MSC Group to open Catalina Sugar Beach destination in Dominican Republic in 2026

MSC Group announced the creation of Catalina Sugar Beach, a new beach destination on Isla Catalina off the coast of La Romana, Dominican Republic. The project, a joint venture with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, is scheduled to open in November 2026 and will serve passengers of MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys and guests of the resort.

From that date MSC will operate the MSC Opera from La Romana as a permanent homeport, offering weekly 7‑ and 14‑night itineraries that include a stop at Catalina Sugar Beach. The redevelopment adds an outdoor buffet pavilion, two bars (including a tropical palapa bar), private cabanas, a water‑sports centre, upgraded showers and dressing rooms, and a nature trail with educational signage, aiming to blend luxury tourism with protection of the island’s status as a protected natural monument.