The announcement was made at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, where MSC Cruises confirmed it will begin homeporting from La Romana from November 2026. The commitment was revealed in the presence of the Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, David Collado, and signals a long-term investment in the destination.
MSC Opera will operate the new programme, offering weekly departures throughout the year. Guests will be able to choose between a seven-night sailing or a back-to-back 14-night “butterfly” cruise. Sailings are already available to book, with the first departure scheduled for 16 November 2026.
A key highlight of the itinerary is a call at Catalina Island, located just off the coast of the Dominican Republic. The protected nature reserve is known for its white sand beaches and clear waters, offering opportunities to relax or snorkel among coral reefs and marine life.
The Dominican Republic’s strong international air connectivity is expected to play a major role in the programme’s success. MSC Cruises estimates that the new homeport operation will bring around 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, equating to approximately 240,000 inbound and outbound flight passengers. The cruise line said this will deliver a significant boost to hotels, restaurants, bars and local businesses in the surrounding region.
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 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.”
To support the launch, MSC Cruises will introduce a range of Fly+Cruise packages, bundling flights, transfers and the cruise into one booking. The cruise line said this will offer added reassurance for guests, with all travel arrangements managed by MSC Cruises.
Ports of call on the new itinerary include Fort-de-France in Martinique, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands and St John’s in Antigua and Barbuda, alongside stops in the Dominican Republic.
Prices for the new sailings start from £509 per person for a seven-night cruise-only itinerary, while a 14-night Fly+Cruise package from London Heathrow begins at £2,959 per person, departing in December 2026.
