MSC Opera to Become Year-Round Cruise Ship in the Southern Caribbean from Winter 2026-2027

MSC Cruises has unveiled plans for the MSC Opera to operate year-round in the Southern Caribbean, with services set to commence in the winter season of 2026–2027. This initiative represents a significant expansion of the cruise line’s offerings, as it is the first time a vessel will be stationed in the Caribbean during the summer months.

Homeporting in La Romana, Dominican Republic, the MSC Opera’s maiden voyage is scheduled for November 16, 2026. Starting from April 2027, Fort-de-France in Martinique will also serve as a departure point. The ship will feature a range of 7-night itineraries, with options for 14-night ‘butterfly’ cruises that allow passengers to explore multiple Southern Caribbean destinations.

Notable ports of call will include La Romana and Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic; Fort-de-France, Martinique; Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands; and St. John’s in Antigua and Barbuda. Other destinations will consist of Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curaçao), Kralendijk (Bonaire), St George’s (Grenada), Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Philipsburg (Sint Maarten), Basseterre (Saint Kitts and Nevis), and Road Town (Tortola in the British Virgin Islands).

During the 2026–2027 winter season, the MSC Opera will be joined by the MSC Seaview, marking the first occasion that MSC operates two vessels in the Southern Caribbean simultaneously. The MSC Seaview will also offer 7-night roundtrip cruises from Fort-de-France, featuring stops at various destinations including Pointe-à-Pitre, Philipsburg, St. John’s, Basseterre, Roseau (Dominica), Bridgetown (Barbados), Kingstown (St. Vincent and the Grenadines), St George’s, and Castries (Saint Lucia).

This strategic move underscores MSC Cruises’ commitment to enhancing its Caribbean itineraries to meet the growing demand for tropical cruise experiences year-round.

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