This is the first time the company has offered year-round itineraries in the southern Caribbean
SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic continues to be an attractive destination for foreign investment. The world's third-largest cruise line has recently turned its attention to the country's beautiful beaches, launching a new destination in the Caribbean paradise this November: Catalina Sugar Beach, on Catalina Island, a natural haven located off the southeastern coast of the country, in La Romana.
"The destination is undergoing significant improvements to transform it into a world-class leisure destination in the Caribbean, scheduled to open in November 2026," MSC Cruises Group said in a statement yesterday, Thursday, August 6.
The press release explains that the new space will be managed in collaboration with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. "Cruise passengers, including those on Explora Journeys, as well as guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, will be able to enjoy this destination," the release states, adding that the managing company will begin weekly sailings from its new home port in La Romana in November and will include the new destination on all its itineraries.
An experience to highlight the charms
The statement explains that the destination will offer an experience that highlights the character and beauty of the island, declared a protected natural monument in the Dominican Republic, where passengers can enjoy some of the best white sand beaches and crystal clear waters in the region, as well as new experiences and top-notch services.
"Shore excursions will offer the opportunity to get even closer to nature: they will include a relaxing catamaran tour of the surrounding waters, snorkeling to admire the lush marine life for which the island is famous, boat trips to Saona Island, or visits to the nearby Cave of Wonders and Altos de Chavón. Passengers who wish to stay and enjoy Catalina Sugar Beach can choose to enhance their experience with the new cabanas available," he adds.
What will include
- Dining facilities – an iconic open-air beach pavilion with buffet service will be the island's culinary hub, offering international dishes and local specialties. An adjacent shaded dining area provides comfortable outdoor tables with panoramic sea views.
- Drinking facilities – there will be two bars, including an open-air “palapa” tropical bar that will welcome passengers with refreshments and serve as a shaded social pavilion overlooking the ocean.
- Water sports center – the landmark for passengers wishing to explore the crystal clear waters of the surrounding area, with equipment available for hire.
- Cabins – the island will have sun loungers and cabins available for rent, the most comfortable way to enjoy a day at Catalina Sugar Beach.
- Renovated facilities – the functional facilities across the island will be renovated, featuring comfortable and stylish changing rooms, showers and toilets.
- A scenic trail winds through the island's stunning natural landscape to a spectacular viewpoint, with educational signs along the way inviting visitors to discover and learn more about the island's diverse tree species. Along the trail, elevated clearings amidst the vegetation offer panoramic views of the beach and the surrounding island scenery.
November, the landing
MSC Cruises announced that it will begin sailing from La Romana with stops at Catalina Sugar Beach in November, marking the first time the company has offered year-round itineraries in the southern Caribbean.
The company said it will offer a range of packages that include a cruise and air travel to the Dominican Republic.
Travel experience
On its official website, MSC Cruises states that it is the third largest cruise company in the world and the leading cruise line in Europe, South America, the Gulf region, and Southern Africa. It also claims to be the fastest-growing cruise company globally, with a strong presence in the Caribbean, North America, and Far East markets.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, it is one of two brands that are part of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group, the leading Swiss private shipping and logistics conglomerate with more than 300 years of maritime tradition.
