This Caribbean Cruise Destination Has Seen a Record Number of Visitors

The Dominican Republic has become quite the hot spot for cruise passengers visiting the Caribbean. In fact, it is estimated that the Dominican Republic welcomed over 7 million tourists during the first three-quarters of 2023. The best numbers were reported during the month of August. At these rates, it is predicted that another 10 million tourists will visit the area before the end of the year.

The Dominican Republic has seen a 25 percent increase in visitors when compared to the same time period in 2022. In the month of August 2023, the country saw over 782,000 visitors, which is the best August tourism figures recorded thus far. The country, when compared to figures reported before COVID-19 in 2019, is showing the possibility of a 10 percent growth for the entire year, according to ForwardKeys.

Cruise guests make up over 1.5 million of these visitors so far. They entered the country after docking in ports located in Puerto Plata, Amber Cove, and La Romana.

What makes this country so appealing to Caribbean tourists? Many attribute the country’s climate and hospitality to why tourists have been flocking to the destination.

Many of the top cruise lines visit the Dominican Republic, including Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Norwegian Cruise Line. These cruise lines typically visit the northern ports of either Puerto Plata or Amber Cove, depending on the time of year and berth of the vessel. These two ports are located only seven miles apart with guests at either port sharing similar shore attractions and tours.

La Romana is located on the country’s southeastern coast and is visited less frequently due to its location. However, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, and Oceania Cruises do travel to this port on some of their southern Caribbean itineraries.

A new port will be opening in December 2023 in Pedernales, which will be located on the country’s southwestern edge. Already, Norwegian Cruise Line has visits scheduled to this port for early 2024.

Visitors can enjoy a number of activities on the island, including snorkeling, kayaking, catamarans, water sports, dolphin swims, and visiting the country’s beaches and hidden waterfalls. Other attractions include tours of Monkeyland, local farms, cigar factories and chocolate factories. If visitors are looking for adventure, they can explore the area on ATVs or in the air via ziplines.

While offshore excursions such as these can be a lot of fun, they do come with their own inherent risks. It is extremely important visitors stay safe while exploring a new location and while enjoying an attraction at this locale. Try to book all excursions through the cruise line and try not to wander off the main paths and roads when exploring the area. Be aware of your limitations when doing any offshore activity, and do not do anything that pushes you beyond your physical limits.

When out and about, keep close track of your valuables, but at the same time, only bring what is necessary, leaving all other items secured on the boat. Lastly, travel in groups, and if you must travel alone, be sure to check in with someone back home to inform them of what you will be doing and where you will be during the day. When traveling alone, it is of even more importance that you are aware of your surroundings at all times and stay in well-populated areas. Caribbean destinations can be exciting and adventurous, but they also can be unsafe and risky for travelers who are not prepared or who are not taking personal safety seriously.

Hurt While on a Cruise Ship or Cruise Ship Excursion?

The amenities and features aboard many of the major cruise lines are incredibly enticing to people planning a fun and exciting getaway. However, if your experience aboard a cruise ship ends with a less than enticing injury or illness, you should speak with an experienced cruise ship injury lawyer. More than likely, any claim you have must be filed in Miami, Florida, and a cruise ship lawyer in this location can be a huge asset to your case.

Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for injured cruise ship passengers with various cruise lines and cruise vessels. There are few injuries and accidents our Miami personal injury law firm has not dealt with, and we are prepared to take on any cruise accident case. For more information, call our office at 305-770-6553, or toll-free at 1-888-742-0372 or send us an email at [email protected].