MSC Cruises Opening New Beach Destination in the Caribbean

MSC Cruises is opening a new beach destination in the Caribbean in November 2026 and will serve as a new port of call for its cruise ships.

Catalina Sugar Beach is a newly enhanced beach destination on Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic. The port will be visited by MSC cruise ships as part of its Southern Caribbean itineraries from La Romana.

The port will offer pristine beaches, upgraded amenities, new shore excursions, and elevated beach experiences that show the island’s natural beauty. 

Catalina Sugar Beach will be operated in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. It will receive significant enhancement ahead of its opening in November.

The new destination will be visited by both MSC Opera and MSC’s sister cruise line, Explora Journeys.

Guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort will also be able to visit the destination. 

New details of the Catalina Sugar Beach guest experience that MSC Cruises announced today include:

Dining Facilities – There will be a signature open-air beach pavilion buffet that serves as the central dining hub of the island, offering international dishes and local specialties. An adjacent shaded dining area will offer comfortable al-fresco table seating with panoramic sea views.

Beverage Facilities – The beach will have two bars, including a tropical open-air palapa bar that will welcome guests with refreshments. This area will also act as a shaded social pavilion with ocean views.

Water Sports Center – This will be the center point for guests wishing to explore the surrounding clear waters, with equipment available to rent.

Cabanas – Guests will have the option of renting comfortable daybeds and cabanas, offering the most comfortable way to enjoy a day at Catalina Sugar Beach.

Upgraded Facilities – Areas of the beach that will get upgraded include a comfortable, stylish changing area, shower, and WC services.

A picturesque pathway – Guests will have the ability to take a pathway through the island’s lush natural landscape to a dramatic viewpoint. Along the pathway, elevated clearings within the vegetation will offer scenic views overlooking the beach and surrounding island landscape. The pathway will also have education signage telling guests about the island’s diverse tree species.

Catalina Beach Club will be visited by MSC Opera and select cruises to the Caribbean on Explora Journeys starting in November 2026.