The northern Dominican port of Puerto Plata—aptly named the "Bride of the Atlantic"—has received around 300 cruise visits over the first five months of the year, establishing it as a growing force in the nation’s cruise sector. In June, the region sees a further rise in activity: Cabo Rojo (in Pedernales) and Puerto Plata will welcome approximately 26 cruise calls combined, marking a notable event in the country’s maritime tourism development.
Cruise season has shifted into its low phase, yet this Sunday still saw the arrival of the Norwegian Aqua at Taíno Bay, one among the 26 vessels scheduled to call at Puerto Plata’s Amber Cove and Taíno Bay terminals. Official projections indicate that this year’s cruise traffic to Puerto Plata will outpace last year’s numbers, affirming the port’s rising profile.
A breakdown of arrivals through May reflects strong demand: January hosted 81 vessels, February 64, March 65, April 52, and May 38—following a historic beginning in 1970 when El Boheme brought 750 tourists to the region . The momentum of the cruise resurgence was further solidified in 2015 with Carnival Corporation’s opening of the Amber Cove terminal.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the Dominican Port Authority, emphasised that both Cabo Rojo and Puerto Plata are emerging as key drivers of the nation’s maritime tourism; Puerto Plata routinely receives vessels from major operators including MSC Cruises, Carnival, and Norwegian.
Puerto Plata’s two cruise terminals offer significant docking flexibility. The Amber Cove facility, inaugurated in 2015 by Carnival, and the newer Taíno Bay terminal, which opened in 2021, together can host multiple ships simultaneously, accommodating up to three vessels and 14,000 passengers. This infrastructure reflects the region’s investment in cruise readiness and tourism growth.
From the rebound in port calls and the emergence of Cabo Rojo on the itinerary, it is clear that the northern coast of the Dominican Republic is evolving into a strategic hub for Caribbean cruise traffic, powered by enhanced facilities and strong public-private collaboration.