Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Puerto Plata? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Puerto Plata: A Brief Overview

Puerto Plata is a popular cruise ship destination, with over 2 million passengers arriving each year. The city’s beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and vibrant culture make it a great place to spend a few days or weeks.

There are three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Plata: the Amber Cove Cruise Terminal, the La Romana Cruise Terminal, and the San Pedro de Macoris Cruise Terminal. Each terminal offers a variety of amenities and services, including shops, restaurants, and bars.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the three cruise ship terminals in Puerto Plata, and we’ll provide some tips on how to make the most of your stay in the city.

Cruise Ship Port of Call Year Opened
Royal Caribbean Amber Cove 2015
Norwegian Cruise Line Costa Sur 2019
MSC Cruises La Romana 2015

Puerto Plata is a popular cruise ship destination in the Dominican Republic. The city is located on the north coast of the country, and it is known for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and historic landmarks. There are four major cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata, each of which offers a variety of facilities and amenities for cruise passengers.

Major Cruise Ship Ports in Puerto Plata

  • Puerto Plata Cruise Terminal

The Puerto Plata Cruise Terminal is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from the beach. The terminal has a passenger capacity of 3,000 people, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a casino. The terminal is also home to the Amber Coast Museum, which tells the story of the history of Puerto Plata.

  • Amber Cove Cruise Terminal

The Amber Cove Cruise Terminal is located about 45 minutes from Puerto Plata, in the town of Maimn. The terminal has a passenger capacity of 5,000 people, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a water park. The terminal is also home to the Amber Coast Golf Course, which is one of the most popular golf courses in the Dominican Republic.

  • La Romana Cruise Terminal

The La Romana Cruise Terminal is located about an hour from Puerto Plata, in the city of La Romana. The terminal has a passenger capacity of 2,500 people, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a casino. The terminal is also home to the Casa de Campo Resort, which is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Dominican Republic.

  • Santo Domingo Cruise Terminal

The Santo Domingo Cruise Terminal is located about two hours from Puerto Plata, in the capital city of Santo Domingo. The terminal has a passenger capacity of 3,000 people, and it offers a variety of facilities and amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a variety of restaurants and bars, and a casino. The terminal is also home to the Colonial Zone, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Facilities and Amenities at Cruise Ship Ports in Puerto Plata

The four major cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata offer a variety of facilities and amenities for cruise passengers. These include:

  • Passenger terminals

The passenger terminals at all four ports are large and modern, and they offer a variety of facilities and amenities, including check-in counters, baggage claim areas, restrooms, and duty-free shops.

  • Docking facilities

The ports are equipped with deep-water docks that can accommodate large cruise ships. The docks are also equipped with gangways, which allow passengers to easily board and disembark from their ships.

  • Shore excursions

The ports offer a variety of shore excursions, which allow passengers to explore the surrounding area. These excursions include day trips to the beach, rainforests, and historical landmarks.

  • Duty-free shopping

The ports have duty-free shopping malls, which offer a wide variety of merchandise, including clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and alcohol.

  • Restaurants and bars

The ports have a variety of restaurants and bars, which offer a variety of cuisines, including international, local, and fast food.

  • Hotels and resorts

The ports are located close to a number of hotels and resorts, which offer a variety of accommodations, including budget-friendly options and luxury resorts.

The four major cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata offer a variety of facilities and amenities for cruise passengers. These ports are a great way to explore the Dominican Republic, and they offer a variety of shore excursions, duty-free shopping, restaurants, bars, and hotels and resorts.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Puerto Plata?

There are two cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata:

  • Amber Cove, located in Maimn, about 20 kilometers (12 miles) west of Puerto Plata city center.
  • Puerto Plata, located in the city center.

Amber Cove is the newer of the two ports and is larger and more modern. It has a capacity of up to 8,000 passengers and can accommodate ships of up to 1,000 feet long. The port has a variety of amenities, including shops, restaurants, bars, and a casino. It is also close to a number of beaches and other attractions.

Puerto Plata is the older of the two ports and is smaller and more traditional. It has a capacity of up to 4,000 passengers and can accommodate ships of up to 850 feet long. The port is located in the city center and is close to a number of shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Which port is better for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a larger, more modern port with a wider variety of amenities, then Amber Cove is the better option. If you are looking for a smaller, more traditional port that is close to the city center, then Puerto Plata is the better option.

3.Transportation to and from Cruise Ship Ports in Puerto Plata

There are a number of ways to get to and from the cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata.

  • Taxis are the most convenient way to get to and from the ports. Taxis are readily available at the ports and can take you to your hotel or other destination in Puerto Plata. The fare will depend on the distance and the time of day.
  • Buses are another option for getting to and from the ports. Buses are less expensive than taxis, but they are also slower and less convenient. The bus stop is located at the entrance to the Amber Cove port.
  • Rental cars are a good option for those who want to have more flexibility and control over their transportation. Rental cars can be picked up at the airport or at the ports. The cost of a rental car will depend on the type of car and the length of time you need it for.
  • Shared shuttles are a good option for those who are traveling on a budget. Shared shuttles are vans that pick up passengers from the ports and take them to their hotels or other destinations in Puerto Plata. The cost of a shared shuttle will depend on the number of people in your group and the distance you are traveling.
  • Uber and Lyft are also available in Puerto Plata. The cost of a ride will depend on the distance and the time of day.

4.Things to Do in Puerto Plata

There are a number of things to do in Puerto Plata, including:

  • Beaches Puerto Plata is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. The beaches are known for their white sand, clear water, and lush vegetation. Some of the most popular beaches include Playa Dorada, Playa Sosa, and Playa Cofres.
  • Mountains The Cordillera Septentrional mountain range runs through Puerto Plata. The mountains offer stunning views of the coast and the Caribbean Sea. There are a number of hiking trails in the mountains, as well as waterfalls and other natural attractions.
  • Nature reserves Puerto Plata is home to a number of nature reserves, including the Isabel de Torres National Park and the Cuchillas de la Ruta Nacional Park. These parks protect a variety of plant and animal life, including the endemic Hispaniolan solenodon.
  • Historical sites Puerto Plata is home to a number of historical sites, including the Fortaleza San Felipe and the Alczar de Diego Coln. These sites offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
  • Cultural attractions Puerto Plata is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Casa de la Cultura and the Museo del mbar. These attractions offer a glimpse into the city’s culture and traditions.
  • Shopping Puerto Plata is home to a number of shopping areas, including the Malecn and the Mercado Modelo. These areas offer a wide variety of souvenirs, clothing, and other goods.
  • Nightlife Puerto Plata has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and casinos. The nightlife scene is concentrated in the city center and the beach areas.

    Where do cruise ships dock in Puerto Plata?

There are two main cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata:

  • Carnival Cruise Line’s Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Cruise Port, located in the town of San Felipe de Puerto Plata. This port is home to the Carnival Victory, Carnival Sunshine, and Carnival Horizon.
  • Royal Caribbean International’s Amber Cove Cruise Port, located in the town of Maimn. This port is home to the Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas.

Which cruise port is better?

The best cruise port for you will depend on your personal preferences. Carnival Cruise Line’s Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Cruise Port is located in the heart of the city, making it easy to explore Puerto Plata’s historic center and shops. Royal Caribbean International’s Amber Cove Cruise Port is located in a more secluded area, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and ocean.

How do I get from the cruise port to my hotel?

There are a few different ways to get from the cruise port to your hotel in Puerto Plata.

  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available at both cruise ports. The fare from Carnival Cruise Line’s Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Cruise Port to the city center is approximately $10 USD. The fare from Royal Caribbean International’s Amber Cove Cruise Port to the city center is approximately $20 USD.
  • Shared shuttle: Shared shuttles are a more affordable option than taxis. They can be booked through your cruise line or through a local tour operator. The fare from Carnival Cruise Line’s Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Cruise Port to the city center is approximately $5 USD per person. The fare from Royal Caribbean International’s Amber Cove Cruise Port to the city center is approximately $10 USD per person.
  • Private shuttle: Private shuttles are the most convenient option, but they are also the most expensive. They can be booked through your cruise line or through a local tour operator. The fare from Carnival Cruise Line’s Dr. Joaquin Balaguer Cruise Port to the city center is approximately $20 USD per person. The fare from Royal Caribbean International’s Amber Cove Cruise Port to the city center is approximately $40 USD per person.

What are the best things to do in Puerto Plata?

There are many things to see and do in Puerto Plata, including:

  • Explore the historic center: The historic center of Puerto Plata is home to a variety of colonial-era buildings, including the Fortaleza San Felipe, the Catedral de San Felipe Apstol, and the Museo del mbar.
  • Visit the Amber Museum: The Amber Museum is home to a collection of over 500 pieces of amber, including some that are over 20 million years old.
  • Take a day trip to the Damajagua Waterfalls: The Damajagua Waterfalls are a series of 27 waterfalls located in the Sierra de Bahoruco mountains.
  • Go hiking in the Pico Isabel de Torres National Park: The Pico Isabel de Torres National Park is home to Pico Isabel de Torres, the highest mountain in the Dominican Republic.
  • Spend the day at the beach: Puerto Plata is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic.

What is the weather like in Puerto Plata?

The weather in Puerto Plata is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 75F to 85F. The rainy season runs from May to October, with the driest months being December to April.

What is the best time to visit Puerto Plata?

The best time to visit Puerto Plata is during the dry season, from December to April. This is when the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain.

there are three main cruise ship ports in Puerto Plata: the Amber Cove Cruise Port, the Puerto Plata Cruise Port, and the Playa Dorada Cruise Port. Each port offers its own unique set of amenities and attractions, so it is important to do your research before booking a cruise to determine which port is the best fit for you.

The Amber Cove Cruise Port is the newest and most modern of the three ports, and it offers a variety of amenities, including a duty-free shopping mall, a casino, and a variety of restaurants. The Puerto Plata Cruise Port is the oldest of the three ports, and it offers a more traditional cruise experience. The Playa Dorada Cruise Port is located in a beautiful beachfront setting, and it offers a variety of water sports and activities.

No matter which port you choose, you are sure to have a memorable cruise experience in Puerto Plata.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.