Key Aspects:
- MSC Cruises has revealed the name of its new private destination near La Romana as Catalina Sugar Beach.
- The new destination will open to its first guests in November 2026, with calls from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys.
- MSC Opera will be homeported from La Romana beginning in November and will visit Catalina Sugar Beach on every sailing.
Private islands are popular ports of call for many cruise guests, with exclusive experiences, lower crowds, and pristine beaches to enjoy. For MSC Cruises’ guests, a brand new destination is coming in just three months: Catalina Sugar Beach.
Located on Catalina Island near La Romana on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, 60 miles east of Santo Domingo, Catalina Sugar Beach is a development in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
Cruise Hive first shared news of the project in April 2026, and the ambitious timeline has the new destination poised to welcome its first guests in November 2026, much faster than even the most eager guests may have expected.
Because the destination is a protected natural monument in the Dominican Republic, great care has been taken to preserve its stunning white-sand beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Elevated amenities will be added to ensure the ultimate luxury beach escape for all visitors.
An open-air beach pavilion buffet is the destination’s dining hub. Rather than the typical beach barbecue, however, the menu will offer both international dishes and local specialties for fresh, delicious fare while guests can enjoy panoramic sea views.
Two bars will be nearby with palapa roofs shading open-air seating for tropical vibes without restricting ocean views.
Guests who crave excitement can rent water sports equipment, while those who prefer more luxurious relaxation can rent plush daybeds or cabanas.
A picturesque pathway will wind through the natural landscape and give guests an easy way to discover the tropical paradise at their own pace, with scenic view overlooks and interpretive signage along the way.
Catalina Sugar Beach will be MSC Group’s second private cruise destination in the Caribbean, joining Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas. Both destinations have a focus on preserving natural beauty, and Ocean Cay has become a favorite for the cruise line’s guests.
Who Will Visit Catalina Sugar Beach?
All guests sailing with ships in the MSC Group will have the opportunity to visit Catalina Sugar Beach, including those aboard MSC Cruises ships as well as vessels from Explora Journeys. The property will also be accessible to guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
The 2,150-guest MSC Opera will be the first ship to visit Catalina Sugar Beach. Beginning in November, the Lirica-class ship will be homeported from La Romana, offering 7-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries. Every sailing is scheduled to visit the new private destination.
MSC Opera‘s first visit will be on Tuesday, November 17, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving guests a full day to enjoy all the amenities and beauty of the destination.
The visit will also be the first stop on the itinerary for the ship’s November 16 departure, with additional calls to Barbados, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and the British Virgin Islands on the itinerary.
Explora III will be the first Explora Journeys ship to arrive at the new destination with a visit on Thursday, November 19 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
