement guarantees weekly cruise calls throughout the year, facilitating long-term planning and sustained economic growth for the country.
This new chapter for MSC Cruises in the Caribbean complements its existing strongholds in Miami, Port Canaveral, and New York, offering travellers a distinct Southern Caribbean alternative deep in the region.
