MSC CRUISES TO OFFER BRAND-NEW YEAR-ROUND ITINERARY FROM NEW LA ROMANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, HOMEPORT

January 21, 2026 Editorial Contributor

Today at Fitur, the International Tourism Trade Fair taking place in Madrid, Spain, MSC Cruises spoke of their new year-round operation from La Romana, Dominican Republic starting November 2026. A first for the cruise line in the Southern Caribbean and an exciting new option for Canadian sun‑seekers.

In the presence of the Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism, David Collado, the cruise line committed its year-round operation from a brand-new homeport in La Romana, in the south of the Dominican Republic for the long term. This is the first time MSC Cruises has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean.

MSC Opera will operate a brand-new itinerary, operating weekly departures, and guests can opt to book a seven-night sailing or extend their cruise to a back-to-back 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise.

Sailings are already available to book, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026. For full itinerary information, visit MSC Cruises’ website here.

One of the highlights of this new itinerary is the call to Catalina Island, close to the shores of the Dominican Republic, offering guests an exclusive nature reserve experience. Pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters allow guests to relax and unwind, or the more adventurous can snorkel the surrounding coral reefs to view their diverse ecosystems.

With multiple international airports, The Dominican Republic offers convenient connections from all over the world. MSC Opera’s program will bring 120,000 international visitors to La Romana each year, meaning 240,000 in-bound and out-bound flight passengers, and a boost to hotels, restaurants, bars and businesses in the surrounding areas.

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 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 program for the long-term.”

What This Means for Canadian Holidayers

La Romana’s year-round deployment is particularly relevant for Canadian travellers, as their demand for warm-weather escapes remains consistently strong. With direct and one-stop flight options from major Canadian gateways, the new itinerary offers travellers convenient access to the Southern Caribbean and an appealing alternative to traditional winter travel routes.

Fly&Cruise – MSC Cruises’ Fly&Cruise program offers Canadians a seamless way to reach their sailing from La Romana, with flights and cruise combined into one streamlined booking. Guests benefit from 24/7 dedicated travel support, assured arrival at port, flexible flight arrangements – including the option to book flights up to three days before or after their cruise for extended stays – and the convenience of an included checked bag. With departures available from major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Ottawa, Québec City, Halifax, Edmonton, Winnipeg, and St. John’s, Canadians can easily enjoy a year‑round Caribbean escape. Flights can be booked directly through MSC Cruises at 1‑833‑253‑9978, or through their preferred travel agent.