Catalina Sugar Beach will be operated in partnership with CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, with the destination “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 passengers, including those sailings with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as guests staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
MSC Cruises will commence weekly sailings from its new La Romana homeport in November, with MSC Opera calling at the new Sugar Beach destination on every itinerary. Explora Journeys will call into Catalina Sugar Beach on selected Caribbean sailings.
The line said the destination will offer an experience that “showcases the island’s natural character and beauty as a protected natural monument in the Dominican Republic”.
Shore excursions will offer the opportunity to get even closer to nature, and include a relaxing catamaran exploration of the surrounding waters, snorkelling to see the marine life the island is famous for, boat trips to Isla Saona Island or visits to the nearby Cave of Wonders and Altos de Chavon.
Guests can also hire one of the new cabanas on offer.
Catalina Sugar Beach guest experiences include:
- 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 will offer al-fresco table seating with panoramic sea views.
- Two bars will be on offer including a tropical open-air palapa bar.
- A water sports centre will be a central point for guests wishing to explore the surrounding clear waters, with equipment available to rent.
- The island will be equipped with comfortable daybeds and cabanas available for rent.
- Functional facilities across the island will be upgraded, with comfortable, stylish changing, shower and WC services.
- There will also be a picturesque pathway winding 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.
The November launch will mark the first time MSC Cruises 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.
Catalina Sugar Beach is not the first private island destination in MSC Group's portfolio. It opened Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas in 2019.