MSC Group and Casa de Campo Partner to Transform Catalina Island into a Premier Caribbean Beach Destination

(IN SHORT) MSC Group, through CTL Maritime, has partnered with Casa de Campo Resort & Villas and its parent company Central Romana Corporation to redevelop Catalina Island into a high-end beach destination in the Dominican Republic. The long-term joint venture will introduce upgraded infrastructure, enhanced hospitality offerings, and new leisure facilities while maintaining strict environmental protections due to the island’s status as a Natural Monument. The destination will cater to cruise passengers, including those from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as private guests. Key additions include new dining venues, a water sports center, cabanas, and improved guest amenities. The project coincides with MSC Cruises’ upcoming year-round operations from La Romana and is designed to serve as a benchmark for sustainable tourism development in the region.

(PRESS RELEASE) GENEVA, Switzerland, 2026-Apr-15 — /Travel PR News/ — MSC Group, through its subsidiary CTL Maritime, has entered into a strategic joint venture with Casa de Campo Resort and Villas, part of Central Romana Corporation, to transform Catalina Island into a premier beach destination in the Caribbean. The 50/50 long-term partnership will focus on redeveloping and enhancing the island’s infrastructure and overall visitor experience, positioning it as a leading leisure hotspot just off the coast of La Romana.

Casa de Campo brings decades of expertise to the project, having managed and developed Catalina Island for more than 25 years, while also playing a significant role in shaping luxury tourism in the La Romana region for over half a century. Under the new agreement, the resort brand will continue to oversee operations on the island, including the management of beach club facilities.

The redeveloped Catalina Island is expected to cater to a diverse mix of visitors, including cruise passengers from MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, as well as guests from other cruise lines and private visitors, including those staying at Casa de Campo Resort & Villas. The destination will maintain its appeal as a natural retreat while introducing elevated amenities designed to enhance comfort and accessibility.

Recognized as a Natural Monument in the Dominican Republic, Catalina Island is already known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. The redevelopment plans aim to build on these strengths with a series of upgrades that blend luxury with environmental sensitivity. Enhancements will include expanded food and beverage offerings, such as a signature open-air beach pavilion serving international cuisine and local specialties, alongside shaded al fresco dining areas with sea views. A tropical palapa-style bar will provide a social space for refreshments in a relaxed, oceanfront setting.

Additional features will include a dedicated water sports center offering equipment rentals for guests eager to explore the surrounding waters, as well as the introduction of cabanas and daybeds designed for comfort and privacy. Infrastructure improvements will extend to upgraded guest facilities, including modern changing rooms, showers, and other essential services to ensure a seamless experience across the island.

Environmental considerations remain central to the project. As a protected Natural Monument, all development activities will adhere to strict regulatory requirements to minimize ecological impact and preserve the island’s natural beauty.

The initiative aligns with broader tourism developments in the region, including MSC Cruises’ upcoming launch of year-round sailings from La Romana starting this November. This marks the company’s first continuous presence in the Southern Caribbean, with weekly departures offering both seven-night itineraries and extended 14-night “butterfly” cruise options.

The joint venture is positioned as a model for sustainable cruise tourism development in the Dominican Republic, combining infrastructure investment, environmental stewardship, and enhanced guest experiences to create a destination that balances growth with preservation.

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Email: media@msccruises.com

Source: MSC Cruises SA