Catalina Island. Photo: MSC Cruises MSC Cruises has revealed the name of its new beach destination in the Dominican Republic, Catalina Sugar Beach . The new destination will open in November 2026 and will become one of the main stops on the company's Southern Caribbean itineraries.
The goal of the project, in which Catalina Island underwent a comprehensive upgrade, is to create a luxurious vacation experience while preserving the natural character of the island, which is defined as a protected nature reserve in the Dominican Republic.
Catalina Island. Photo: MSC CruisesAmong the innovations that will be offered to visitors, the company has announced a central open-air dining area with international-style dishes and local cuisine, two bars facing the sea, a water sports center for equipment rental, sunbeds and private cabanas for rent, along with new changing rooms, showers and toilets.
Visitors can also participate in a variety of shore excursions, including catamaran cruises, snorkeling in the coral reefs, a cruise to nearby Saona Island, and visits to famous attractions such as the Cave of Wonders and the Altos de Chavón art village.
In addition, a new walking trail will pass through the island's tropical vegetation and lead to a spectacular viewpoint, alongside signage explaining the local ecosystem.
With the opening of the new destination, MSC Cruises will begin operating weekly year-round sailings from the port of La Romana in the southern Dominican Republic for the first time. MSC Opera will dock at Catalina Sugar Beach on every cruise, while luxury brand Explora Journeys will incorporate the destination into select Caribbean cruises.
The ship EXPLORA III. Photo: Explora Journeys