CATALINA SUGAR BEACH SET TO BECOME PREMIER DESTINATION IN THE CARIBBEAN, SHOWCASING THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

• MSC Group reveals "Catalina Sugar Beach" as the name of new Catalina Island destination off the coast of La Romana, Dominican Republic, set to open in November 2026
• Enhanced destination to offer premium Caribbean beach experience, combining pristine sands with enhanced amenities and reimagined guest experiences
• New experiences will be available to guests to enjoy, including shore excursions, upgraded facilities, and more

GENEVA, SWITSERLAND - 6 August, 2026 - More details were revealed today of Catalina Sugar Beach, the new name of the beach destination on Catalina Island, just off the coast of La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Operated in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, the destination is receiving significant enhancements to create a premier leisure destination in the Caribbean, set to open in November 2026.

The destination can be enjoyed by cruise ship guests, including those sailings with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. MSC Cruises commences weekly sailings from its new La Romana homeport in November, with MSC Opera calling at the new Sugar Beach destination on every itinerary.

The destination will offer an experience that showcases the island's natural character and beauty as a protected natural monument in the Dominican Republic. Guests can expect to surrender to some of the finest while-sand beaches and crystal blue waters in the region, alongside new experiences and elevated amenities to make it the ultimate beach escape.

Shore excursions will offer the opportunity to get even closer to nature, and include a relaxing catamaran exploration of the surrounding waters, snorkeling to see the flourishing marine life the island is famous for, boat trips to Isla Saona Island or visits to the nearby Cave of Wonders and Altos de Chavón. Guests wishing to stay and enjoy Catalina Sugar Beach's beautiful surroundings can opt to elevate their experience with one of the new cabanas on offer.

Catalina Sugar Beach guest experience highlights include:

• Dining Facilities - A signature open-air beach pavilion buffet will be the central dining hub of the island, offering international dishes and local specialties. An adjacent shaded dining area offers comfortable al-fresco table seating with panoramic sea views.
• Beverage Facilities - Two bars will be on offer including a tropical open-air palapa bar that will welcome guests with refreshments and act as a shaded social pavilion with ocean views.
• Water Sports Center - The center point for guests wishing to explore the surrounding clear waters, with equipment available to rent.
• Cabanas - The island will be equipped with comfortable daybeds and cabanas available for rent, offering the most comfortable way to enjoy a day at Catalina Sugar Beach.
• Upgraded Facilities - Functional facilities across the island will be upgraded, with comfortable, stylish changing, shower and WC services.
• A picturesque pathway - wind through the island's lush natural landscape to a dramatic viewpoint, with educational signage along the route inviting guests to discover and learn more about the island's diverse tree species. Along the pathway, elevated clearings within the vegetation will offer scenic views overlooking the beach and surrounding island landscape.

MSC Cruises will begin sailing from La Romana with stops at Catalina Sugar Beach in November, marking the first time the cruise line has offered year-round sailings in the Southern Caribbean. MSC Opera will operate weekly departures with seven-night sailings or the option for guests to extend their cruise for a back-to-back 14-night 'butterfly' cruise.

Explora Journeys calls to Catalina Sugar Beach on select Caribbean Journeys.

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About MSC Cruises

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world's third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. 

A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality.

For more information visit MSC Cruises.