The boat ride on La Romana always ended the same way. It has long stretches of white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and a protected coastline that seems separate from the mainland. Now that experience will make a very big difference.
a new partnership between CTL MarinePart of the MSC Group, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas (a subsidiary of Central Romana Corporation) is scheduled to be reimagined. catalina islandIt’s a small island just off the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, with plans to make it one of the region’s newest beach resorts.
Key joint ventures in La Romana
The two companies have formed a long-term 50/50 joint venture to operate and redevelop Catalina Island, combining one of the most established resort brands and cruise infrastructure in the Dominican Republic.
Casa de Campo, operating under the Central Romana Corporation, has been managing and developing Catalina Island for over 25 years. The new agreement brings MSC’s cruise-focused expertise and marks a clear push to expand the island’s role in Caribbean travel itineraries.
The plan is simple. The idea is to upgrade the island’s infrastructure and visitor facilities while maintaining its status as a nature reserve.
Changes on Catalina Island
The redevelopment will focus on guest-facing upgrades with an emphasis on comfort, accessibility and time spent directly on the beach.
At the heart of the project is a new outdoor beach pavilion that will serve as the island’s main dining hub, serving a mix of international cuisine and Dominican specialties. A nearby shaded seating area offers full-service al fresco dining with direct views of the water.
A new palapa-style bar, designed as a casual gathering spot for all-day drinks, is also part of the plan.
In addition to food and drink, the island has added a dedicated watersports center, giving guests direct access to the surrounding reef system and pristine coastal waters. Equipment rental and guided activities are expected to be part of the offering.
For travelers seeking a more private beach setting, the island will feature a collection of cabanas and daybeds available for rent along the shoreline.
Basic infrastructure is also being overhauled, with changing rooms, showers and toilet facilities designed to support more daily visitors.
Mix of cruise and resort guests
Catalina Island will continue to serve cruise passengers, but will see more visitors than ever before.
The destination is expected to welcome guests from MSC Cruises and exploration tripAlong with other cruise lines. At the same time, Casa de Campo will attract its own resort guests, integrating the island more directly into the resort’s overall experience.
The dual approach of cruise and land-based positions Catalina Island differently from many private cruise destinations in the Caribbean, which are typically limited to a single brand.
In line with La Romana’s new cruise strategy
The timing of the project coincides with MSC Cruises’ expansion into the Dominican Republic.
Starting this November, cruise ships will begin operating from their home ports all year round. romanThis marks the first time MSC has deployed a ship to the southern Caribbean on a continuous schedule.
The new program includes weekly departures, with options for seven-night itineraries or 14-night extended sailings combining back-to-back cruises.
Catalina Island is expected to play a central role in travel itineraries by offering controlled and upgraded beach stops near the port.
Balance between protection and development
Despite the planned upgrades, Catalina Island continues to be designated a natural monument under Dominican law, which places strict restrictions on development.
According to the company, all construction and improvement work will follow environmental regulations designed to minimize the impact on the island’s ecosystem, including coral reefs and surrounding marine areas.
The framework guides how to add infrastructure, from building materials to deploying new facilities.
A new model for Dominican cruise tourism
The project reflects a broader shift in the way cruise destinations are developing across the Caribbean, with a greater focus on curated luxury shore experiences.
Catalina Island in the Dominican Republic has long been known for its clear waters, reef systems, and relatively undeveloped coastline. The new joint venture represents a move to formalize the experience by adding structure and amenities while retaining its core appeal.
Once completed, the island is expected to function as a hybrid destination that is part cruise stop, part resort expansion and part nature reserve, anchored just minutes from one of the country’s best-known tourist hubs.
