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Look for majestic manatees as you drift through tranquil mangroves on a paddleboard or kayak at the Sanctuary of Estero Hondo, near Puerto Plata. There’s a healthy population of more than 40 of these gentle sea cows here, as well as colorful birds, crustaceans, and sea turtles. Manatees are both endangered and protected, so it’s a real joy to spot one feeding as you paddle around. Local guides will point out the different vegetation and wildlife, making this a wonderful experience. Some of the major cruise lines that sail to the Dominican Republic include Carnival, Princess, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Holland America Line (HAL).
Things To Do in Punta Cana
There’s nothing more liberating than having the freedom of charting your own course. No pre-assigned seating, no fixed schedules, no limited options, no nonsense — just a shipload of opportunities to rejuvenate your body and transform your soul. From the Wynwood art scene to the world-renowned shores of Miami Beach, the Magic City is a perfect collision of relaxation and cultural exploration. Pre-upload your travel docs to the Virgin Voyages app, get Ready to Sail before leaving home, and make boarding a (sea)breeze in just a few minutes. Uniting the energy of Miami with nautical nods to the history of sailing, we’re infusing our own terminal with the same incredible ethos as our ships. You’ll find excellent coffee everywhere, as well as fruit juices and shakes featuring local fruit like mango, passionfruit, guava, pineapple, and papaya.
Puerto Plata Shore Excursions
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The area is more than just its historic sights, however, and many of the city’s top restaurants and hotels are found here, too. Explore the highlights of Santo Domingo - The oldest city in America - on a shore excursion and learn about the city's history, eat local cuisine, and enjoy some free time shopping. Sandwiched between Haiti to the west and Puerto Rico to the east is the Dominican Republic. The eastern tip of the island, Punta Cana, is equal parts beachy and thrill-seeking. Plus, snorkeling and scuba diving in any of the region’s clear blue waters promises incredible views.
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Punta Cana has grown in recent years; all-inclusive resorts and more excursions than ever before are available to travelers visiting the area on their Caribbean cruise. You can spend hours at Playa Juanillo or take a catamaran to the remote Saona Island. With a little extra time, make a day trip to the capital, Santo Domingo, where historic orange and limestone buildings in the Zona Colonial dominate the landscape ahead. Sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, or a long swim awaits you in this Caribbean paradise. Thanks to the city's reputation as a tourist hot spot, there are also a number of fantastic zip line sites, cultural attractions and restaurants offering both local and international fare.
Control of the island shifted hands between the Spanish and the French multiple times over the centuries. In 1791, the slaves of the French quarter decided to rebel, and they declared independence from France in 1804. Subsequently, the Spanish once again took control of the island until the people once again declared independence in 1844. The sugar cane industry was huge in the area during the 19th century as well. On an excursion to Santo Domingo, you’ll have a cozy yet atmospheric dinner at Restaurante Don Pepe. Seafood dishes like grilled red snapper, paella, lobster bisque, and more run the menu.
Or perhaps the glorious beaches will be the highlight of your Caribbean cruise to the Dominican Republic. There are miles of them, with golden sand, colorful reefs to explore, and cool beach clubs in which to relax and unwind. The Dominican Republic, including Puerto Plata, was under Haitian control from 1822 to 1844. After attaining independence, the country briefly returned to Spanish rule in 1861, before finally breaking away again in 1865. Much of the city as you see it today dates back to 1865 and onwards, with many blocks in the center featuring preserved Victorian-era architecture and protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hop on a boat for a ride to the secluded, mostly uninhabited Saona Island on the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
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From beach bonfires to private cabanas and floaty pool parties — all in a resort-like experience where you can actually let your salty hair down. From captivating coasts to laid-back island vibes, the exclusively adult cruise vacation of your dreams is here. Hashtag your cruise photos #carnival and #ambercove — you may see them right here. The historic center of Puerto Plata is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its collection of fine Victorian buildings clustered around the pretty Parque Central. Admire the San Felipe Apóstol Cathedral and colorful “Umbrella Street”, shaded by dozens of umbrellas strung overhead.
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The beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, shops, and watersport concessions, and there’s even a links course here for golfers. Pick your favorite watersport, or spend the day enjoying the beach bars, the warm, clear water, and the shade of your beach umbrella. On a cruise to Puerto Plata, you’ll disembark in Taino Bay, a purpose-built cruise terminal that’s a destination in itself.
It lay in ruins for a century before being repopulated in the 18th century, mainly by Canary Islanders who migrated there and cultivated coffee, tobacco, bananas, and sugar cane. It presides over the bay and the Malecón, with sweeping views along the coast. The fortress was built by the Spaniards in 1577 to defend the north coast of the Dominican Republic from pirates and British and Dutch hopefuls who coveted the gold and silver deposits here. It previously served as a prison, but today is an atmospheric museum displaying the original cannons and old weapons. One of the best natural attractions near Puerto Plata is 27 Charcos de Damajagua, a complex of waterfalls, lagoons, and swimming holes. The falls are accessed via a hike through dense rainforest before starting the thrilling descent of the hillside through deep rock canyons.
The indigenous people of what is now the Dominican Republic were the Taíno, who were the primary inhabitants of the area before European colonization. The Dominican Republic was the first Spanish colony in the Western Hemisphere, and Santo Domingo became the capital of the Dominican Republic in 1496. Come into Las Leñas for a strong Dominican coffee, milkshake, or smoothie.
Stay hydrated with still and sparkling water, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas and even drip coffee. So we’re making both of those things happen.Wave goodbye to your routine and start planning an exclusively adult experience at sea. We’re making waves from the Caribbean to the Med, the Adriatic to the Red, and everywhere in between across 4 continents. Join us on an unparalleled journey of relaxation and indulgence, and discover the things — and the people — that make each destination so special. Get a delicious taste of the modern romance of sailing that only a Virgin brand could pull off.
Renting a car is fun way to go beyond Punta Cana into other parts of the island during your cruise to the Dominican Republic. It can be expensive, and you’ll have to quickly acclimate to the hurried driving style of the city. The Dominican Republic has a rich, complex history of European imperialism and colonialism that has shaped the country into what it is today.
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On your cruise to the Dominican Republic, you can start in Punta Cana and be in Santo, the capital city, Domingo in a little over two hours. While you’re there, tour the historic Basilica Cathedral of Santa María la Menor and explore the city’s colonial zone, heavily influenced by French and British occupation throughout the centuries. Enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor cafes downtown, then find dinner along the waterfront facing the Caribbean. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.
In a gated village, you’ll find shops, restaurants, food trucks, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, live entertainment, a huge lagoon swimming pool, and aviaries displaying colorful birds. There’s also a beach right here for those who don’t want to stray from the port. Four-person tuk-tuks will carry you back and forth from the ship’s gangway (they’re free but the drivers do appreciate tips), and taxis wait outside the complex.
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