SANTO DOMINGO – When analyzing cruise tourism, one of the most frequently asked questions revolves around its actual contribution to the local economy. Beyond the spending generated by passengers upon disembarking, exploring destinations, or booking excursions, the impact is also reflected in port revenues, logistical operations, and the financial flows associated with each port call. These elements help to understand the role that maritime activity plays within the national tourism ecosystem.
The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) reported that port activity linked to maritime tourism closed 2025 with accrued revenues of RD$2,046,097,626.39 , compared to RD$1,599,497,871.32 registered in 2024. The result represents an increase of more than RD$446 million in just one year, in a context marked by the increase in operations and the concentration of port calls in the country's main ports.
Operating Rules
Cruise ports operate under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, a global standard that establishes access, identification, and security controls for both vessels and terminals. This framework governs entry to the facilities and regulates the dissemination of strategic information.
“We abide by that code. Not just anyone can enter the port, and access cannot be granted without complying with those protocols,” Gómez explained, emphasizing that shipping companies and port authorities must adhere to the same requirements.
Greater dynamism in the ports
Financial performance was directly related to the volume of vessels received. During 2025, 941 ships arrived, of which 788 were cruise ships and 153 were ferries, with the highest activity occurring in January, March, and December. This flow reaffirms the role of ports as strategic points for the entry of visitors and for the coordination of services associated with maritime tourism.
The operation was concentrated primarily in two terminals. Taíno Bay, in Puerto Plata, recorded 316 calls, while Amber Cove accounted for 247, together representing more than half of the cruise ship arrivals to the country. These figures are complemented by La Romana with 107 arrivals, Cabo Rojo with 42, Samaná with 35, Santo Domingo with 21, and Isla Catalina with 20, creating a port network with a distributed presence across various points in the country.
In ferry transport, the 153 operations were carried out exclusively in Santo Domingo, consolidating the capital as the hub of this mode within the national port system.
How port revenues are structured
Revenue from cruise ships consists primarily of docking fees and passenger-based charges. Rigoberto Gómez, operations manager at Taíno Bay Port, explained that the docking fee covers the physical maneuver of mooring the ships at the pier, a process that depends on both the size and characteristics of each vessel.
“The mooring fee depends on the vessel and its use of the dock. Ships are secured with lines attached to bollards, and the number of lines used varies depending on the vessel,” Gómez explained. The Taíno Bay dock has 44 bollards , although a typical ship may use between six and twelve lines distributed between bow and stern, depending on operational requirements.
Passenger fees, calculated on the total number of cruise passengers transported, are added to this component. “The charge is based on the total number of passengers the ship brings, not just those who disembark,” the executive explained, noting that this system adheres to contractual regulations specific to the sector.
Some of this data is not publicly available. Gómez explained that it is considered sensitive information within the port ecosystem, governed by international security regulations that limit the disclosure of certain operational and financial aspects.
Billing and main contributors
Apordom reported total revenue of RD$1,923,449,000.83 during 2025, resulting from charges applied for port services throughout the year. Credit billing between January and December reached RD$1,568,869,398.63, with peaks in July, November, and December, months that saw some of the highest collection volumes.
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