Cruising into Amber Cove and Puerto Plata

Sailing into the Dominican Republic cruise port is always a warm welcome. The ship docks at Amber Cove, a modern terminal near Puerto Plata (Puerto Plata – Pronounced [PWEHR-toh PLAH-tah]) with colorful signs, palm trees, and gentle ocean breezes.

The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is known for its beaches, mountain landscapes, and colonial history. Puerto Plata was one of the earliest settlements in the New World and still shows traces of its Spanish colonial past in the architecture and street layout.

While Amber Cove is a purpose-built cruise stop, the nearby city of Puerto Plata gives a glimpse into daily life with pastel buildings, open-air markets, and cheerful locals.

I’ve visited the Dominican Republic by cruise ship several times now, and each time the ship pulls into Amber Cove, it feels familiar. The bold turquoise AMBER COVE letters greet passengers right on the water, always great for a quick selfie before heading ashore. The pier itself is long, stretching out from a lush backdrop of hills, and the port area has everything you’d expect from a cruise stop—souvenirs, snacks, and easy access to loungers and drinks.

Most of my visits have been spent casually wandering around the shops in the port area. It’s low-key and pleasant for a short stop. You can find beachwear, rum, jewelry, and plenty of photo ops along palm-lined walkways.

In 2023, I decided to do something different and joined a walking tour of Puerto Plata. I loved the colonial charm of the town center with its colorful streets and rows of umbrellas floating overhead. A quirky highlight was spotting the so-called “Dominican Walmart,” which was really just a small local shop with a fun sign. There’s more history and depth to explore here, and I’ve only scratched the surface.