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MSC Cruises to Launch Catalina Sugar Beach on Isla Catalina in 2026
MSC Cruises will introduce Catalina Sugar Beach on Isla Catalina in November 2026 through a partnership with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and CTL Maritime, expanding the visitor experience while reinforcing La Romana's position as a leading Caribbean cruise destination.
LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic — MSC Cruises has announced the development of Catalina Sugar Beach, a new beach destination on Isla Catalina that will welcome cruise passengers beginning in November 2026. The project will be operated in partnership with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and CTL Maritime, adding a new attraction to one of the country’s most popular cruise ports.
The initiative is designed to provide a dedicated beach experience for MSC guests while showcasing the natural beauty of Isla Catalina. Located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic near La Romana, the island is known for its white-sand beaches, clear Caribbean waters and vibrant marine ecosystem.
Expanding La Romana’s Cruise Tourism Offer
Isla Catalina forms part of the Dominican Republic’s National System of Protected Areas, making the project an opportunity to promote the destination while highlighting its natural heritage. The new attraction is expected to complement the area’s existing tourism offerings rather than replace them, giving cruise visitors greater access to one of the country’s most scenic coastal environments.
In addition to spending time on the island, passengers will have access to excursions that showcase some of the region’s best-known attractions, including Altos de Chavón, the Cueva de las Maravillas cave system and Isla Saona. Together, these destinations combine nature, culture and history, creating a broader tourism experience for international visitors.
New Home Port Operations Strengthen Connectivity
The announcement coincides with the start of MSC Cruises’ regular operations from the Port of La Romana as a home port. This milestone allows passengers to begin and end their cruises in the Dominican Republic, expanding the destination’s international connectivity and reinforcing its role within the Caribbean cruise industry.
Home port operations typically generate greater economic activity than traditional port calls by increasing demand for hotels, transportation, restaurants and other tourism-related services before and after cruises.
Supporting Long-Term Tourism Development
The Catalina Sugar Beach project is part of a broader effort to strengthen La Romana’s tourism infrastructure and diversify the experiences available to visitors. Combined with continued investment in the Port of La Romana and new tourism products, the development is expected to enhance the destination’s competitiveness while creating additional value for the local tourism sector.
By integrating beach recreation with nearby cultural and natural attractions, the initiative aims to further position La Romana as one of the Dominican Republic’s premier cruise destinations and a gateway for travelers exploring the country’s southeastern region.
