Bookings are now open for the inaugural season of the year-round seven or 14-night MSC Opera cruise scheduled to homeport in La Romana. La Romana port offers excursions to Altos de Chavon and Casa de Campo, and Cuevas de las Maravillas. The cruise will also stop for swimming at Catalina Island, before heading to Virgin Gorda, BVI, St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda and Fort-de-France, Martinique. The first voyage is scheduled to depart from La Romana on 16 November 2026.
MSC Cruises, the world’s third-largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe, announced the cruise as part of a major expansion of its Caribbean operations at the Fitur International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid. The La Romana cruise is the first time the line has offered year-round sailings in the southern Caribbean.
Minister of Tourism David Collado and MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato spoke of the long-term commitment that is expected to significantly bolster the local economy, with the cruise line projecting that the new program will bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana annually. The La Romana port does not have an all-inclusive facility incorporated and passengers are motivated to take local excursions.
“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,” said Onorato. “With year-round operations, we extend the traditional season, bringing positive economic impact to the local community.”
The MSC Opera will be the dedicated vessel for the new route, offering weekly departures. Travelers can choose between seven-night sailings or 14-night “butterfly” cruises that combine different regional circuits.
The Ministry of Tourism anticipates the move will generate 240,000 inbound and outbound flight passengers through the country’s international airports, providing a consistent boost to local hotels, restaurants, and small businesses throughout the year.
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27 January 2026