MSC CRUISES EXPANDS SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN OFFERING WITH YEAR-ROUND SAILINGS AND TWO SHIPS IN WINTER

• MSC Opera to offer brand-new 7- and 14-night itineraries from new homeport La Romana, Dominican Republic, starting in November 2026
• The new homeport marks the first time an MSC Cruises ship will sail the South Caribbean year-round with first Summer season coming in 2027
• The ship joins MSC Seaview for Winter 26/27, marking the first time the cruise line will deploy two ships in the South Caribbean during winter

Geneva, Switzerland – June 3, 2025 – MSC Cruises has announced the addition of MSC Opera sailing year-round in the South Caribbean for the Winter 26/27 and Summer 2027 seasons, offering exciting new southern Caribbean cruises that are now open for sale.

The addition marks the first time the line has deployed a ship in the South Caribbean during the summer season, as well as its first time offering two ships during a winter season, providing guests with even more options to discover the stunning region’s captivating destinations.

Whether guests are seeking to escape to sun-soaked beaches and crystal-clear waters during the summer or the winter, MSC Cruises’ new itineraries offer the ideal getaway for any season.

MSC Opera will offer a range of 7-night itineraries and the option for guests to extend their cruise to a 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise to a multitude of stunning Southern Caribbean destinations including the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antiqua and Barbuda, Netherlands Antilles and more.

The ship will homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a new regular destination for MSC Cruises, with the first cruise departing on November 16, 2026. Starting April 2027, the ship will also offer a second embarkation port—Fort de France. All of MSC Cruises’ southern Caribbean cruises are now available to book.

Some of MSC Opera’s new itinerary highlights include:

• La Romana, Dominican Republic: La Romana offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation, rich culture and natural beauty featuring pristine beaches, local craft shops, delicious seafood and easy access to renowned sites such as the enchanting Cueva de las Maravillas.
• Catalina Island, Dominican Republic: Catalina Island is the ideal tropical paradise for a memorable holiday for both relaxation and adventure. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and white sandy beaches, along with a variety of activities to enjoy such as snorkeling, diving and sunbathing.
• Fort-de-France, Martinique: Martinique delights visitors from around the world with its renowned natural wonders, historical charm and beautiful bays and beaches. In the vibrant capital of Fort-de-France, guests can explore colorful architecture, lively markets and local shops, or venture further off to discover the island’s famous rum distilleries, lush rainforest and idyllic beaches.
• Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: Virgin Gorda is one of the British Virgin Islands’ most picturesque and serene destinations, offering an unforgettable Caribbean escape. Visitors can explore its world-famous Baths, relax on pristine beaches, or enjoy scenic hiking trails such as Gorda Peak National Park for stunning island views.
• John’s, Antigua and Barbuda: Saint John’s is the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda renowned for vibrant, colorful houses, captivating historical landmarks such as Fort James fortress, and the gateway to some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous beaches – perfect for relaxing in the sun or enjoying water activities.

MSC Opera itineraries will offer 10 other captivating destinations including Oranjestad (Aruba), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kralendijk (Bonaire, Saint Eustatius), Willemstad (Curacao), Samana Bay (Dominican Republic), Saint George (Grenada), Pointe-a-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Philipsburg (Netherlands Antilles), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), and Road Town (British Virgin Islands).

MSC Opera joins MSC Seaview in the region for Winter 26/27, offering 7-night sailings from her homeport in Fort-de-France to destinations including Pointe-a-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Philipsburg (Sint Maarten), St. John’s (Antigua and Barbuda), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), Roseau (Dominica), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kingstown (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Saint George (Grenada), and Castries (Saint Lucia).

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About MSC Opera

MSC Opera is one of four ships of the Lirica class, which provide guests with access to exclusive destinations, offering truly unique itineraries and even more personalized service due to the smaller size of this ship class.

The ship offers a variety of gourmet dining options, including two main restaurants with an array of Mediterranean and international specialties to delight guests’ palates, plus a range of bars and lounges to suit every preference.

For families, dedicated play areas are available for kids and teenagers of all ages, including an exciting spray park, while teens can enjoy virtual reality gaming and their own exclusive clubs.

There are plenty of options for fitness and relaxation on board including a gym powered by Technogym®, a power walking track, minigolf, shuffleboard, and the MSC Aurea Spa, with offerings including rejuvenating massages and treatments as well as a thermal area complete with a steam room and sauna.

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.