Dominican Republic

Sprawling over two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, is the delightful Dominican Republic. Its people are friendly and hospitable by nature; and it also happens to be one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations.

The country has several areas with all the attractions and amenities necessary for the perfect island vacation. Santo Domingo is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the northern hemisphere, and many visitors are drawn to its 16th-century Colonial Zone. The beach resort areas are popular, including Boca Chica, Juan Dolio and La Romana on the southeast coast; Punta Cana on the island's eastern tip; Samaná in the northeast; the Amber Coast and Puerto Plata to the northwest; and Barahona in the southwest.

Everywhere there's breathtaking scenery from the mountains to the sea.The highest peak in the West Indies, Pico Duarte (10,370 ft), lures hikers to the central mountain range. Ancient sunken galleons and coral reefs attract divers and snorkelers.

Things to See & Do

* Santo Domingo
* The Three Eyes of Water cave complex
* San Cristobal
* Ruins in Pueblo Viejo
* Puerto Plata beach areas


Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Dominican Peso
Language – Spanish
Land Area – 48,072 sq km
Population – 26,000,000
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time – GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code – 1 + 809

Port Location – There are really three different areas in the Dominican Republic that ships may call on. Santo Domingo (the Dominican Republic's capital city) offers two separate cruise ship piers. The newest, Don Diego Quay, is the best and is only a few minutes walk from the Old Town area of Santo Domingo.
Another cruise terminal lies between the village of La Romana and the resort of Casa de Campo. There are minimal services at the dock so one must either take a tour or negotiate for a taxi
Yet another pier is available at Puerto Plata's commercial shipping area and is within easy walking distance of everything in Puerto Plata.

Transport Links – International flights to and from the US, London and Europe are available from Santo Domingo), 18km (11 miles) east of the city ,Puerto Plata International Airport and Punta Cana International Airport which is 30 minutes’ travel time from the Punta Cana and Bávaro resorts.

Cheap and efficient air-conditioned bus and coach services run from the capital to other major towns. Travelers are recommended to hire tourist taxis or radio taxis that can be arranged in advance. Avoid unmarked taxis. There are several car hire companies in Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has flat-fare bus and minibus services, and an estimated 7000 share-taxis called Carro de Conchos. These operate a 24-hour service in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata.