By
Laura Hyde |
MSC Cruises will begin year-round operations from the port of La Romana in the Dominican Republic from November 2026, bringing 120,000 new international visitors to the island in the first 12 months. It is the first time the Swiss cruise line has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.
MSC Opera will sail a new seven-night itinerary, operating weekly departures, which include visits to Fort-de-France in Martinique, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, St. John’s in Antigua, and Catalina Island, where guests can experience an exclusive nature reserve and swim or snorkel among coral reefs. Guests have the option to extend the cruise to create a back-to-back 14-night voyage. The first voyage will depart on 16 November 2026.
“MSC Cruises first started calling in the Dominican Republic in 2014, so after more than 10 years it is a proud moment for me to speak about our new homeporting offering in La Romana,” said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. “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.”
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, announces the deployment news at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Spain (Credit MSC Cruises)
MSC Opera, one of four ships in the Lirica class, accommodates 2,679 guests and offers an array of dining options, including two main restaurants and various bars and lounges. The ship also features dedicated play areas for children and teenagers, a spray park, Technogym, minigolf and an MSC Aurea Spa with steam room, sauna and treatment rooms.