MSC Cruises shared new details about Catalina Sugar Beach, its new Dominican Republic beach destination opening in November.
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- MSC Cruises will launch year-round Southern Caribbean sailings from La Romana, Dominican Republic.
- Guests can enjoy amenities like a buffet, bars, cabanas, and water sports at the new destination.
MSC Cruises will begin offering year-round Southern Caribbean sailings later this year for the first time and is launching a new beach experience to go with them.
The MSC Group revealed more details about Catalina Sugar Beach this week, a fitting name for the redeveloped Catalina Island destination surrounded by white sands and clear blue water. The company previously shared plans for the project – operated in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas – located off the coast of La Romana in the Dominican Republic earlier this year.
“The Caribbean is one of the most popular regions for our guests, thanks to its year-round sunshine and stunning destinations, so it’s natural that we continue to invest in destinations in this region that offer something truly unique for our guests,” Lynn Torrent, president of MSC Cruises North America, told USA TODAY in an email.
She said the island will be “the highlight” of seven-night cruises. Homeporting in La Romana “also means that many guests can extend their cruise with a pre- or post-stay in the region to experience everything else the Dominican Republic offers, from spectacular cities, rich history and lush forests.”
What can guests expect from Catalina Sugar Beach?
Visitors will find a pathway with scenic overlooks, an open-air buffet with a shaded dining area, two bars, and cabanas and daybeds for lounging. Those looking for a more active experience can rent equipment from a water sports center or book excursions.
“Catalina Island is a protected natural monument which shows off the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic, and Catalina Sugar Beach combines this natural character while offering guests the ultimate beach escape, with water-based activities and all the facilities guests would need,” Torrent added. “The area is particularly known for its flourishing marine life, and this can be seen first-hand by snorkeling in the shallow waters or heading off to nearby isles via a catamaran excursion.”
When does Catalina Sugar Beach open?
Catalina Sugar Beach is set to open in November. Available cruises aboard MSC Opera from La Romana currently start at $209 per person based on double occupancy, including taxes and fees, according to MSC’s website.
The destination will also welcome other visitors, including those from Explora Journeys – which is part of the MSC Group – and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
MSC is expanding its land-based portfolio elsewhere, too.
In April, MSC Cruises unveiled details about Sandy Cay, a new private island in the Bahamas adjacent to Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Launching in 2028, Sandy Cay will also welcome both MSC and Explora Journeys guests.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.