Cabo Rojo-Pedernales is now among the Dominican Republic's many attractions. This new tourist destination is included in the itineraries of major cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, a US-Bermuda-registered company headquartered in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
"Trade the dazzling resorts, bustling boardwalks, and urban centers of other Caribbean ports for the refreshing and untamed landscapes of Pedernales province. Located in the southwestern corner of the Dominican Republic, near the Haitian border, this region is a dream destination for nature lovers. Travel from its pristine beaches, lagoons, and mangroves that adorn the coastline to the imposing mountains and hidden caverns that beckon you to stay. Whether you're hiking, diving, kayaking, birdwatching, or sunbathing, discovering your own little slice of paradise in Pedernales province will be a breeze," the company states in its promotional material to encourage people to explore this new destination.
The company, which began operations in 1966 under the name Norwegian Caribbean Line, is a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and offers on its website, for January, March and April 2024, the route of its Norwegian Sky cruise, which includes “Caribbean: Barbados, Curacao & Aruba”, for nine days, departing from La Romana and calling at the ports of Cabo Rojo-Pedernales, Wilemstad-Curacao, Oranjestad-Aruba, Kralendijk-Bonaire, St. George's-Grenada, Bridgetown-Barbados, Castries-St. Lucia, Tortola-British Virgin Islands and returning to La Romana.
"Get ready to find a wide variety of wildlife in this spectacular corner of paradise: from flamingos, white ibises, ospreys and other bird species to manatees, sea turtles and iguanas," the notice adds.
According to Sigmund Freund, head of the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP), “the fact that a company of the caliber of Norwegian Cruise Line has already identified Cabo Rojo and included it in its itineraries demonstrates that the project promoted by the Government is a reality and that its potential is already being recognized internationally.”.
In his opinion, this fact complements the marketing of the projects that will come with the hotel part, since, in his view, it consolidates the project and gives it recognition in the international tourism markets, after assuring that it will also favor the arrival of tourists by air.
"This marks the beginning of international recognition for Cabo Rojo as an exotic and appealing tourist destination for the North American market.".
Offer and promotion
According to the cruise line's website, the regular cost of this voyage is $1,518 per person; however, they had an offer of $759 and free airfare for a second guest.
The company explains that the port is near Jaragua National Park, declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, which encompasses diverse ecosystems "as it crosses forests, lagoons, beaches and dunes, salt flats, coral reefs and much more.".
Another attraction it offers is a tour along the "Flamingo Walk in the Oviedo Lagoon to spot these magnificent birds in their natural habitat and enjoy the picturesque landscape while walking through enchanting mangrove swamps.".
In addition, it suggests that interested cruise passengers take the opportunity to savor delicious fresh seafood, such as the local lobsters.
Another piece of information it offers is that Cabo Rojo is one of the most popular beaches in the southern part of the Dominican Republic and that its name refers to its red dirt roads, a result of the presence of bauxite in the soil. It recommends exploring the coral reef on the beach, which is frequented by manatees and numerous marine species.
Norwegian Cruise Line is among the best in cruise tourism, having received Readers' Choice Awards since 2003 and other accolades earned during nearly two decades of excellent service.
