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But if there are multiple ships, then it’s smart to arrive early to stake out a prime spot. As well, going later in the afternoon also sees smaller crowds as many head back to the ship despite all aboard not usually being until the evening. One fun feature is a pair of waterslides that circle around near the edge of the pool. The twin slides spin around several times before dumping you into a dedicated splash pool. The entrance can be a little hidden, but it’s along the back of the port area and up a hill.
Deep sea fishing
Other local highlights to see include Fort San Felipe and the gushing Damajagua Falls. The beach towns of Sousa and Cabarete are the place to watch daring kite-boarders and windsurfers from a beachfront cafe. Visit the Amber Museum in Puerto Plata or take a tour of the Brugal Rum Factory. You can enjoy a stroll along the waterfront on the three-mile-long Malecon promenade or explore the historic downtown and main plaza.
Public holidaysin the Dominican Republic

Either way, you’ll be certain to appreciate all Puerto Plata and Amber Cove have to offer. Besides all the distinctive features and activities in the Amber Cove Cruise Center, there are many attractions and highlights in the Puerto Plata area, within less than a 1-hour drive. Enjoy the open countryside on this full-day, guided, ATV tour that includes visits to a cigar rolling factory, a secluded beach, and a Dominican lunch. Pass by locals, scenery, animals, and vegetation and stop for lunch and a swim break at the beach. Head home in a safari-style vehicle while relaxing with a cool rum drink.
Things to do in Amber Cove cruise port
The culture of Puerto Plata and Amber Cove is one you won’t want to miss during your travels. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for. With a few exceptions, the cruise port in Amber Cove is mainly visited by ships belonging to Carnival Corporation like Carnival Cruises, Princess, Holland America, Costa, P&O or Cunard. However, other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, NCL, Regent or MSC also call at Amber Cove. To truly experience the best of Puerto Plata, immerse yourself in Dominican life and cuisine.
It’s broken into different areas that are connected with bridges so even though it can be busy, it can still make the spots seem more private. The main portion of the pool near the swim-up bar gets pretty lively. Climb aboard a mega-truck to be taken through incredible villages and off the road, into the countryside. Steer your own ATV through the Dominican backcountry, or enjoy a wild ride on a two-person terracross buggy. Each of our ships is a unique experience — check the features and find out which ship is right for you.
With some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable as the backdrop, you’ll hike through lush rainforest, race down water-hewn slides, and swim beneath a hidden waterfall. It’s not often you get to feel like your very own adventure hero, especially in a secluded and beautiful landscape like Amber Cove. If you want to get out on the water, then there are plenty of rentals to choose from. Cruisers visiting Amber Cove have the option of renting kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and more. The fees are a bit steep — starting around $35 per hour — but some of those can be split by multiple people such as the pedal boats that carry four.
Carnival Corporation Reveals New Solar Installation at Amber Cove Port - Porthole Cruise and Travel
Carnival Corporation Reveals New Solar Installation at Amber Cove Port.
Posted: Mon, 11 Mar 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
How to Save Money on Your Shore Excursions
You’ll also get to walk through untouched rainforest, snorkel pristine coral reefs, and dine on a gourmet picnic lunch, all with Mayan ruins sitting just over your shoulder. The Lamanai Mayan Ruins & River Boat Safari is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in history and beauty so plentiful in Belize, exploring its lush and rugged landscapes as you go. Grand Turk might not be the biggest island in the Caribbean, but it’s tough to find a more memorable one. As we just said, the wi-fi from the ship doesn’t work in port. And while you can pay the $8 for all-day access while visiting, there is also a free option. You’ll find that some offer free wi-fi access as an incentive for you to visit the shop.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
You’ll then enjoy a short visit to the Jose Briseno Baseball Stadium, followed by Independence Square, Victorian houses and the San Felipe Cathedral. This 5-hour excursion includes a 45-minute bus ride to the catamaran and a relaxing cruise on the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Lunch and drinks are provided as you enjoy a leisurely sail along the coastline of the Dominican Republic. If you’re going on a cruise to the Dominican Republic, you’ll want to take in all of the local flavors while you have the chance.
Here's everything you need to know about Amber Cove, Dominican Republic, Carnival's private destination with cabanas, zip line, and more. Many cruise memories have already been made in and near Amber Cove. To start making some of your own, contact your onboard shore-excursion specialist. If you want to spend the day at the pool, access is free, as are loungers. Everything from umbrellas to pool floats to lockers cost extra, as do certain “VIP” areas. You can see a list of the charges in the “Price List” section above.
This 4.5-hour trip from Amber Cove is great value for money and includes a traditional lunch. Similar to the Waterfalls Adventure but without the Buggy Tour, this more strenuous 4-hour trip includes a 40-minute hike and swim in the waterfalls of Damajagua. The tour price is per vehicle, which can carry up to two riders.
These two-person dune buggies are for the thrill seekers among us. This is a half day full of fun for those looking for a tour to see the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic and it even includes a beach stop as well. Ride through the jungle, cross streams, and reach hidden waterfalls. Some tours also include a visit to the Country World Adventure Park, where you can enjoy an on-site swimming pool and a tropical botanical garden. Enjoy a day off the ship and lounging by the ocean in one of Puerto Plata’s soft sandy beaches during this half-day getaway at a local resort that includes a lounge chair on the beach.
Near the Cruise Center, there’s a colonial-style plaza with many stalls selling souvenirs, arts and crafts, including jewelry and trinkets made from local gemstones. Puerto Plata is the windsurfing and kite-boarding capital of the Caribbean, so Amber Cove is a great place to try these exhilarating watersports. There’s a booth offering watersports rentals right on the waterside near the Cabana Bar. Perched on the hillside overlooking the whole of Amber cove, the Sky Bar offers a full range of refreshing drinks and snacks with panoramic views. Cabana rates start from around $310 per day for a Hillside Cabana (max. 8 guests) rising to $1170 for a Grand Cabana on the water suitable for up to 20 people to share.
They start from the hillside overlooking the Aqua Zone and carry riders right over the pool. Right next to the pools, there’s a Wet Zone and Splash Pad for youngsters. They can have hours of fun playing with the splash bucket and mini slide. The area has plenty of lounge chairs for adults to keep an eye on youngsters while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Carnival Corporation spent $85 million creating Amber Cove on the north coast of the Dominican Republic and it has since welcomed over a million cruisers. The first 3,000 guests arrived aboard the Carnival Victory in October 2015.
Playa Dorada, with its golden sands and clear waters, is perfect for relaxation. It’s very close to the cruise port terminals, so make an ideal stop. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. If you’re an adventurous type of cruiser, the 650-foot twin zip lines at Amber Cove are the place to head for.
Further away, there’s a giant Aqua Zone with pool, swim-up bar, cabanas and exciting watersports activities. What Caribbean cruise would be complete without some sports on the crystal blue water? Amber Cove has a lot to offer a fan of water sports, from windsurfing to fishing. Hop aboard a catamaran or go on a high-tech snorkeling adventure for some fun in the bay. If you really enjoy snorkeling, you can spend even more time in Sosua Bay on a magical, all-inclusive shore excursion. Or, simply enjoy some relaxing swimming outside your own poolside cabana.
The longest zipline runs for 850 meters and is one of the longest in the country. End your adrenaline-packed visit beneath a thatched roof, snacking on local fruits from an organic fruit platter. Sanocho is a popular Latino American dish that has the consistency of a thick soup made from stewed meats and local vegetables such as yucca and plantain. If you visit the Information Center at Amber Cove, you can get your passport stamped with an unofficial stamp showing that you visited Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata dates back to the 16th century, and the port serves as a gateway to the area.