Amber Cove, a new port development along the north coast of the Dominican Republic, officially opened on Tuesday with the arrival of its first ship, the 2,754-passenger Carnival Victory.
Development by cruise giant Carnival Corp. at a cost of $85 million, the 25-acre complex near the town of Puerto Plata is being billed as one of the biggest Caribbean port projects of the past decade and features a large area of bars, restaurants and shops. As can be seen in the photo gallery atop this story, it also has a sprawling pool area with a swim-up bar, water slides, zip lines and private cabanas.
Still, the complex’s main role is as a gateway to the region’s many historic sites, beaches and adventure activities. Nearly half of the site’s acreage is devoted to a massive transportation hub where cruisers can find taxis and buses to take them to area attractions. More than 40 organized shore excursions are available from the port, and Carnival executives say they expect an unusually high percentage of cruisers to sign up for the outings.
Amber Cove is a new cruise port on the north coast of the Dominican Republic that will serve as a gateway to the region.