Catalina Sugar Beach: MSC Details New Island Destination Off La Romana, DR

More details have been revealed about Catalina Sugar Beach, the newly named MSC Group 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, with the goal of creating a premier leisure destination, set to open in November.

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.

MSC says the destination will offer an experience that showcases the island’s natural character and beauty as a protected natural monument. Guests can expect some of the finest while-sand beaches and crystal blue waters in the region, alongside new experiences and elevated amenities.

Shore excursions will offer the opportunity to get 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 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 Centre – The focal 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.

Upgraded Facilities – Functional facilities across the island will be upgraded, with comfortable changing, shower and WC services. 

A Picturesque Pathway – Visitors can 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.