Amber Cove Port
PUERTO PLATA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Amber Cove Port in Puerto Plata has become one of the best Carnival Cruises destinations in the Caribbean, featuring one of the richest landscape and historic value regions in the Dominican Republic. Its centermost location is a ship hub that connects the whole Caribbean region. The two-berth port was estimated to be a $65-85mm investment, built on 25 acres; equipped to dock 2 ships simultaneously, each with more than 4,000 passengers and 1,000 crew.
Inaugurated on January 2015, it opened a new era that prompted the Dominican government to repair roads and infrastructure in Puerto Plata, which in turn motivated store and restaurant owners to do the same, taking the city back to its former splendor. Security has also changed dramatically around Puerto Plata, now considered a model for other Dominican cities.
Where is Amber Cove Port Located?: it is located in Maimón, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The port is next to the Maimón Bay, taking advantage of a prime location less than 20 minutes from where passengers can walk the old city center with its many attractions, restaurants, sightseeing and shopping.
CRUISE CENTER & SHOPPING
Cruise Center: the first store visitors find when entering the port is Dufry, a duty-free store offering various goods from food to fragrances. next to it we find Diamonds International, Café El Cibao and restrooms.
Shopping in Amber Cove: Next in line we find the Marketplace, Dominican Things store, Elements Dichroic Glass Jewelry, Pareo’s House, Island Treasures, and Coco Caña Bar, Restaurant & Shop. If we keep going left when entering the port, we find Turquesa Gift Shop, National/Alamo Car Rental, the local Taxi Tour pickup, Wild Play Clothes store, and the Tourist Information Center.
Right Across #4 we find the Ocean World Gift Shop, and next we visit Yvon International Art Gallery, Blu Mine Larimar & Amber shop, Ti Watch Design, Effy Jewelers, Arantza Beach Clothes, Amber Coast Larimar, All Leather, the Shorex Booth and DR Cultural and Historical Exhibits.
FEATURED CRUISE SHIP: MARDI GRAS
CRUISE PORT GALLERY
THE AQUA ZONE
The Amber Cove Port Aqua Zone is the outdoor entertainment area that includes the Swimming Pools, Deck, Hillside Cabannas, Poolside Cabannas, Water Sports Rental, Sky Bar, Zip Line (yes!), Waterslides, Coco Caña Poolside Lounge, Children’s Splash Area, Overwater Cabannas, and Crew Center. Notice the Sky Bar location high up in the center of the cruise center, from where the 360 degree vistas are just magnificent.
LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish, as this was a colony of Spain since the very first time Spaniards arrived to the island in 1492, establishing the first settlement in the Americas. English is widely spoken, as well as some European languages.
The natives that inhabited the island were the Dominican Taino, a peaceful people. The official currency of the DR is the Peso, though the USA Dollar is widely accepted in all the tourist areas.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Getting around Amber Cove is easy, as there is taxi service available full time. The prearranged tour pick up is #9 in the map, between Alamo Car Rental and the Wild Play Gift Shop. You can also call any transportation taxi service from Puerto Plata and the will meet you at the Taxi pick up location outside the port.
FEATURED SHIP: CARNIVAL HORIZON
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Amber Cove offers tours and activities around Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete – the main attraction areas of the North Coast. The tours catalog is as varied as that in any major destination:
- Dolphin Swim & Ocean World Day Pass
- Amber Cove Cabannas
- Historic La Isabela Town
- Puerto Plata City – and Long Beach
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Snorkeling
- Puerto Plata Museums
- ATV / Buggy Adventures
- Secluded Beach
- Deluxe Catamaran Tour
- Horseback Riding
THE SKY BAR
Offering 360-degree views of the port and surroundings, the Sky Bar is the perfect spot to have a drink and relax between activities. The Sky Bar is the highest point of the port, not far from the hillside cabanas and the zip line launch point.
