The Teleferico cable car climbing the green slopes of Mount Isabel de Torres above Puerto Plata.
Featured Cruises to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
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Cruises to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata is the largest city on the Atlantic north coast of the Dominican Republic, a colonial port known for its 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe, its streets of brightly painted Victorian wooden houses and the cable car that climbs the mountain behind town. Christopher Columbus named that peak Monte de Plata on his first voyage, because its cloud-covered summit looked silver, and the "silver port" below it took the name.
Do cruise ships dock in Puerto Plata? Yes. The city's cruise terminal, Taino Bay, opened in December 2021 with berths for three ships at once. How far is the port from the old town? It sits just steps from the historic district and the fortress, so the center can be explored on foot. Amber Cove, a separate cruise port west of the city, has its own page.
Spanish settlers founded the town in the early 1500s, and today it is a city of about 160,000 people and the capital of the province of the same name. Much of the historic center dates from a later boom in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when merchants built the Victorian houses that give the streets their look. The country is also famous for its amber, and the city has a museum devoted to it.
Cruises to Puerto Plata are part of Eastern Caribbean itineraries on Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Oceania and Disney. The fortress, the Victorian center and the amber museum can all be done on foot from the ship; if the cable car is on your list, check that it is running before you go.
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Destinations for Cruises to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
The following cruise destinations can be visited on a cruise that includes Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Select a destination to view the upcoming cruises that are available:
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Pricing listed above is per person, based on double occupancy in the least expensive accommodations available, is subject to change, and may not reflect the most recent pricing (as pricing gets updated throughout the day). Prices include Required Cruise Fees & Expenses, as well as Government Taxes & Fees. Prices may not reflect discounts and special promotions that you may qualify for. Go to the Category selection step of the online booking process to view the live pricing and latest offers.
Cruise Lines with Cruises to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
The following cruise lines offer cruises sailing to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Select a cruise line to view the upcoming cruises that visit Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic:
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Deluxe Cruise Lines
These cruise lines fit (quality and, usually, price-wise) somewhere in between Premium and Luxury cruise lines.
A country club casual atmosphere can be expected on these lines, as can be elegant accommodations and gourmet cuisine. These cruise lines are a great option for adults looking for a upscale, yet laid back, vacation.
Unique itineraries are often available on these cruise lines, as their small-to-mid-sized ships can visit ports of call that large ones can't get to.
The pricing on Azamara Club Cruises includes select beverages and pre-paid gratuities, while the pricing of Viking Ocean Cruises includes shore excursions and select beverages.
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Premium Cruise Lines
These cruise lines enhance what mainstream cruise lines typically offer, by providing their guests with higher quality service and cuisine, along with more spacious public spaces and accommodations.
Depending on the cruise line, the ships in this class range in size from small to very large.
These cruise lines appeal to a more discerning traveler, and are typically more expensive than mainstream cruise lines, but more affordable than the luxury lines.
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River Cruise Lines
Becoming more and more popular, a river cruise is an immerse and destination-focused vacation experience, on a small and luxurious vessel.
River cruises sail through the inland waterways of some of the world's most interesting vacation destinations (i.e. Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America), and provide their guests with a greater opportunity to spend time visiting more unique ports of call than a traditional cruise typically would.
Because the destination is the star of a river cruise, (typically guided) shore excursions are included at no additional charge by many River cruise lines. There are usually many interesting lectures given during the cruise, by experts on the history and culture of the region being visited.
Among the famous rivers that one may take a river cruise on are the Rhine, Mississippi, Seine, Danube, Mekong, Nile, Yangtze, Amazon and Douro.
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Specialty Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer a truly unique vacation experience, with a wide range of possible amenities and itineraries. Some are expedition cruise lines, others have sailing yachts or are coastal ships.
On these types of cruise lines, there's usually a focus on a specific destination or theme. Itineraries are usually very destination intensive, aided by the fact that they're able to reach many ports of call that larger ships can't.
Expedition cruise lines are a great fit for adventure-seeking travelers, featuring exciting destinations like the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, and the Norwegian coast. During the cruise, there will usually be plenty of interesting lectures given by experts on the destination being visited. Often, shore excursions are included in the cost of the cruise. In fact, some of these cruise lines have all-inclusive pricing. There's a definite focus on the ship's surrounding scenery, as well as opportunities to view wildlife in their natural habitat. Small, but comfortable, ships are commonplace here, with anywhere from basic to very luxurious public spaces, cuisine, and accommodations (depending on the cruise line and ship).
Sailing Yachts, sail-assisted motor ships, offer a really unique vacation experience. Accommodations and cuisine on these intimate vessels can be anywhere from good to fantastic, depending on the cruise line. Destinations offered by these cruise lines may include the Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, Tahiti, and Costa Rica.
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Mainstream Cruise Lines
Value is a key feature of these popular cruise lines, as they offer lots of activities, entertainment and dining options, along with a variety of stateroom types. Some of the cruise lines in this category have ships with unique innovations like water slides, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, surfing simulators, bowling alleys, and boardwalks.
Their ships are usually anywhere from mid-sized to very large "mega" ships, accommodating thousands of guests. These ships give the feel of being in a large resort.
Mainstream cruise lines are a great option for just about everyone (including multi-generation families, and first-time cruisers), and typically have great youth programs.
During the cruise, entertainment may include Broadway productions, Vegas-style shows, comedians, and music. Some of these lines have select formal nights during the cruise. Specialty restaurants are becoming more and more common (some which have a cover charge for this type enhanced dining experience). Buffets are usually available throughout the day, besides room service, and the main dining room(s).
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Luxury Cruise Lines
When the finest cruise vacation is your top priority, this is the place to start.
On a luxury cruise line, guests experience highly personalized service, a more intimate (and usually formal) onboard experience, gourmet cuisine, well-appointed accommodations, and fantastic amenities. Many of these brands have smaller ships, allowing them to reach ports of call that the larger ships can't, which results in unique itineraries.
All of these brands feature a version of all-inclusive pricing, and some of them have ships with all-suite accommodations. Although these cruise lines are usually more expensive than the rest, they also provide their guests with so much more, resulting in a fantastic value when considering all that's included.
Azamara is a deluxe cruising experience that's geared towards discerning travelers yearning to travel, in luxury, to exotic and rare vacation destinations. On an Azamara cruise, you'll experience extremely high levels of service, gourmet cuisine, and fantastic accommodations. With a country club casual dress code and open dining format, this premium product is a fabulous choice for many travelers. Special amenities that all guests booked on an Azamara cruise benefit from include pre-paid gratuities, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees, and teas. Select standard spirits, international beers, and wines are also included (available in the bars during regular opening hours, and not through room service). Guests who are booked in a suite get complimentary specialty dining, free internet, complimentary access to the Thalassotherapy pool and spa deck, and much more!
Until you personally experience the five-star service for which Celebrity Cruises is acclaimed, you won't know what it means to be treated not simply as a passenger, but as an honored guest. Fabulous service, great food, and entertaining shows are all available onboard each Celebrity cruise ship. AquaClass accommodations, balcony staterooms with special spa amenities and access, are available on most Celebrity ships. The line also offers a state-of-the-art Spa with first-at-sea fitness programs aboard all vessels. Consistently rated as one of the best cruise lines in the world, you simply can't go wrong with Celebrity Cruises.
Costa Cruises enjoys the reputation of being Europe’s number one cruise line. This Italian company has a large fleet that sails Caribbean, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, South America, Asia, Indian Ocean, Middle East, Baltic and Russia, and Transatlantic itineraries. Spa accommodations are available on several of the newer Costa ships, and there are a wide range of things to do as you Cruise Italian Style with them.
Crystal, previously known as Crystal Cruises, is one of the world's leaders in ultra-luxury cruising. Their all-inclusive fleet includes two renovated ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Extraordinary service, abundant space, gourmet cuisine (comparable to the finest restaurants on land), and excellent itineraries are some highlights of an unforgettable Crystal cruise. Combining the included amenities (fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, and much more) with their exceptional accommodations and service, Crystal is a fantastic value in the luxury cruising market.
Enjoy legendary Disney service and entertainment, incomparable dining, exciting ports of call, and day after day of wonder-filled adventure. Here, specially designed areas and activities let adults, families, teens, and children play together and separately, creating magical memories. There are seven ships in Disney's fleet, including the classic Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, and upcoming Disney Destiny (expected to sail in 2025).
Part of the MSC Group, Explora Journeys offers the ultimate all-inclusive luxury cruise experience, from architecture and design to technology and features. They are wellness-focused, offering a fantastic variety of experiences in each destination (both onboard and ashore). Explora Journeys offers a variety of beautiful voyages in destinations such as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Africa & Indian Ocean, Canada & New England, and more.
Margaritaville at Sea (formerly Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line) offers unforgettable Mexico and Bahamas cruises, sailing all year round from Florida to Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Cozumel, Progreso, and Key West. There are also packages available to add on a relaxing 2- or 4-night stay at several lavish Bahamas beach resorts. Onboard their two ships, guests can enjoy Broadway-style entertainment each evening, test their luck in the casino, or enjoy a variety of onboard amenities such as the swimming pool, hot tub, kid's clubs, spa, and fitness center.
MSC Cruises is the world's third-largest cruise line with a strong and growing presence in North America and is committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. With 23 ships and over 250 destinations to choose from, guests can enjoy beautifully designed ships with a diverse guest mix. MSC Cruises sails year-round from Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), New York City, and Galveston starting November 2025. Many itineraries include late-night and overnight stays at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the only private island marine reserve in The Bahamas. For guests wanting privacy and luxury, most U.S. ships offer the MSC Yacht Club, an exclusive sanctuary at the top of the ship only accessible by key card. MSC Cruises is a great vacation choice for families, with many activities and expansive kids' clubs for kids of all ages. In April 2025, MSC Cruises' newest flagship, MSC World America, will sail from Miami to the Caribbean. Beauty and discovery await with MSC Cruises.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is proud to present Freestyle Cruising aboard one of the youngest fleets of cruise ships in the world. Enjoy open-seating dining, where you can dine whenever and with whomever you wish. Don't want to pack formal wear on your vacation? With the resort casual evening attire, you don't have to! All of the Norwegian ships feature a variety of specialty restaurants and entertainment venues. An NCL cruise is perfect for guests of all ages and includes complimentary youth programs. Their award-winning entertainment options include Broadway-style production shows, world-class acrobats, and much more. The Haven by Norwegian™, available on select ships, is an exclusive enclave for suite guests staying in NCL's most luxurious accommodations. Some Norwegian cruise ships have Studio accommodations designed and priced for solo travelers. NCL is the only major cruise line to offer year-round Hawaii cruises.
Formed in 2002 by luxury cruise industry veterans Joe Watters and Frank Del Rio, Oceania Cruises is one of the the world’s leading deluxe cruise lines. The finest cuisine at sea, award-winning itineraries and outstanding value define Oceania Cruises’ five-star product and have positioned the company as the cruise line of choice for travelers seeking a truly refined and casually elegant travel experience.
The six small to mid-size ships in Regent Seven Seas' award-winning six-star fleet include the intimate all-suite Seven Seas Navigator, the all-suite, all-balcony sister ships Mariner and Voyager, the all-suite, all-balcony Explorer and Splendor, and the recently introduced Grandeur. Regardless of which ship you choose, you're going to be on a luxurious vessel that's staffed with an ultra-attentive staff and a gourmet all-inclusive setup, in which gratuities, as well as select wines and spirits, are included.
What type of traveler is Royal Caribbean right for? All types! Royal Caribbean is popular with families, seniors, couples, honeymooners, singles, and large groups (regardless of travel experience). Why? Because there's something for everyone on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The line has one of the largest fleets in the world, consisting of some of the most beautiful and modern ships in the cruising industry. Their ships are destinations within themselves! Possibilities aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship include Broadway-style shows, casinos that will make you think you're in Las Vegas, a variety of dining venues, great programs for children, as well as (depending on the ship), innovations like surfing simulators, sky-diving simulators, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and much more.
Silversea's all-inclusive ultra-luxury vacations appeal to discriminating travelers accustomed to plush accommodations and attentive, individualized service. Distinguished by its award-winning, all-suite ships and impeccable service, Silversea's all-inclusive fares include round-trip airfare (from select gateways), a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay, all beverages including select wines and spirits, gratuities, transfers, and a special shoreside event, The Silversea Experience, on select sailings.
Designed to combine the luxury lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton® and the untethered freedom of a yachting vacation, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers all-inclusive voyages onboard custom-built yachts. Their cruises range from 3 to 13 nights and more, offering many overnight calls and uniquely curated experiences ashore at distinguished destinations. As with The Ritz-Carlton® on land, each yacht features personalized service, elevated dining, and luxury amenities. All of this is delivered in an intimate setting, with a heightened level of care and attention.
Virgin Voyages is a new cruise line by Sir Richard Branson, founder of The Virgin Group companies Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines. This adults-only (18+) cruise line sails to unique ports in the Caribbean, including Miami, Puerto Plata, Costa Maya, and Virgin's privately-owned beach club in Bimini, Bahamas, as well as Europe. Virgin Voyages showcases offbeat entertainment, high-tech environments, and inclusive fares that make vacationing easier than ever.
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Things to do in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata's fortress, Victorian streets and amber museum are all close to the cruise terminal, with mountain and waterfall trips a drive away. Here is where to start:
♦ Fortaleza San Felipe
Built in the 16th century to defend the harbor from pirates, this stone fortress is one of the oldest colonial forts in the region and a national monument. It has a small museum, and its walls look out over the Atlantic and the city. Taino Bay sits just steps from it, so it makes a natural first stop.
♦ The Historic Center
Puerto Plata's old streets are known for their Victorian architecture, with wooden houses, ornate balconies and bright colors. Highlights include Central Park, the Cathedral of San Felipe Apostol and Umbrella Street, a lane hung with colorful umbrellas that has become one of the city's favorite photo spots. All of it is an easy walk from the ship.
♦ Amber Museum
The Museo del Ambar Dominicano opened in 1982 in a historic villa in the city center as the country's first amber museum. See the fossil resin up close before shopping for amber jewelry in town.
♦ Cable Car to Mount Isabel de Torres
Opened in 1975 as the Caribbean's first aerial tramway, the Teleferico climbs the mountain that gave Puerto Plata its name. The summit, about 2,600 feet (793 m) up, gives wide views over the city, the coast and the Atlantic. Check that it is running on the day of your visit.
♦ 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
About an hour from the city, the Damajagua river park has 27 waterfalls that visitors climb, slide down and jump from into natural pools, wearing helmets and led by local guides. Most excursions cover the first seven falls, while the full climb is for the fit and adventurous. With the drive each way, it is the longest outing of the day, so book it as a ship or guided excursion that fits your time ashore.
Average Monthly Weather for Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
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The information above is provided for informational purposes only. Monthly statistics are based on the most recent instance of that month. Weather is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. The data is provided by a third-party and we accept no liability regarding its accuracy.
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