SANTO DOMINGO – The Dominican Republic continues to strengthen its position as a tourist destination. Next April, 74 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive and dock at various ports throughout the country.
The executive director of the Dominican Port Authority, Jean Luis Rodríguez, described this growth as a milestone for the country's cruise industry.
He said that this figure represents one of the largest cruise ship flows in recent months, consolidating the country as a strategic destination in the Caribbean.
“We are experiencing our best moment in terms of cruise ships. The number of vessels we will receive in April demonstrates the confidence of the major cruise lines in the Dominican Republic. This boom benefits thousands of local workers and businesses, from tour guides to entrepreneurs in the food and crafts sectors,” the official stated.
He explained that the sector's growth has been driven by the strengthening of port infrastructure.
Puerto Plata in the lead
The Puerto Plata terminal will receive 62 of the 74 cruise ships, becoming the main gateway for thousands of tourists. Confirmed vessels include the Carnival Celebration, Nieuw Amsterdam, Celebrity Ascent, Norwegian Escape, and MSC World America, among others.
In addition to Puerto Plata, other destinations such as La Romana, Samaná, and Cap Cana continue to expand, with 12 additional cruise ships diversifying the country's tourism offerings. Ships such as the Mein Schiff 2, AIDA Bella, Norwegian Viva, and Carnival Horizon are expected to arrive at these ports.
The influx of cruise ships will bring a significant increase in tourist spending to areas such as Puerto Plata, La Romana, and Samaná. It is estimated that each cruise passenger spends an average of $80 to $120 on excursions, food, transportation, and souvenirs, which translates into millions of dollars in revenue for local communities.
