Cruise tourism: Puerto Plata surpasses 1.9 million visitors through September

Puerto Plata’s Amber Cove and Taíno Bay maritime terminals have achieved a significant milestone, welcoming 1.9 million cruise passengers by September 2025. This accomplishment solidifies the province’s status as the Dominican Caribbean’s leading cruise destination. Despite a minor slowdown in growth during the latter part of the year, the terminals have demonstrated robust performance in attracting maritime tourists. In 2024, the terminals collectively hosted 2.6 million passengers, with projections for 2025 estimating between 2.6 and 2.7 million arrivals, maintaining the record-breaking figures of the previous year. A sector insider noted that the passenger numbers will remain close to past records, with only a marginal 4% difference, as growth has plateaued in recent months. Operated by Carnival Corporation and the ITM group, respectively, Amber Cove and Taíno Bay have become pivotal in revitalizing the northern region’s tourism economy, creating numerous jobs and generating substantial revenue. Puerto Plata, affectionately dubbed ‘The Bride of the Atlantic,’ continues to enhance its allure as a top Caribbean cruise destination, offering pristine beaches, captivating excursions, state-of-the-art port facilities, and the renowned hospitality of its people.