The
Dominican Republic, on the eastern half of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola,
has rightly earned its reputation as a beautiful beach resort destination. It’s
also a wonderful place to visit on a cruise, with ships docking at the new,
purpose-built cruise terminal at Amber Cove or in the capital of Santo Domingo.
There
are lovely stretches of beach all around, but for a special beach day, skim
over the water on a catamaran to the small island of Saona. Relax in the
powdery sand, play in the water or doze in a hammock under the coconut palms.
If
you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun, swing up into the saddle for a horseback
ride through the countryside, then soar through the treetops on a zipline
(don’t forget to admire the amazing views!)
On
the north coast (also called the Amber Coast), learn the history of the
translucent stone at the Amber Museum in the city of Puerto Plata. Then, visit
the Fortress San Felipe, which once protected the city from pirates and other
raiders; it was later used as a jail and is now a museum.
You
can spend hours touring the capital city of Santo Domingo, founded in 1496 by
the brother of explorer Christopher Columbus. In the sprawling Park Mirador del
Este, visit Los Tres Ojos (the three eyes), beautiful turquoise lagoons set in
open-air limestone caves. Across the Ozama River lies the Zona Colonial, where
you can tour the Alcazar de Colon, a mansion and museum built in 1510 by
Columbus’ son, Diego. Also worth a visit is the Cathedral of Santa Maria la
Menor, one of the oldest churches in the Americas.
There’s
still more to do on a port call in the Dominican Republic, such as snorkeling,
diving, swimming with dolphins, and visiting coffee and cocoa plantations.
If
you’re interested in voluntourism, Fathom, a small cruise line that exclusively
offers voluntourism cruises, sails from Miami to the Dominican Republic. You
can immerse yourself in Dominican culture while working alongside residents and
your fellow passengers on projects intended to serve the needs of communities
in and around Puerto Plata.
To
pick a cruise ship and itinerary that will take you to the Dominican Republic
and other wonderful destinations in the Caribbean, talk with Anita, your Cruise
Holidays personal cruise expert.
Follow us on
Facebook! www.facebook.com/AtthetaTravel
