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.
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