The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic has announced that Puerto Plata is scheduled to receive 54 cruise ship calls in April 2026, further highlighting the sustained growth of cruise tourism in the country’s northern region.
Of these arrivals, 19 ships will dock at Amber Cove, while 35 ships are expected at Taíno Bay, reinforcing Puerto Plata’s position as one of the Caribbean’s leading cruise destinations.
Continued Growth in Cruise Tourism

Tourism Minister David Collado attributed the strong performance of the cruise sector to a strategy focused on planning, operational monitoring, and continuous improvement of visitor services. This approach has strengthened the Dominican Republic’s competitiveness within the Caribbean cruise market.

Local tourism authorities also noted that the April schedule allows for more efficient operational planning, enabling better coordination between port operators, tour providers, and government institutions. This results in smoother passenger flows and an enhanced visitor experience.

The projected volume of arrivals is expected to:

• Improve service efficiency
• Optimize visitor experiences
• Boost local economic activity

With consistent planning and strong institutional collaboration, Puerto Plata continues to consolidate its role as a major cruise tourism hub in the region.

Major Investment Announced for Puerto Plata Cable Car

In a separate development, José Ignacio Paliza and David Collado recently presented a project for the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Puerto Plata Cable Car, with an investment exceeding US$20 million.

Funding for the project will come from the Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) and the Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation (IDAC).

Project Scope and Improvements

The rehabilitation project includes three main components:

• Technical studies and design
• Execution of construction works and system assembly
• Construction of a new electrical supply line

Paliza emphasized the importance of modernizing one of the country’s most iconic attractions:

“The Puerto Plata Cable Car has been for five decades a symbol of Dominican tourism. Today we are beginning a process to ensure greater safety, cutting-edge technology, and a world-class experience.”

Key Upgrades

The project will deliver significant improvements, including:

• Increased cabin capacity from 18 to 50 passengers
• Reduced travel time from 8 minutes to approximately 5 minutes
• Installation of a modern electromechanical system operating at 10 meters per second

Minister Collado explained that the previous closure of the cable car was a necessary safety measure, taken in response to concerns from local residents.

He also confirmed that the redevelopment will include upgrades to vendor areas, ensuring that local merchants are not displaced during the process.

International Standards and Timeline

The upgraded system will comply with European UNE-EN safety standards, including:

• UNE-EN 12929 (cable car safety)
• UNE-EN 1709 (maintenance and operational controls)
• UNE-EN 12927-7 (cable inspection)

The project will be led by the Execution Unit for the Readequacy of Neighborhoods and Environments (URBE) and is expected to take approximately 18 months from the awarding of the contract.

Additionally, authorities confirmed that President Luis Abinader will repeal Decree 162-25, after identifying the necessary funding to proceed without the previously proposed public trust structure.

A Strong Outlook for Puerto Plata

With record cruise arrivals and major infrastructure investments underway, Puerto Plata continues to strengthen its appeal as a top-tier Caribbean destination. These developments not only enhance the visitor experience but also create lasting economic opportunities for the region.

Our Business Directory

Do you own a business in Puerto Plata? If so, we want to encourage you to list this in our directory. You can do so by clicking this link, registering, and filling in all the information about your business. Encourage new clients by asking your customers to complete a review and give you 5*. Recommendations from previous visitors is a powerful means of attracting new people to visit you.

We look forward to welcoming you as a new listing member.

The City of Puerto Plata continues to consolidate itself as one of the main cruise hubs in the Caribbean, with 67 ships scheduled for March 2026. Amber Cove will welcome 24, while Taíno Bay, located close to the city center, will have 43, according to the official calendar of the Ministry of Tourism.

The full list of arrivals can be found on the following chart:

The Minister of Tourism, David Collado, has reiterated that strengthening cruise tourism is part of the national strategy aimed at boosting the economic development of destinations providing greater opportunities for local communities linked to tourism.

In that same vein, Yokasta Almonte, head of the Puerto Plata Tourism Office, highlighted that the constant flow of arrivals reaffirms the confidence of the main cruise lines in the destination’s port infrastructure, as well as in the quality and diversity of its tourism offerings.

The economic impact of this movement is directly reflected in the dynamism of local commerce, tourist transport, organized excursions, and complementary services, sectors that experience an increase in demand every time ships dock in the province.

Authorities and stakeholders in the sector agree that these figures strengthen Puerto Plata’s position as a strategic hub for maritime tourism in the Dominican Republic, consolidating its role as a key gateway for thousands of international visitors arriving in the country by sea.

Puerto Plata’s tourism surge shows no signs of slowing down. As part of the national strategy to cement the Dominican Republic as the Caribbean’s premier cruise hub, the province is preparing for a high-traffic February 2026.

While February is the shortest month of the year, it is packing a heavy punch. A total of 65 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive, bringing a wave of international visitors to our shores.

The February Breakdown

The flow of visitors will be split across our two world-class terminals:

Note: While this is slightly lower than January’s record-breaking numbers, the “per-day” arrival rate remains incredibly high, reflecting the continued confidence major cruise lines have in Puerto Plata’s infrastructure.

A National Tourism Boom

It isn’t just Puerto Plata seeing the action. Across the country, over 100 liners will be docking this month, with simultaneous stops in La Romana, Samaná, and Cabo Rojo. Jean Luis Rodríguez, CEO of Apordom, noted that this schedule confirms the Dominican Republic’s status as a “preferred destination,” moving the country closer to its goal of becoming the region’s ultimate cruise hub.

Attention Local Business Owners: Are You Ready?

At gopuertoplata.com, our mission is to ensure that every local business in the province—from tour operators to cafes—reaps the rewards of this tourism influx.

1. Get Listed in Our Directory

Don’t let tourists wander past your door. Our directory allows you to provide:

• Precise Google Maps directions to your storefront.
• Current opening hours and contact info.
• Exclusive offers to entice cruise passengers.

2. NEW: Free “Business Spotlight” Promotion

We are launching a new article category specifically to highlight local establishments. We are offering you the chance to publish a free, unrestricted resume of your business on our site.

This is your opportunity to tell your story before the ships dock. We recommend including:

• Why tourists should visit you (What makes you unique?).
• Advance contact options (Email/WhatsApp) to encourage bookings.
• Specialty services (Ideal for transport providers and private tour guides).

How to Apply: Send your business details and your description to: support@gopuertoplata.com.

Let’s make February your most successful month yet!

Puerto Plata is set to begin 2026 with a historic milestone in cruise tourism. The Ministry of Tourism has announced that 72 cruise ships are scheduled to dock at the destination during January 2026, marking a new monthly record for the city.

Of these arrivals, 30 ships will dock at Amber Cove, while 42 ships are scheduled to arrive at Taíno Bay, further reinforcing Puerto Plata’s position as one of the leading cruise ports in the Caribbean.

Strong Economic Impact for the Province

According to the Ministry of Tourism, the growing flow of cruise passengers continues to have a direct and positive impact on the local economy. Communities, small and medium-sized businesses, tour operators, transportation providers, tour guides, and the retail sector all benefit from the steady increase in cruise arrivals. The Ministry shared this information through its official social media channels.

The tourism authority also reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing organization, safety, and service quality, ensuring that every visitor arriving by sea enjoys a memorable and well-managed experience in Puerto Plata.

A Prime Opportunity for Local Businesses

As cruise passenger numbers continue to rise, gopuertoplata.com encourages local businesses to take advantage of this growth by listing their services in our Business Directory.

Cruise passengers often research where to go and what to do before docking, as their time onshore is limited. Being visible online in advance gives businesses a significant advantage. Many establishments already have a basic listing, but for a one-time lifetime investment of just RD$2,000, you can:

• Claim and fully manage your listing

• Add detailed business information

• Upload photos

• Display your location on the integrated Google Map

• Highlight services that attract cruise visitors

• Show opening hours
• And more…………

Unlike traditional advertising involving Pay per Click, or a recurring subscription, this is not an annual fee, but a permanent listing that you can update at anytime.

Our directory is also a valuable resource for residents and visitors throughout Puerto Plata Province, providing fully detailed information, as well as reviews from previous customers for every listed business.

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Act Now and Get Ahead

This introductory discounted offer is available for a limited time, and we cannot guarantee how long it will remain in effect. Investing now will enable your business to stand out, reach more visitors, and stay ahead of the competition as cruise tourism continues to grow.

Don’t miss this opportunity—position your business where visitors are already looking.

The long-anticipated Amber Highway, a project designed to connect the cities of Puerto Plata and Santiago in as little as 30 minutes, has taken an important step toward becoming a reality. The Ministry of Public Works and Communications (MOPC), through the RD-Vial Trust, has officially opened the public tender for the design and construction of the roadway. This new route will link Santiago’s Northern Bypass with the Puerto Plata–Sosúa highway, forming a key section of the Amber Highway corridor.

Public Tender Details

Qualified bidders—those registered in the State Supplier Registry (RPE) under the General Directorate of Public Procurement (DGCP)—may obtain the tender’s Terms and Conditions starting Thursday. Documents are available through the RD-Vial Trust’s Purchasing and Contracting Department, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., or can be downloaded from the institution’s official website.

The tender process requires the submission of two components:

• Technical Proposal (Envelope A)
• Economic Proposal (Envelope B)

Proposals may be submitted digitally through the Dominican State’s SECP platform or physically in sealed envelopes. Physical submissions will be accepted until 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at the RD-Vial Trust Meeting Room. The public opening of the technical proposals will follow the timeline outlined in the tender’s Specific Conditions.

Positive Reactions From the Business Community

Mileyka Brugal, president of the Puerto Plata Chamber of Commerce and Production, recently emphasized the positive impact the Amber Highway will have on the “Atlantic Bride” and the wider northern region. She noted that the project will complement the development of Punta Bergantín, further strengthening economic and tourism growth in the province.

Brugal added that the highway will give Puerto Plata a significant competitive advantage, meeting the growing demand for new experiences among cruise passengers. The improved connectivity will also position Santiago as a valuable allied destination, while cruise arrivals continue through Amber Cove and Taíno Bay.

Additional Benefits

Although not explicitly mentioned, one major advantage is the potential for more affordable travel options. Airfares into Santiago’s Cibao International Airport are often substantially lower than those to Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata. However, the current winding and time-consuming road between the two cities discourages many visitors. A modern highway—and a journey of roughly 30 minutes—would make flying into Santiago a much more attractive alternative and could help draw even more visitors to the North Coast. This may also provide competition to the highly commercialized Punta Cana region.

A Bright Outlook for Puerto Plata

With enhanced regional connectivity, growing tourism demand, and major investments underway, the future for Puerto Plata looks exceptionally promising.

Cruise arrivals to Puerto Plata are set to surge this December, with a total of 81 cruise ships scheduled to dock across the province’s two terminals. According to the latest schedules, 28 ships are expected at Amber Cove, while 53 ships are set to arrive at Taíno Bay.

This marks a strong start to the peak tourist season, which runs from December through April, and highlights the region’s continued growth as one of the Caribbean’s most attractive cruise destinations.

Cruise Ship Arrivals – December 2025

• Total arrivals: 81 ships

• Amber Cove: 28 ships

• Taíno Bay: 53 ships

The increasing number of ships docking directly in the city port (Taíno Bay) may signal that both cruise lines and passengers value the convenience of immediate access to local attractions, shops, restaurants, and other facilities—without the need to travel from outlying terminals.

This trend is excellent news for businesses located in Puerto Plata’s urban area, as many cruise passengers now choose to explore independently rather than booking organized excursions. This shift represents a significant opportunity for local tourism businesses.

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Attention Tourism Businesses: Attract Cruise Passengers in December and Beyond

If you operate a tourism-related business and want to reach the thousands of cruise passengers arriving each month, we strongly recommend adding your business to our directory.

You may join for free, but upgrading to our Business Listing provides major advantages, including:

• Detailed business description

• Additional photos

• Mapped location

• Priority visibility

• Unlimited updates

We are currently offering lifetime Business Listings for just RD$2,000 — a one-time investment that keeps your listing active permanently, unlike recurring advertising costs. You can update your information whenever you need, at no extra charge.

With thousands of passengers expected throughout December—and similar numbers projected for early 2026—now is the perfect time to position your business for maximum visibility.

You can view the full cruise schedule for December, including arrival dates, passenger numbers, and docking times, at the following source:
https://www.cruisetimetables.com/puertoplataambercovedominicanrepublicschedule-dec2025.html

Puerto Plata is cementing its status as a Caribbean cruise tourism leader, preparing for an incredible November with 62 cruise ship arrivals scheduled!

This massive influx is split between the province’s two major ports:

• Taino Bay will welcome 39 cruise ships.

• Amber Cove will host 23 cruise ships.

A Major Economic Boost for the North Coast

The Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), led by Minister David Collado, has been laser-focused on promoting cruise tourism as a key strategy to strengthen and diversify the nation’s travel sector.

The northern regional director of Tourism, Atahualpa Paulino, emphasized the huge positive ripple effect of this schedule on the local economy.

“The month of November will mark one of the periods of greatest movement in the country’s tourist ports,” Paulino said. “These 62 cruise ships reflect the confidence of the main international lines in Puerto Plata and show strong support for Minister Collado’s efforts to strengthen Dominican tourism.”

This sustained increase in arrivals reaffirms Puerto Plata’s appeal, which is driven by its modern port infrastructure, rich cultural and natural attractions, and the renowned hospitality of the Dominican people.

Record Growth and New Vessels

The November figures represent a significant jump from October, which saw 25 cruises (14 at Taino Bay and 11 at Amber Cove).

The region continues to attract major international lines. For example, September celebrated the inaugural visits of two impressive ships:

• Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady (arrived September 28)

• Capacity: Up to 2,762 passengers and 1,150 crew.

• Size: 277 meters long.

• Coral Cruiser Line’s Queen Elizabeth (arrived September 30)

• Capacity: Up to 2,092 passengers.

• Size: 294 meters long.

APORDOM director Jean Luis Rodríguez highlighted these milestones, noting that the inclusion of such major vessels in Dominican itineraries is a strong indicator of international confidence in the nation’s ports and vibrant tourism appeal.

September promises another busy month for cruise tourism in Puerto Plata, as there are 21 ships scheduled to dock at Amber Cove and the Taino Bay terminals. These liners, often carrying thousands of passengers, boost the presence of international visitors in the city and throughout the region. According to the Ministry of Tourism (Mitur), Amber Cove will see 12 vessels, while Taino Bay is scheduled to receive 9 arrivals, ensuring a steady flow of passengers throughout the month.

The number of cruises tends to decline slightly at this time of year due to the risk of adverse weather conditions, as the Caribbean is at the peak of the hurricane season. Even if one of the storms is hundreds of kilometers away, rough seas can be unpleasant for passengers. September is often one of the months with a higher risk of hurricanes, so cruise operators limit sailings as fewer passengers are willing to take a chance.

For Puerto Plata, each ship arrival represents a significant economic opportunity, benefiting tour guides, taxi drivers, tour operators, and local businesses. The activity reinforces Puerto Plata’s reputation as a key Caribbean cruise destination and highlights the importance of its two terminals in the region.

The President Visits Puerto Plata.

Additionally, the weekend of the 6th and 7th of September will see President Luis Abinader undertaking a number of functions in the province. On Saturday, he will inaugurate the Maimón road – Playa Teco, a road that improves access to one of the most visited destinations by local and international tourists, promoting tourism and development of the region.

On Sunday, in the afternoon, he will inaugurate the new building of the Dominican Association of Tourist Press (Adompretur), strengthening the tourist and administrative infrastructure of the institution. Additionally, he will review the renovated sidewalks and curbs of the historic center of Puerto Plata, improving pedestrian mobility, security, and urban aesthetics for the benefit of residents, traders, and tourists.

The Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) has confirmed that the province of Puerto Plata, through the Amber Cove and Taíno Bay terminals, will receive 20 cruise liners in August.

The executive director of the Dominican Port Authority, Jean Luis Rodríguez, has highlighted the great importance of frequent cruise arrivals through different terminals. He emphasised that this confirms the Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for cruisers, thanks to the facilities and amenities provided in the ports, particularly those in Puerto Plata.

Rodriguez added that, in the cruise arrival report for August, the Amber Cove terminal will receive more boats with 12, followed by Taíno Bay with 8. Additionally,  Port Cabo Rojo will welcome 2.

He was also able to confirm that the ships that will dock in Dominican ports are MSC Worlds America, Norwegian Aqua, Carnival Celebration, Carnival Vista, Oasis of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas, Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Magic, MSC Seascape, MSC World America, Celebrity Beyond, Carnival Vista, Island Princes, Freedom of the Seas and Norwegian Escape.

The number of cruise liners docking in Puerto Plata shows a slight decline compared to August 2024, when 30 ships docked in the two ports.  That month, 14 docked in Taíno Bay and 16 at Amber Cove.

This week (20th – 26th July 2025) saw the launch of the Association of Tourist Press of the Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata was chosen for this inauguration as it is recognised as being the birthplace of Dominican Republic tourism.

The association is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting research, training, and ethical outreach around national and international tourism development. It will have subsidiaries in important tourist and urban centers of the country, including Puerto Plata, Sosúa-Cabarete, Santiago, Samaná, La Romana, Santo Domingo, as well as in the U.S. cities of Miami and New York, where a large Dominican community linked to the sector lives.

Whilst we welcome the formation of this association, we seriously cannot believe the chosen acronym. ASOPRETURD! Really! Anyone who has any understanding of slang knows that “turd” is a lump of excrement. Add to that the opening two letters AS, and you have a connection that rapidly forms an AS-PRE-TURD.  Or one might be excused for thinking this is an organization designed to produce “pieces of solid waste”. Hardly the most appropriate designation for an organization created to promote tourism in Puerto Plata and the Dominican Republic as a whole.

Hopefully, someone with some vision will recognize the unfortunate choice of this acronym and change it before it becomes indelibly fixed in people’s minds!