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You’ll slide down a series of watery chutes into cool turquoise pools, where the river propels you gently to the next slide. Most tours include seven falls, but serious adventurers can attempt all 27. Renting a car is fun way to go beyond Punta Cana into other parts of the island during your cruise to the Dominican Republic. It can be expensive, and you’ll have to quickly acclimate to the hurried driving style of the city.
Things To Do In Puerto Plata
Comb the cobblestone streets of a re-created medieval village, hunt for craft treasures, and soak in the pampered luxury of Casa de Campo, the 7,000-acre resort conveniently located next door. It’s this mix of culture, shopping and fun in the sun that makes cruises to the Dominican Republic — not to mention La Romana — some of the best bets in the Caribbean. Whether you're seeking sun-soaked beaches, enriching cultural experiences, or action-packed adventures, the Dominican Republic has something special in store for you. Dive in and let Holland America guide you through some of the most captivating shore excursions this tropical paradise has to offer. Check out the replica Christ the Redeemer statue, smaller than the original in Rio de Janeiro, but nonetheless impressive.
Local Cuisine
Today, it’s rapidly growing as a tropical destination for honeymooners, thrill-seekers, and passengers on a cruise to the Dominican Republic. The easiest way to enjoy it is to book an excursion there, which takes care of transportation to and from, and will gladly explain the formation and history of the caves. Dive into the 45-foot deep waters and lose yourself in the tropical rainforest surrounding you. For travelers with a passion for culture and a desire to delve into the heart of the Dominican Republic, our cultural excursions offer a window into the soul of the island. Discover the artistry, flavors, and warmth of Dominican culture as you venture beyond the beach.
Top Sights & Attractions on Cruises to Puerto Plata
Soak up the Caribbean sun, dip your toes into the azure waters, and relish the gentle sway of palm trees. Our exclusive beach retreats capture the essence of Caribbean relaxation, offering the perfect mix of tranquility and luxury. It’s wise to have some cash to buy local goods from smaller shops and to pay taxi drivers and bus fares. Leaving a 10% tip is customary at restaurants, bars, and cafés for good service.
We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off. From the Wynwood art scene to the world-renowned shores of Miami Beach, the Magic City is a perfect collision of relaxation and cultural exploration.
Related Cruises
In 1791, the slaves of the French quarter decided to rebel, and they declared independence from France in 1804. Subsequently, the Spanish once again took control of the island until the people once again declared independence in 1844. The sugar cane industry was huge in the area during the 19th century as well. The Dominican Republic has a rich, complex history of European imperialism and colonialism that has shaped the country into what it is today. The indigenous people of what is now the Dominican Republic were the Taíno, who were the primary inhabitants of the area before European colonization.
Local Currency & Tipping Customs
Whether you're sailing on a catamaran, swimming with dolphins, or conquering the waterfalls of Damajagua, these adventures promise exhilaration and unforgettable memories. It presides over the bay and the Malecón, with sweeping views along the coast. The fortress was built by the Spaniards in 1577 to defend the north coast of the Dominican Republic from pirates and British and Dutch hopefuls who coveted the gold and silver deposits here. It previously served as a prison, but today is an atmospheric museum displaying the original cannons and old weapons. One of the best natural attractions near Puerto Plata is 27 Charcos de Damajagua, a complex of waterfalls, lagoons, and swimming holes. The falls are accessed via a hike through dense rainforest before starting the thrilling descent of the hillside through deep rock canyons.
Port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales poised to boost Dominican Republic's cruise tourism - Dominican Today
Port of Cabo Rojo in Pedernales poised to boost Dominican Republic's cruise tourism.
Posted: Fri, 29 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Beach Escapes
There’s also a beach right here for those who don’t want to stray from the port. Four-person tuk-tuks will carry you back and forth from the ship’s gangway (they’re free but the drivers do appreciate tips), and taxis wait outside the complex. You can walk from Taino Bay to the attractions of Puerto Plata if you don’t mind the heat—it’s about 15 minutes on foot to Umbrella Street and the Amber Museum. Discovering new sights is one of the beauties of travel, and that couldn't be more true when it comes to Amber Cove®, Dominican Republic. In this world full of information on just about everything, Amber Cove is a throwback — it’s the kind of quiet little spot you won’t find on most maps. But you will find it — brimming with bars and pools, plus opportunities for lounging and shopping — to be the gateway to island paradise, Dominican-style.
Evoking the feeling of a cruise on land with over 100 attractions, activities and features for your enjoyment. From beach bonfires to private cabanas and floaty pool parties — all in a resort-like experience where you can actually let your salty hair down. Puerto Plata boasts a vibrant culture influenced by Spain, Africa, and the original Taíno, with music and dance permeating daily life, strong family values, and a laid-back approach to life.
As part of a protected national park, Saona Island is a haven for wildlife where endangered sea turtles nest. Tours and excursions via catamaran are the most popular way to reach the island. For cruise passengers seeking the ultimate beach day, the Dominican Republic offers a paradise unlike any other.
However, due to the growing threat from English pirates and privateers, Spain’s King Philip III ordered the city to be abandoned and destroyed in 1605. It lay in ruins for a century before being repopulated in the 18th century, mainly by Canary Islanders who migrated there and cultivated coffee, tobacco, bananas, and sugar cane. Get your camera ready to take the ultimate selfie atop Montaña Redonda, the best viewpoint on the island. The summit area not only offers 360-degree mountain and sea panoramas, but also has shops and a restaurant – local guides will even take you paragliding off the mountain, if you dare. They offer several types of carpaccio, including salmon, octopus, and beef, as well as oysters and tuna tartare.
This may be the easiest way to get around the city center, but would be difficult and time consuming to venture further out of the city on foot. You can take a taxi from the pier into the city center, and taxis are readily available when you’re in the city. Tee off and play a round of golf— Punta Cana is known for the most scenic courses in the Caribbean.
There's also plenty of shopping in Playa Dorada, which is a complex stocking bottles of mamajuana (a local drink), beachwear and local fruits. Monte Isabel de Torres is about 2,600 feet above sea level and crowned by a statue of Christ. Do the DR — i.e., the Dominican Republic — on a Caribbean cruise with Holland America Line. Stroll Santo Domingo’s Old Town, the Americas’ first city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or venture beyond to taste Ron Barceló rums. Explore the tropical wilderness of the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve, by Segway or on foot.
Bandera is the national dish, combining red beans with stewed meat, fried green plantains, and rice. This is one of the easiest ways to get around the island; you won’t have to worry about arranging transportation when you’re on your Punta Cana cruise. Chocolate lovers and those with sweet tooths won’t want to miss ChocoMuseo, n entire museum dedicated to the cacao plant. Take a two-hour chocolate making workshop or simply tour the museum for a detailed history of chocolate.
Local minivan “buses” are called guaguas and will stop when you flag them down and drop you where you say you want to disembark. Slightly more comfortable but operating on the same basis are carritos, or shared sedan cars, as opposed to vans. Car rental is also available, but be prepared to negotiate busy roads crammed with motorbikes. Puerto Plata is famous for the production of the oldest, most translucent amber in the world and you can set those amber stones in any type of jewelry, taking a piece of Puerto Plata with you.
While you’re there, tour the historic Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and explore the city’s colonial zone, heavily influenced by French and British occupation throughout the centuries. Enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes downtown, then find dinner along the waterfront facing the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic is a treasure trove of incredible experiences—and Holland America offers a wide range of shore excursions to suit every interest and preference. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation, there's a perfect excursion waiting for you. Shops in malls will display prices, which are regarded as fixed, but if you’re shopping in markets, a little polite haggling is appropriate.
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