MSC Launches Year-Round Cruises From La Romana on Opera in 2026

The MSC Opera cruise ship at sea
Cruise Industry The Caribbean
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MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato has announced that the cruise line’s new year-round operation from La Romana in the Dominican Republic will begin in November 2026 and is expected to attract around 120,000 additional international visitors each year.

Speaking at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair in Madrid, Onorato outlined plans to deploy the MSC Opera at La Romana as a new homeport in the south of the country. He emphasized the company’s long-term commitment to continuous operations, marking the first time MSC Cruises will offer year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.

Details of the new deployment were shared with attendees including Dominican Republic tourism minister David Collado. The Opera’s itinerary will feature calls to Catalina Island, located close to the Dominican Republic, where guests can visit a protected nature reserve, relax on the beach, swim, or snorkel among coral reefs.

The ship will operate weekly departures, allowing guests to choose between a seven-night cruise or a combined back-to-back 14-night “butterfly” itinerary.

Onorato said: “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.”

“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,” he added. “MSC Cruises is committed to the Dominican Republic and this new program for the long term.”

MSC Cruises will also introduce Fly\&Cruise packages to the Dominican Republic, combining flights, transfers, and the cruise itself. Stay\&Cruise options will also be available, allowing guests to add pre-cruise hotel stays.

Highlights of MSCOpera’s new itinerary include La Romana and Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic, Fort-de-France in Martinique, Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, and St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda.