MSC Cruises has unveiled Catalina Sugar Beach, the new name of its enhanced beach destination on Catalina Island, off the coast of La Romana in the Dominican Republic, with the upgraded attraction scheduled to open in November 2026.
The development forms part of the cruise line’s broader expansion in the Caribbean and comes as the Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its position as one of the region’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, investing in new infrastructure and visitor experiences.
Operated through a partnership between CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Catalina Sugar Beach will welcome guests travelling with MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys and visitors staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
The opening coincides with MSC Cruises launching year-round operations from La Romana for the first time. Beginning in November, MSC Opera will sail weekly from the Dominican port, with every itinerary including a call at Catalina Sugar Beach.
Blending nature with upgraded facilities
Located within a protected natural monument, Catalina Island is known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs and clear Caribbean waters. According to MSC Cruises, the redevelopment has been designed to enhance the visitor experience while showcasing the island’s natural environment.
The destination will feature a large open-air beach pavilion serving international cuisine alongside Dominican specialities, shaded dining areas overlooking the sea, two bars, upgraded changing and shower facilities, and a water sports centre offering equipment hire.
Guests seeking a more exclusive experience will also be able to rent private cabanas and daybeds.
A newly created walking trail will lead visitors through the island’s vegetation to a panoramic viewpoint, with educational panels highlighting local tree species and the island’s biodiversity.
New excursions
MSC Cruises is also introducing a range of new shore excursions centred on the island and surrounding region.
Visitors will be able to explore the coastline by catamaran, snorkel among the area’s marine life or take boat trips to nearby Saona Island. Excursions will also include visits to the Cave of Wonders and Altos de Chavón, a Mediterranean-style cultural village overlooking the Chavón River.
The company says the combination of upgraded facilities and nature-based experiences is intended to position Catalina Sugar Beach as a premium Caribbean beach destination.
Dominican Republic strengthens tourism offer
The announcement reflects the Dominican Republic’s continued investment in tourism, one of the country’s main economic pillars.
Speaking to Travel Tomorrow during Dominican Week in Brussels in June, Dominican Ambassador Joan Cedano said the sector would remain one of the pillars of the country’s long-term economic strategy, highlighting continued investment in infrastructure and visitor experiences as the Dominican Republic seeks to further strengthen its position as one of the Caribbean’s leading destinations.
Earlier this year, during the first Dominican Week in Belgium and the Netherlands, government representatives highlighted ambitions to further expand the sector while attracting European investment across tourism, infrastructure, logistics and renewable energy.
The latest investment in Catalina Island aligns with those ambitions by expanding the range of premium experiences available to international visitors beyond the country’s established beach resorts.
With year-round cruise operations from La Romana and the opening of Catalina Sugar Beach, MSC Cruises is also reinforcing the Dominican Republic’s role as a major Caribbean cruise hub.
MSC Opera will offer weekly seven-night cruises from La Romana, while passengers will also have the option of combining two itineraries into a 14-night “butterfly” cruise exploring the Southern Caribbean.
