MSC Cruises to homeport in La Romana, operate new, year-round itinerary

MSC Cruises is launching a new, year-round operation from La Romana, Dominican Republic beginning November 2026 that marks a first for the cruise line in the Southern Caribbean and which will provide a new option for Canadian sun seekers.

Announced during FITUR, the International Tourism Trade Fair taking place in Madrid – and with the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado looking on — the cruise line indicated that La Romana would be its new homeport for the year-round operation and that it was committed to that operation for the long term.

Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises’ CEO, pointed out that: “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.”

Onorato continued: “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.”

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

Ports of call include La Romana, Dominican Republic; Catalina Island, Dominican Republic; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; and St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

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.

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

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.

In the photo

Seen here, from l to r, are Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises and David Collado, Minister of Tourism, Dominican Republic

Go to www.msccruises.ca for more.