MSC Cruises announced the addition of MSC Opera to their Southern Caribbean line up for the Winter 26/27 and Summer 2027 seasons, sailing exciting brand-new itineraries from three convenient embarkation ports: La Romana, Dominican Republic during the winter months; and Fort-de-France, Martinique; and Bridgetown, Barbados in the summer. This addition marks the first time the line has deployed a ship in the Southern Caribbean during the summer season, and also the first time offering two ships in the region during a winter season (MSC Opera from La Romana and MSC Seaview sailing from Barbados, Martinique and Guadeloupe), providing Canadians with even more options to discover this stunning region’s tropical destinations year-round. Not only do these itineraries visit unforgettable islands and ports with the ease of a smaller ship, but the entire cruise experience is designed for comfort and convenience — with meals, entertainment, and accommodation included in your cruise package, plus the convenient option to add flights, shore excursions, drink packages, Wi-Fi, and more for a fully personalized, worry-free family getaway.

MSC Opera will offer a range of different seven-night itineraries and the option for guests to extend their cruise to a 14-night so-called ‘butterfly’ cruise to a multitude of stunning Southern Caribbean destinations including the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua 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.

La Romana is located on the south-eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, surrounded by picturesque sugar cane fields and overlooking the Chavón river. It offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation, rich culture and natural beauty featuring Caribbean-facing pristine white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, swimmable reefs and diving complete with shipwrecks, local craft shops, delicious seafood and easy access to renowned sites such as the enchanting Altos de Chavón, a famous replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village that hosts concerts and art exhibitions.

Ideally situated between the Eastern and Western Caribbean, La Romana is the perfect hub for MSC Opera’s itineraries, with other Dominican Republic favourites like Isla Catalina and its ravishing reefs and pirate history, plus Samana, with its European vibes, nearby. Choose an itinerary which sails west to the shopping and sunbathing of Cayman Islands, the waterfalls and plantations of Jamaica’s Ocho Rios, or the astonishing wildlife of Cabo Rojo. Head east to beautiful Barbados, chic Martinique, the mangroves of Guadeloupe and Tortola’s shipwrecks.

Cruise south and experience the caves of Curaçao, the white sand of Aruba, the stunning diving of Bonaire, the lush mountains of St Lucia, or the spice-laden air of Grenada. Stay central and explore the rich history and majestic mountains of St. Kitts, picturesque coves of Antigua and Barbuda, and the stunning British Virgin Islands. Whatever itinerary choose, there’s wonder waiting within easy reach of La Romana. MSC Cruises has also curated a unique program of incredible excursions, each deeply rooted in the local community and crafted to offer exclusive experiences for everyone.

MSC Opera
7-night Caribbean & Antilles (a selection of 8 distinct itineraries is available)
Sailing from La Romana, Dominican Republic
November 16, 2026 - May 17, 2027

As you sail through the Caribbean’s diverse destinations, MSC Opera will be the perfect backdrop to your onboard memories. She is one of four ships of the Lirica class, able to visit ports inaccessible to larger vessels and recently redesigned with the Caribbean in mind. She offers the ultimate in comfort and sophistication, with expansive open deck space to enjoy the sunny sea views, personalised service and world-class amenities. The ship offers a variety of gourmet dining options, including two main restaurants with an array of Mediterranean and international specialties to delight her 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 also plenty of options for fitness and relaxation on board including a gym powered by Technogym®, a power walking track, minigolf, shuffleboard, refreshing pools and the award-winning MSC Aurea Spa, with offerings including rejuvenating massages and treatments as well as a thermal area complete with a steam room and sauna. Try your luck in the Med Pearl Casino, relax in the La Cabala Piano Bar, get your groove on in the Byblos Disco, or enjoy a show in the Teatro dell’Opera. There is something for everyone as you relish the tranquility of life at sea.

To make planning your Caribbean getaway seamless, guests can book through MSC Cruises’ Fly & Cruise program, which includes non-stop flights from major Canadian airports, with connector fares available from across Canada. This convenient package combines flights and cruises into one reservation, offering a smooth, stress-free vacation experience from start to finish.

Contact your Cruise Professional for details or visit here.