MSC Group and Casa de Campo form venture to upgrade Catalina Island

CTL Maritime, part of the MSC Group, and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, a subsidiary of Central Romana Corporation Ltd., have formed a long-term joint venture to operate and re-develop Catalina Island, a beach destination in the Dominican Republic just off the coast of La Romana.

The companies said the venture is structured as a 50/50 partnership focused on infrastructure upgrades and improvements to the guest experience on the island, which sits off the country’s southeastern coast near La Romana, about 60 miles east of Santo Domingo.

How the partners are positioning the Catalina Island project

Gianluca Suprani, president of CTL Maritime, described the agreement as part of MSC Group’s cruise destination work. “Today’s announcement is a proud moment for MSC Group’s Cruise Division as we join Central Romana Corporation and its subsidiary Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in a joint venture to further elevate Catalina Island into a premier destination in the Caribbean,” Suprani said.

Central Romana framed the redevelopment as a way to strengthen the Dominican Republic’s role in cruise tourism. Luis Emilio Rodriguez, La Romana airport and port director for Central Romana Corporation Ltd., said: “We are pleased to partner with CTL Maritime on this venture of improving the infrastructure and guest experience on Catalina Island, while decisively contributing to positioning the Dominican Republic as a leading cruise gateway of the Caribbean.”

What upgrades are planned for Catalina Island

The partners said the redevelopment will combine guest-facing additions with practical, behind-the-scenes improvements aimed at making beach calls smoother, while expanding dining and lounging options.

• Food and beverage venues: The plan includes expanded dining and bar service, including an open-air beach pavilion concept intended for buffet-style service with a mix of international and Dominican flavors, plus shaded seating designed to overlook the sea.
• Shaded spaces and reserved beach options: The redevelopment is expected to add cabanas and daybeds, aligning the destination with premium day experiences that have become increasingly common at cruise-focused beach stops.
• Water sports center: CTL Maritime said a water sports center is included in the upgrades, with equipment rental planned for activities including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
• Essential infrastructure improvements: The partners plan to modernize functional facilities across the island, including updated changing areas, showers, and WC services designed to be comfortable and modern for guests.

Environmental commitments tied to the island’s protected status

The companies said the redevelopment will be carried out with environmental considerations in mind because Catalina Island is designated as a natural monument, and work will reflect local environmental requirements.

Rodriguez said the goal is to expand the destination experience while maintaining conservation priorities. “This joint agreement will allow us to further expand the conditions of this beautiful destination in La Romana by creating both sophisticated tropical spaces and maintaining Central Romana’s long-lasting commitment to preserve the environmental integrity of this natural monument,” he said.

Who the destination is designed to serve

Catalina Island is expected to welcome guests sailing with MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys, MSC Group’s luxury brand. The partners also said the island will not be exclusive to MSC brands, with plans to host calls from other cruise lines and accommodate private clients.

Other cruise lines scheduled to visit Catalina Island in 2026 include TUI Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Marella Cruises, Costa Cruises, and more.

How Catalina fits into MSC’s wider destination and deployment plans

The redevelopment comes as MSC Cruises expands its presence in the Southern Caribbean. MSC Cruises is set to base MSC Opera in La Romana starting in November 2026, supporting a broader push for expanded service in the region.

The Catalina plans also follow MSC Cruises’ unveiling of Sandy Cay in the Bahamas. Sandy Cay, located near MSC Ocean Cay, will exclusively serve MSC Cruise and Explora Journeys guests, while Catalina Island is expected to remain open to visiting ships from other cruise operators as well.

Tourism volumes the region is preparing to support

The Dominican Republic has recorded more than 3.7 million tourists so far in 2026, including 1.1 million cruise passengers, highlighting the scale of visitor volumes that ports and shore destinations are preparing to accommodate.

Timeline and what to watch next

The companies have not announced a completion date for the Catalina Island redevelopment and have not provided a confirmed opening timeline for the full set of new amenities. For now, the project’s publicly shared details focus on the scope of planned facilities and the long-term joint venture structure that will guide operations as upgrades are sequenced.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic?

Catalina Island is located off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic near La Romana, about 60 miles east of Santo Domingo.

Who is redeveloping Catalina Island, and how is the partnership structured?

The redevelopment is being led by a long-term 50/50 joint venture between CTL Maritime (part of the MSC Group) and Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (a subsidiary of Central Romana Corporation Ltd.).

What new amenities and facilities are planned for Catalina Island?

The partners have outlined expanded food and beverage offerings (including an open-air pavilion concept), additional bar service, cabanas and daybeds, a water sports center intended to support rentals and organized activities, and upgraded infrastructure such as changing areas, showers, and WC facilities.

Will Catalina Island be exclusive to MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys?

No. The companies said Catalina Island is expected to welcome MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys guests, while also hosting calls from other cruise lines and accommodating private clients.

When will the Catalina Island redevelopment be completed?

No completion date has been announced, and the companies have not confirmed when all updates will be finished and available to guests.