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I think this port is so much better than Costa Maya. We avoid going to Costa Maya it's a rip off. Definitely want to visit that port. Thanks for taking the time to do a port walk in the heat.
All of the pool and lazy river is FREE!! Best thing ever!!! Sorry, your "free ride" didn't take you all the way to the NCL ship. When I was there a couple weeks ago, it was door-to-door. Best port for a 'free excursion' for sure!!
Thank you that would make walking my dog easier in the Georgia sun. I hadn't thought of it. He would still have to walk on grass or dirt, but make my life more bearable!
Tony! I was just in Puerto Plata 2 weeks ago. It's not a surf simulator but a flowrider simulator which is there but it's not on the walking pathway. I remember it being near one of the rest rooms and you had to walk on the sand to find it.. We had carried 3 bottles of water and it wasn't enough to hydrate our whole family. We did enjoy the pool and lazy river. Enjoy the rest of your cruise!
Thanks for the memories. We were there this past December. 89 & sunny! Yikes! Too hot for me. We headed back to our RC ship after checking out the shops & purchasing some gifts. Beautiful place.❤
When the NCL Gem docked in Taino Bay Jan 2023 they were still digging and cementing the lazy river. Cool to see it all finished. Too bad you missed out on going to the town, it was interesting. There was also an excursion that went to that mountain which has a gondola up to a viewing area. Think we may do that if we ever return there.
I was in Puerto Plata in April and walked through Tainto Bay to near the cab stand where there is a very small and indiscreet door that lets you walk to town. I hiked four or five blocks to a point of land that had an amazing old fort and great views of the cruise ships from across the water.
So looking forward to boarding that big aft ship!! 😂 We’re doing our Group Cruise on Seascape next November when she ports out of Galveston. She is a beauty!
While all the giant ships are impressive to behold, I prefer the smaller ships with lower numbers of people…but that’s just me. Favorite ship I’ve been on was the quiet NCL Sky!
I agree, we've been on NCL Sky ourselves, however the smaller ships really lack good entertainment, things to do, the buffet was really small + finding a seat was difficult.
It all depends on why you go on a cruise...if it is to be entertained constantly, stay big ship...if it is to just get away for some peace and quiet and to see ports, I say small ship all day!
@JustaGuyinMI I'm not expecting to be constantly entertained all day, but say a comedian one night, a Broadway type show another night, etc. gives people something to see + do in the evening. That's not much to ask given the price u pay for these cruises per person, that's all. This should be the case on all their ships, big or small.
I'm glad that you reminded us that there is a place to hang out in the port, because I'll be on the Virgin Voyages ship in September, and that's one of the ports. The excursion that I wanted to do is no longer offered. I wanted to do the cable car excursion in Puerto Plata, but it's not being offered. At least I can walk around the port and not have to stay on the ship. I've been there before and did the tour of the island. I don't think that much has changed in 2 years. Nice video
My husband and I HATED that part of Puerto Plata ... just a manufactured place, like you never even left the ship. We booked it through that gauntlet and took a stroll around the actual city. It was hot and when we needed a taxi we went into the hotel and the clerk got us one. We took the taxi to the Teleferrico (funicular) and rode up to the top for about $10 (local's price is $5). It was a great afternoon. Our taxi driver asked us what time we wanted him to return us to the ship and showed up at the prearranged time.
We sailed on the Seashore the sister ship to Seascape. With 20 decks it towers over almost every other cruise ship. Kinds of neat to see Mt Isabel from the dock. We were at the top of that mountain looking down on that dock!
I went there in November 1977 on the RC Sun Viking. It was the most terrifying place I have ever been. There was a soldier on every corner with a machine gun, and I am talking about every corner, not every intersection. There were 4 soldiers for every intersection. You could cut the air with a knife it was so thick, and tense. I swore I would not go back. 3 months later, there was an attempted coup d'état. All travel to the Dominican Republic was basically stopped from the US. Kind of explained my experience. We also had to pay a kid to guard our stuff all day long so no one would steal it. Jose was so loyal and only asked once if he could go cool off in the water really fast. When we got back to the bus, my Dad paid him $3.00 instead of one, and that kid was over the moon. I was 14 then.
The port didn't look anything like that back in 1977! 🤣 Oh, and I realize as an adult things have changed a bit and I would love to go back and see it now.
Crazy. After what happened to our Canadian Air Canada airline crew that were detained in the DR for 7 months, I will never ever travel there. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Was there last week. The surf simulator is by the sandy "beach" area you didn't go out on. It's a nice one. My kids bought the $40 pass and rode the surf simulator all day. Great port.
I went to Puerto Plata with Carnival last year, and while the port was nice and we went on an awesome excursion, our port definitely did not have a free lazy river or beach access. That’s awesome!
I have room 8094 booked on the Jade next year. Could you film deck 8 from O’Shehans past the elevator so we can see how close or noisy it would be? Loving seeing the ship. Thanks.
The music was so incredibly raunchy and provocative when we were there last month. We had kids with us and had to leave. Songs about orgasming and threesomes and drugs. Really unfortunate because the venue itself was beautiful and would have felt like a paradise with the right music.
I can’t remember where in Europe I was but woke up one morning with one MSC behind our itty bitty Oceania ship and one in front. Made our ship look like the tender for them. Fortunately they were both heading out so the port was not swarming with tourists.
I was there on the Getaway last feb, my favourite store in that port was the pharmacy! LOL! I had a sudden infection and needed amoxicillin. A lot cheaper than visiting the ship's med center and it saved the rest of my cruise. :)
I was there in April and the surf simulator was in that spot where you took the first ship pics and commented about the seascape being so big you couldn't see the jade. Wonder where it went? It was a whole structure with steps and such.
Loved Puerto Plata. We took an excursion with Royal and had local food and desserts which were amazing. The people in the island were very nice. We are looking forward to going back. If you can, go up the funicular to the see the statue of the Christ. Similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro. The view from up there was incredible.
I like that one better from what you've shown, better than Costa Maya. It's my least favorite port. At Amber Cove, also in Puerta Plata DR, there are art installations, a viewing point, and a cool pool, very little free shade with benches, but there is some if you look. I think I like Amber Cove better. I'd like to see what's at the exit besides Taxi's.
We were just there on the Seashore, sister to the Seaside for the first time. Thought I'd be disappointed as I kind of liked the pool at the Carnival port in Puerta Plata. Taino Bay much nicer.
The MSC ship reminds me of a Miami condo complex . . . I wonder if, when meeting with the ship's architect, MSC reps said 'hey, we want this ship to look like something out of 'The Golden Girls'! Shout out to Betty White . . .
Great port walk, Tony! Thanks for letting all of us tag along..Been a couple years since we were in the DR, certainly has expanded quite a bit from our last visit..I believe it is on one of our cruises for 2025..Stay hydrated!
Come on Tony...... You know.... You like big Afts and that you can't deny. Shout out Luda!!!! Your tuk tuk... left you short... Maybe he thought your were on MSC???
That walking surface is horrible if you are on a scooter or wheelchair. The people in the pharmacy there are nasty. I bought some meds and then realized that I had got the wrong type. As I had never left the shop I asked if I could exchange them for the correct ones (they were higher cost) and told them that I was willing to pay the difference but they would do nothing. So needless to say I didn't purchase the correct stuff.
Im hoping this port is better than Costa Maya. Costa Maya is overcrowded and cramped, imo. I didn't like it at all. This port looks like it may be a bit more open. With that said, I wish they would have more shaded areas.
Was in the Dominican Republic last summer as one of our cruise excursions off of the NCL Sky. We were bussed (in an open air bus) to an excursion where we were taken on an off road ATV ride through the forests. During the bus ride, you will enjoy the open breezes as you are driven through the island's countryside to the ranch. Upon arriving at the first stop, there were four of us that all fit in one vehicle; though they also had two person vehicles if you were in a smaller group. Then the ATV adventure was followed up with a horseback ride at the same location (this excursion was completely filled, so the group was broken up into two groups for ATV riders first or horseback riders first; then vice versa). The horses really earn their keep as there is a lot of up and downhill traveling in 100 F temps. They gave me one of the larger horses given my weight class (around 210 to 215 lbs, plus dressed weight). Keep in mind, should you be over 250 lbs (fully dressed pack weight), you will not be allowed to ride. My brother was told by the cruise ship excursion coordinators, that he was too heavy and he and his wife had to switch to a different excursion that was less fulfilling (he was not happy about it). The excursion curators take great care of their animals and will not risk their health and safety (though admittedly, I had to tell my brother no one was actually weighed at the site). If you have never ridden a horse before, they will teach you how to guide the animal. Though most of the horses are very familiar with the circular route that you take without your queues from the reins. My horse was rather eager to lead the pack (perhaps because it just wanted to finish up and rest for the day). Both adventures were a fantastic load of fun, and I would definitely recommend trying it. But make sure you wear the mask during the ATV ride; there are a lot of cows that do their business along the route, and well suffice it to say you will want to definitely keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times. You will get splashed by lots of mud, water, and you guessed it, along the bumpy hills and streams you cross. The masks and storage lockers were the only added costs you will pay beyond the cruise line's excursion rate/person, but well worth it as you will have a souvenir when done and the knowledge of knowing all your valuables will remain safe. That same excursion we were then bussed to a resort where we were fed a typical Dominican Republic buffet style meal (jerk chicken and many tasty side dishes) that also had a pool you could indulge in; the food was fantastic and the atmosphere quite relaxing. Fortunately they also had showers there where you could clean up before eating. But the excursion wasn't done there, after the meal and a brief swim in the pool, we were taken to one of Dominican Republic's nicest beaches for the final 2 hours of the excursion (you will be bussed through a very modern, well maintained golf course to reach the beach). So it was a fantastic value for the excursion; my two boys, my brother-in-law, and I truly enjoyed this excursion. One thing my family did take away was this, Dominican Republic has a definite wealthy upper class and an extremely poor lower class. It was a bit shocking to see the stark contrast from those that lead a very wealthy lifestyle and those that live in abject poverty. So we purchased a few souvenirs from those most in need. We bought some gifts from a 10 year old boy who was working very hard during the first leg of the trip (along the ATV ride). It put a huge smile on his young face, while making us feel so much better about being tourists in their country. That being said, the Dominican Republic was a beautiful destination; the people there are very friendly, and eager to showcase their nation. Just keep in mind that your heart might wrench if you should happen to see some of the poorer parts of the island.
Had the same experience of extreme wealth and extreme poverty on an all inclusive vacation in Jamaica years ago. It seems all the Caribbean vacation resort areas have the same dichotomy.
We have only been to the DR on a mission trip, this cruise port definitely doesn’t represent that. I am glad you purchased something from the young boy and made his day!!
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I think this port is so much better than Costa Maya. We avoid going to Costa Maya it's a rip off. Definitely want to visit that port. Thanks for taking the time to do a port walk in the heat.
You have the best port videos. Thanks for taking us along!! Its so much easier to plan cruises when you have an idea of what to expect at ports!
Totally agree, he does a fantastic tour each time. One of the best cruise channels on TH-cam.
As a fluffy cruiser myself I felt that sun and lack of shade and seats. Thanks for roasting for the posting.
There is plenty of shade around the pools. Go prepared to enjoy the pools and lazy river.
All of the pool and lazy river is FREE!! Best thing ever!!! Sorry, your "free ride" didn't take you all the way to the NCL ship. When I was there a couple weeks ago, it was door-to-door. Best port for a 'free excursion' for sure!!
Pro Tip - Always carry a small umbrella for instant free shade in Paradise.
Thank you that would make walking my dog easier in the Georgia sun. I hadn't thought of it. He would still have to walk on grass or dirt, but make my life more bearable!
I’m enjoying your “come along with me” videos. I will never be on a cruise but doing it vicariously through you has been wonderful.
Thank you
That lazy river, some sunscreen and a drink sounds about my speed.
Thank you, Tony, really enjoy being able to join your travels.
Appreciate your videos with the news and today's Puerta Plata views.
Tony! I was just in Puerto Plata 2 weeks ago. It's not a surf simulator but a flowrider simulator which is there but it's not on the walking pathway. I remember it being near one of the rest rooms and you had to walk on the sand to find it.. We had carried 3 bottles of water and it wasn't enough to hydrate our whole family. We did enjoy the pool and lazy river. Enjoy the rest of your cruise!
I was just telling my daughter it reminded me of costa Maya just not as crowded. I’d love to do the lazy river!
Nice tour of Taino Bay. Gave us nice memories of when were there last, Jan, 2023 on Vision of the Seas. Great work as usual.
Thanks for the memories. We were there this past December. 89 & sunny! Yikes! Too hot for me. We headed back to our RC ship after checking out the shops & purchasing some gifts. Beautiful place.❤
We enjoyed Costa Maya more, but I can see where for families Porta Plata's pier is great fun too...Thanks, Tony!
We love the Blue Parrot. The drinks are good and the food taste great.
When the NCL Gem docked in Taino Bay Jan 2023 they were still digging and cementing the lazy river. Cool to see it all finished.
Too bad you missed out on going to the town, it was interesting. There was also an excursion that went to that mountain which has a gondola up to a viewing area. Think we may do that if we ever return there.
ta-EE-no. Have a cruise planned there for next year. Been to DR. Brother lived there for a while. Such a beautiful place and fun people. CAN'T WAIT!!
Jenny B. Best wishes as you take on the fates. Tony always great to join your journeys
I was in Puerto Plata in April and walked through Tainto Bay to near the cab stand where there is a very small and indiscreet door that lets you walk to town. I hiked four or five blocks to a point of land that had an amazing old fort and great views of the cruise ships from across the water.
So looking forward to boarding that big aft ship!! 😂 We’re doing our Group Cruise on Seascape next November when she ports out of Galveston. She is a beauty!
Love this port lazy river
While all the giant ships are impressive to behold, I prefer the smaller ships with lower numbers of people…but that’s just me. Favorite ship I’ve been on was the quiet NCL Sky!
Our favorite ship is the Gem and twin ship, the Jewel. We were not impressed by yhe Joy lol. We recently were on the Jade in Feb. ❤
I agree, we've been on NCL Sky ourselves, however the smaller ships really lack good entertainment, things to do, the buffet was really small + finding a seat was difficult.
It all depends on why you go on a cruise...if it is to be entertained constantly, stay big ship...if it is to just get away for some peace and quiet and to see ports, I say small ship all day!
@JustaGuyinMI I'm not expecting to be constantly entertained all day, but say a comedian one night, a Broadway type show another night, etc. gives people something to see + do in the evening. That's not much to ask given the price u pay for these cruises per person, that's all. This should be the case on all their ships, big or small.
Checkin' out all the aft on the piers....
Glad you didn’t get off the ship on the sea day.
Hope you had fun in my native country. It's always a fun place to be
Husband did the fish pedi in Costa Maya. He enjoyed it and his feet looked great 😊
You definitely didn't need a tour in the DR. What a great port!
Great video!
Loved all the info you gave and showed us in this port!
I'm glad that you reminded us that there is a place to hang out in the port, because I'll be on the Virgin Voyages ship in September, and that's one of the ports. The excursion that I wanted to do is no longer offered. I wanted to do the cable car excursion in Puerto Plata, but it's not being offered. At least I can walk around the port and not have to stay on the ship. I've been there before and did the tour of the island. I don't think that much has changed in 2 years. Nice video
My husband and I HATED that part of Puerto Plata ... just a manufactured place, like you never even left the ship. We booked it through that gauntlet and took a stroll around the actual city. It was hot and when we needed a taxi we went into the hotel and the clerk got us one. We took the taxi to the Teleferrico (funicular) and rode up to the top for about $10 (local's price is $5). It was a great afternoon. Our taxi driver asked us what time we wanted him to return us to the ship and showed up at the prearranged time.
We sailed on the Seashore the sister ship to Seascape. With 20 decks it towers over almost every other cruise ship. Kinds of neat to see Mt Isabel from the dock. We were at the top of that mountain looking down on that dock!
I went there in November 1977 on the RC Sun Viking. It was the most terrifying place I have ever been. There was a soldier on every corner with a machine gun, and I am talking about every corner, not every intersection. There were 4 soldiers for every intersection. You could cut the air with a knife it was so thick, and tense. I swore I would not go back. 3 months later, there was an attempted coup d'état. All travel to the Dominican Republic was basically stopped from the US. Kind of explained my experience. We also had to pay a kid to guard our stuff all day long so no one would steal it. Jose was so loyal and only asked once if he could go cool off in the water really fast. When we got back to the bus, my Dad paid him $3.00 instead of one, and that kid was over the moon. I was 14 then.
The port didn't look anything like that back in 1977! 🤣 Oh, and I realize as an adult things have changed a bit and I would love to go back and see it now.
Crazy. After what happened to our Canadian Air Canada airline crew that were detained in the DR for 7 months, I will never ever travel there. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hey Tony! Thanks for the tour! We will be there in November and it’s great to see what it’s like in port! Looks like a good time! Have Fun!
Was there last week. The surf simulator is by the sandy "beach" area you didn't go out on. It's a nice one. My kids bought the $40 pass and rode the surf simulator all day. Great port.
I went to Puerto Plata with Carnival last year, and while the port was nice and we went on an awesome excursion, our port definitely did not have a free lazy river or beach access. That’s awesome!
Fantastic!
I love the Seascape.. I’ve been in it twice so far. Yes, it gorgeous.. in fact, I just came off two weeks ago.
The stones are called "larimar," and the DR is the only place in the world where it is found. 😍
@moonbeammimi those stones are also found in other northern Caribbean islands such as St. Thomas.
I bought mine at Costco 😉
@@Din_Din1968 I think she meant DR is only place it's actually mined from. You can find the stones all over the world but they all come from DR :)
Love Puerto Plata ❤️
Love the fish pedicure!
Swam with the dolphins in Puerta Plato. A memorable time and a very clean park.
I have room 8094 booked on the Jade next year. Could you film deck 8 from O’Shehans past the elevator so we can see how close or noisy it would be? Loving seeing the ship. Thanks.
The music was so incredibly raunchy and provocative when we were there last month. We had kids with us and had to leave. Songs about orgasming and threesomes and drugs. Really unfortunate because the venue itself was beautiful and would have felt like a paradise with the right music.
Love your tour thru the port .
Looks like a nice port. It has been year since I was there. I guess we need to get back there again 😊
I can’t remember where in Europe I was but woke up one morning with one MSC behind our itty bitty Oceania ship and one in front. Made our ship look like the tender for them. Fortunately they were both heading out so the port was not swarming with tourists.
Shoutout Ludacris , Hey Tony Ludacris is coming to the York Fair in Pennsylvania which is near me on July 26 !!
Yes take the tuck tuck
I was there on the Getaway last feb, my favourite store in that port was the pharmacy! LOL! I had a sudden infection and needed amoxicillin. A lot cheaper than visiting the ship's med center and it saved the rest of my cruise. :)
Love the mural!
Hope you had fun in my native country. It is always a fun place to be
That looks so nice! 😊Would love to be there, even with the heat! (Actually, especially with the heat, as it is Winter here now. 😮)
yoo we left orlando on the 15th together, i was on adventure! I was looking at the Jade actually when we were booking
The same person owns (developed) the Puerto Plata and Costa Maya port areas. That is why they seem similar. I learned that when I was there in May.
I was there in April and the surf simulator was in that spot where you took the first ship pics and commented about the seascape being so big you couldn't see the jade.
Wonder where it went? It was a whole structure with steps and such.
That’s wild.
Loved Puerto Plata. We took an excursion with Royal and had local food and desserts which were amazing. The people in the island were very nice. We are looking forward to going back. If you can, go up the funicular to the see the statue of the Christ. Similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro. The view from up there was incredible.
Fish spa is wonderful. You should try it.
Great vlog 👍 welcome to Puerto Plata 🇩🇴
The maze to escape at costa maya turns us off
I like that one better from what you've shown, better than Costa Maya. It's my least favorite port. At Amber Cove, also in Puerta Plata DR, there are art installations, a viewing point, and a cool pool, very little free shade with benches, but there is some if you look. I think I like Amber Cove better. I'd like to see what's at the exit besides Taxi's.
Beautiful port!
I love your port stops
Another 5 minutes would have got you to the town square and umbrella street
Thanks, Tony- sorry you didn’t find that surf simulator!
The surf sim is behind the lazy river.
Good morning, tone and jennie❤
Sorry for spellings 😮
We were just there on the Seashore, sister to the Seaside for the first time. Thought I'd be disappointed as I kind of liked the pool at the Carnival port in Puerta Plata. Taino Bay much nicer.
Need private internet to keep prying eyes off my aft!
Been to both. I think Puerto Plata is much nicer
The MSC ship reminds me of a Miami condo complex . . . I wonder if, when meeting with the ship's architect, MSC reps said 'hey, we want this ship to look like something out of 'The Golden Girls'! Shout out to Betty White . . .
“Nice aft’!! LOL
Free lazy river, but $19.99 to rent a floatie. 😅 Too hot in the Caribbean for me right now. Heck, it's too hot everywhere!
Nope, the floaties are free
TONY those were Parrots not Tucans. lol You had me worried about getting busted
Great port walk, Tony! Thanks for letting all of us tag along..Been a couple years since we were in the DR, certainly has expanded quite a bit from our last visit..I believe it is on one of our cruises for 2025..Stay hydrated!
I heard both places were designed by the same company. Both are really nice
"Nice aft!"😂
Don't be late! No pier running lol 😅
I was hoping you would show where to go for Umbrella St. & Pink St.
Sorry
Come on Tony...... You know.... You like big Afts and that you can't deny. Shout out Luda!!!! Your tuk tuk... left you short... Maybe he thought your were on MSC???
Puerto Plata was really humid when we were there in November, how was it for you?
Humid!
This is a great large port area. Numerous bars and eating places.
Went there in 2022 on HAL Rotterdam
I’ve seen both ports and think Puerto Plata is superior to Costa Maya. Newer, cleaner, fewer flies and bugs as well as more spots to pause and enjoy.
That walking surface is horrible if you are on a scooter or wheelchair. The people in the pharmacy there are nasty. I bought some meds and then realized that I had got the wrong type. As I had never left the shop I asked if I could exchange them for the correct ones (they were higher cost) and told them that I was willing to pay the difference but they would do nothing. So needless to say I didn't purchase the correct stuff.
Any good NCL tips?
Surf simulator was near the restrooms just before the lazy river
Im hoping this port is better than Costa Maya. Costa Maya is overcrowded and cramped, imo. I didn't like it at all. This port looks like it may be a bit more open. With that said, I wish they would have more shaded areas.
Nice aft! Lol
I won't not use free WiFi at a port without a VPN as such.
Nice Aft! 😂😂
They’ve fixed that port area up nicely…….
Taino = Tie - Eee - No 3:03
👍🏾
Will be there in April 2025
Tie-Aye-No
Tiano
#notificationsquad
You do a lot of walking. Why don't you always take the tut tut😊 I would... No doubt about it.
You didn't even show or talk about Monkey Island! Best part of Taino Bay.
I don’t think I saw it.
Was in the Dominican Republic last summer as one of our cruise excursions off of the NCL Sky. We were bussed (in an open air bus) to an excursion where we were taken on an off road ATV ride through the forests. During the bus ride, you will enjoy the open breezes as you are driven through the island's countryside to the ranch. Upon arriving at the first stop, there were four of us that all fit in one vehicle; though they also had two person vehicles if you were in a smaller group. Then the ATV adventure was followed up with a horseback ride at the same location (this excursion was completely filled, so the group was broken up into two groups for ATV riders first or horseback riders first; then vice versa). The horses really earn their keep as there is a lot of up and downhill traveling in 100 F temps. They gave me one of the larger horses given my weight class (around 210 to 215 lbs, plus dressed weight). Keep in mind, should you be over 250 lbs (fully dressed pack weight), you will not be allowed to ride. My brother was told by the cruise ship excursion coordinators, that he was too heavy and he and his wife had to switch to a different excursion that was less fulfilling (he was not happy about it). The excursion curators take great care of their animals and will not risk their health and safety (though admittedly, I had to tell my brother no one was actually weighed at the site). If you have never ridden a horse before, they will teach you how to guide the animal. Though most of the horses are very familiar with the circular route that you take without your queues from the reins. My horse was rather eager to lead the pack (perhaps because it just wanted to finish up and rest for the day). Both adventures were a fantastic load of fun, and I would definitely recommend trying it. But make sure you wear the mask during the ATV ride; there are a lot of cows that do their business along the route, and well suffice it to say you will want to definitely keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times. You will get splashed by lots of mud, water, and you guessed it, along the bumpy hills and streams you cross. The masks and storage lockers were the only added costs you will pay beyond the cruise line's excursion rate/person, but well worth it as you will have a souvenir when done and the knowledge of knowing all your valuables will remain safe. That same excursion we were then bussed to a resort where we were fed a typical Dominican Republic buffet style meal (jerk chicken and many tasty side dishes) that also had a pool you could indulge in; the food was fantastic and the atmosphere quite relaxing. Fortunately they also had showers there where you could clean up before eating. But the excursion wasn't done there, after the meal and a brief swim in the pool, we were taken to one of Dominican Republic's nicest beaches for the final 2 hours of the excursion (you will be bussed through a very modern, well maintained golf course to reach the beach). So it was a fantastic value for the excursion; my two boys, my brother-in-law, and I truly enjoyed this excursion. One thing my family did take away was this, Dominican Republic has a definite wealthy upper class and an extremely poor lower class. It was a bit shocking to see the stark contrast from those that lead a very wealthy lifestyle and those that live in abject poverty. So we purchased a few souvenirs from those most in need. We bought some gifts from a 10 year old boy who was working very hard during the first leg of the trip (along the ATV ride). It put a huge smile on his young face, while making us feel so much better about being tourists in their country. That being said, the Dominican Republic was a beautiful destination; the people there are very friendly, and eager to showcase their nation. Just keep in mind that your heart might wrench if you should happen to see some of the poorer parts of the island.
Had the same experience of extreme wealth and extreme poverty on an all inclusive vacation in Jamaica years ago. It seems all the Caribbean vacation resort areas have the same dichotomy.
We have only been to the DR on a mission trip, this cruise port definitely doesn’t represent that. I am glad you purchased something from the young boy and made his day!!
Thank you for a fascinating walk through of your excursion!! I’d love to try it all someday !!!
Hope you had fun in my native country. It's always a fun place to be