MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests sailing from La Romana in the Dominican Republic will soon enjoy an enhanced day on Catalina Island, with upgraded facilities and a more seamless beach experience in one of the country’s most picturesque natural settings thanks to a new joint venture announced today.
The enhancements are being delivered through a joint venture between CTL Maritime, part of the MSC Group, and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. The island will welcome cruise ship guests, including MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, other cruise lines, and private clients including from Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
A Natural Monument in the Dominican Republic, Catalina Island, which is known for its nature reserve experience, pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and surrounding coral reefs, will receive a significant upgrade under the plans.
Guests can look forward to a more comfortable and memorable beach day with elevated food and beverage options, additional shaded spaces to unwind, and more ways to enjoy the water – including cabanas and daybeds, a dedicated water sports centre, and improved changing, shower and restroom areas – to compliment Catalina Island’s natural beauty.
Enhancements on Catalina Island will be carried out responsibly and in line with local environmental regulations to help protect the destination for future visits.
Catalina Island enhancements 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 – A tropical open-air palapa bar will welcome guests with refreshments and act as a shaded social pavilion with ocean views.
● Water sports center – The centre 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. These offer the most comfortable way to enjoy a day at Catalina Island, whether for a couple or family.
● Upgraded facilities – Functional facilities across the island will be upgraded, with comfortable, stylish changing, shower and restroom areas.
MSC Cruises commences year-round operation from La Romana this November, giving guests more options to discover the Southern Caribbean with the convenience of a homeport in the region. MSC Opera will operate weekly departures, with guests able to book a seven-night sailing or extend their holiday with a back-to-back 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruise.
To further streamline the travel experience for Canadian travellers sailing from La Romana for a seven-night cruise the Fly & Cruise program has been expanded, offering a new bundled solution that includes a special‑rate Easy Drink Package available for exclusive pre‑booking on this itinerary, along with seamless airport‑to‑ship transfers. These enhancements build on the program’s core benefits – assured arrival at the port and 24/7 dedicated travel support – delivering a smooth, end‑to‑end journey. By bundling flights, cruise, drinks, and transfers into one booking, the Fly & Cruise program offers added value, flexibility, and peace of mind.
