The Dominican Port Authority has confirmed that the new Samaná Bayport will be designed to accommodate up to 3 cruise vessels simultaneously, marking a further expansion of the country’s cruise tourism capacity.
According to the authority’s executive director, the facility will incorporate a SeaWalk floating pier capable of receiving vessels carrying up to 5,000 passengers, while two additional ships will be handled at anchor through tender operations. This configuration places the terminal among a limited number of Caribbean ports adopting such technology, aimed at increasing operational flexibility while reducing the need for extensive fixed infrastructure.
The development, supported by an investment estimated at approximately US$22 million, integrates a range of environmental measures, including wastewater treatment systems and protections for the surrounding marine environment.
During its construction phase, the project generated an estimated 150 direct and 500 indirect jobs, with operational activity expected to sustain around 100 direct and 600 indirect positions. Economic projections indicate that cruise operations at the terminal may generate approximately US$10 million annually, with a further US$9 million anticipated from associated tourism services.
Beyond its role as a cruise facility, the port is intended to function as a broader development platform for the region, supporting local enterprises and service providers while contributing to the diversification of tourism activity in the Samaná peninsula. The project has been positioned as part of a wider strategy to strengthen regional economic resilience, combining infrastructure development with an emphasis on sustainability and controlled growth within the Caribbean cruise sector.