Leading global cruise firm MSC Group has announced the official launch of Catalina Sugar Beach, a fully renovated premium beach getaway located on the ecologically protected Catalina Island. Starting this November, the new destination will open its doors to multiple groups of travelers: guests sailing with MSC Cruises and luxury expedition brand Explora Journeys, as well as visitors staying at the renowned Casa de Campo Resort & Villas.
The project is operated through a joint partnership between CTL Maritime and Casa de Campo, and was developed with a dual focus: delivering an elevated, world-class Caribbean coastal experience while upholding the island’s designation as a protected natural monument. Unlike many developed private beach destinations, the renovation balanced visitor comfort with environmental preservation, ensuring the island’s unique ecosystem remains intact for future generations.
For travelers seeking leisure and adventure, Catalina Sugar Beach comes equipped with a full suite of upgraded amenities, including spacious private cabanas, a full range of guided water sports activities, modern casual and fine dining facilities, and fully stocked beach bars. Beyond the beach itself, visitors can book a variety of curated off-site excursions to explore the wider Dominican Republic region. Popular options include guided snorkeling expeditions along the island’s crystal-clear reefs, leisurely catamaran cruises along the coast, day trips to the famous adjacent Saona Island, and cultural excursions to the Cave of Wonders and the artisan village of Altos de Chavón. For nature-minded guests, a new educational nature trail has also been constructed, which showcases the island’s native plant species and teaches visitors about the region’s unique tropical ecology.
The opening of Catalina Sugar Beach aligns with a major strategic expansion from MSC Cruises, which has also announced that it will establish La Romana as a new homeport for its Caribbean operations, also starting in November. The line’s MSC Opera will run weekly itineraries around the Southern Caribbean departing from La Romana, with every single voyage including a dedicated stop at the newly opened Catalina Sugar Beach, giving all guests sailing from the new homeport direct access to the upgraded destination.