The continuing popularity of cruising means more beautiful places at the water’s edge are becoming new ports of call or adding to their cruise ship capacity, providing new experiences even for seasoned cruisers.
Port Cabo
Rojo in the Dominican Republic is the newest cruise ship port in the Caribbean.
The port welcomed its very first cruise ship, Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian
Pearl, to the dock on January 4, 2024. When development is complete, the
port can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. It’s a
gateway to the Pedernales Province, the Dominican Republic’s southernmost
province. There are plans to develop resorts and attractions here, but for now, there’s
untouched beauty and a laid-back vibe.
Cabo Rojo is
close to pristine beaches of white sand, including Bahia de las Aguilas. This gorgeous,
remote beach with clear turquoise water and coral reefs that makes it lovely for
swimming and snorkeling. But, you can spend an entire day just relaxing in the
sun and watching for endangered hawksbill, leatherback, and green sea turtles.
Bahia de
las Aguilas is inside Parque Nacional Jaragua, part of a UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve. It encompasses islands, caves, and at least 400 species of flora, 130
species of birds, and rare iguanas. The park’s Laguna de Oviedo is a coastal
saltwater lagoon popular with birdwatchers, who can see flamingos, herons,
pelicans, and other winged species.
Far north
of the Dominican Republic, Stornoway Port in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides Islands has
welcomed small cruise ships for some time, but a new, deepwater port that can
accommodate larger ships is scheduled to open for the summer 2024 season.
Stornoway,
capital of the Lewis and Harris islands, is a center of culture in the Outer
Hebrides, known for their stark and unspoiled beauty. There are beaches and rocky
bays along the North Atlantic; 5,000-year-old standing stones and historic
castles; calm lakes and peat bogs, grassy plains studded with flowers and
rugged hills.
Stornoway
has a vibrant arts scene and a museum, located in a castle, that shares the islands’
history. In local mills, fleece from Cheviot and Scottish Blackface sheep is
carded, spun, and woven into warm Harris Tweed fabric crafted into
shirts, jackets, handbags, and more. It’s also fun to sample local delicacies
like Stornoway black pudding, kippered herring, and smoked salmon.
To find
out how to sail to these or other new and growing ports, talk with Anita, your
professional travel advisor.
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