MSC Cruises expands its offering in the Southern Caribbean with year-round sailings and two ships in the European winter

MSC Cruises announced the addition of MSC Opera to the Southern Caribbean for the European winter 2026/2027 and European summer 2027 seasons, offering exciting new itineraries—sales now open.

This addition marks the first time the company will deploy a ship to the Southern Caribbean during the European summer season, and also the first time it will offer two ships during a single European winter season, giving guests even more options to discover the captivating destinations of this stunning region year-round.

Whether guests are looking to escape to sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters for a serene getaway in the summer or the European winter, MSC Cruises presents new itineraries ideal for a perfect experience any time of year.

The MSC Opera ship will offer a variety of seven-night itineraries, as well as the option to extend the voyage to 14-night butterfly-style cruises to multiple stunning Southern Caribbean destinations, including the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Guadeloupe, the British Virgin Islands, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, the Netherlands Antilles, and more.

The ship will homeport in La Romana, Dominican Republic—a new regular destination for MSC Cruises—from where 7- or 14-night cruises will be offered, with the first voyage departing on November 16, 2026. Starting in April 2027, the ship will also offer a second embarkation port in Fort-de-France. For more information on the itineraries, please visit the MSC Cruises website.

Highlights of MSC Opera's new itineraries include:

La Romana, Dominican Republic: a perfect place to combine relaxation, culture, and natural beauty, with pristine beaches, artisan shops, delicious seafood cuisine, and access to iconic sites like the enchanting Cave of Wonders.

Catalina Island, Dominican Republic: This tropical paradise is ideal for an unforgettable vacation, whether relaxing or adventuring. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and white-sand beaches, as well as activities like snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing.

Fort-de-France, Martinique: Martinique delights with natural wonders, historic charm, and spectacular bays and beaches. In the capital, guests can explore its colorful architecture, markets, and local shops, or discover rum distilleries, rainforests, and idyllic beaches.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands: One of the archipelago's most picturesque and serene islands, it's famous for "The Baths," its pristine beaches, and hiking trails like Gorda Peak National Park, which offers panoramic views.

St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda: The capital of Antigua and Barbuda, it is known for its colorful houses, historic monuments like Fort James, and its access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, ideal for relaxing or practicing water sports.

The MSC Opera ship will also visit 10 other captivating destinations, including: Oranjestad (Aruba), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kralendijk (Bonaire, St. Eustatius), Willemstad (Curaçao), Samaná Bay (Dominican Republic), Saint George (Grenada), Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Philipsburg (Netherlands Antilles), Basseterre (St. Kitts and Nevis) and Road Town (British Virgin Islands).

MSC Opera will join MSC Seaview in the region during the European winter 2026/2027, offering 7-night itineraries from her homeport in Fort-de-France to destinations including Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Philipsburg (Sint Maarten), St. John's (Antigua and Barbuda), Basseterre (St. Kitts and Nevis), Roseau (Dominica), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kingstown (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), Saint George (Grenada) and Castries (St. Lucia).

Source: MSC Cruises.