The cruise industry will soon have a new player in Dominican ports. The confirmation of Disney Cruise Line in Puerto Plata between November and December represents a significant step for the country's maritime tourism and reinforces its position as a destination capable of meeting the standards of the world's leading cruise lines. The announcement was highlighted by the executive director of the Dominican Port Authority, Jean Luis Rodríguez, who described it as a milestone for the sector.
The official explained that this result stems from a technical and institutional work process initiated in 2021, which included strategic meetings and engagements in key industry forums such as Seatrade Cruise Global and the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) , as well as bilateral meetings with port operators and cruise lines. He indicated that the consistent presence in these forums allowed progress in negotiations that are now beginning to translate into new routes to the country.
“Since our first participation in Seatrade 2021, when we held exploratory meetings with major shipping lines, we made a commitment to create the port, operational, and security conditions required by a line like Disney. Today, that vision is beginning to materialize,” said Rodríguez.
Port infrastructure, security and experience
The arrival of a cruise line focused on family tourism required specific preparations. In coordination with the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominican Port Authority worked on upgrading infrastructure, improving operational standards, and enhancing the overall port experience—factors that directly influence cruise lines' choice of destinations.
Rodríguez noted that the confirmation of these port calls is a sign of confidence in the country's institutional capacity to meet international demands. “The arrival of Disney Cruise Line is a clear sign of confidence in our ports, in the safety of the destination, and in the Dominican State's institutional capacity to comply with international standards. This doesn't happen overnight; it's the result of perseverance, planning, and a constant presence in the spaces where decisions are made in the sector,” he stated.
Part of a strategy to gain a presence in the global market
The executive reiterated that this progress is part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the Dominican Republic's position in the global cruise market. The roadmap includes attracting new routes, diversifying port destinations, and ensuring competitive, safe, and efficient operations throughout the system.
“We will continue working with the same vision and responsibility, convinced that each new arrival is an opportunity to generate development, employment and national pride,” concluded Rodríguez, emphasizing that the institutional focus aims to sustain the sector's growth through inter-institutional planning and coordination.
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