Amber Cove Cruise 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?: Ā it is located in MaimĆ³n, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The port is next to the MaimĆ³n 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.
THINGS TO DO
Visit the page of Amber Cove Amenities for a complete list of all the amenities including all the restaurants, bars, shops, swimming pools, kids areas and much more. The Cruise ports guide in this website is a complete source for all information related to the port, Puerto Plata and its amenities and excursions.
The Amber Cove prices page gives you a complete list of costs for food, drinks, rentals and activities; and the Amber Cove Free Activities page has all the things you can do for free at the Carnival port in Puerto Plata.
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, CafƩ El Cibao and restrooms.
Shopping in Amber Cove: Next in line we find the Marketplace, Dominican Things store, Elements Dichroic Glass Jewelry, Pareoās House, Island Treasures, and Coco CaƱa 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,Ā 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 AMBER COVE EXCURSION:
FEATURED CRUISE SHIP: MARDI GRAS
TROPICAL WEATHER
The North Coast region of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic boasts an idyllic, perfect year-round climate that beckons visitors with its consistent warmth and gentle breezes. This tropical paradise enjoys an average temperature ranging from the mid-70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit, creating an inviting haven for those seeking respite from the extremes of other climates.Ā
The region’s well-defined seasons include a dry season, extending from November to April, and a wet season from May to October, offering a delightful balance for travelers.Ā
AMBER COVE CRUISE PORT GALLERY
THE AQUA ZONE
The Amber Cove Cruise 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 CaƱa Poolside Lounge, Childrenās 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. As of November 2024 the exchange rate of USD vs RD$ Peso is 55×1.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Getting around Amber Cove cruise portĀ 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 CRUISE SHIP: CARNIVAL HORIZON
SHORE EXCURSIONS
Amber Cove offers tours and activities around Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete ā the main attraction areas of the North Coast. The tours catalog is as varied as that in any major destination:
- Amber Cove Cabanas
- Snorkeling Catamaran Charter
- Damajagua 27 Falls
- ATV / Buggy Adventures
- Puerto Plata Historic Center
- Deep Sea Fishing
- Snorkeling & Cruise Catamaran
- Puerto Plata Amber Museum
- Dolphin Swim & Ocean World Day Pass
- Monkey Jungle
- Tubagua & Sonador River
AMBER COVE ARRIVAL SCHEDULE
Amber Cove arrivals are posted here for the current month: October 2024. This schedule is updated every month so passengers can check their ship arrival and departure time if needed. The full Puerto Plata cruise schedule is online as well.
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.
This Carnival cruises flagship port raises a lot of important questions from cruise passengers, here we include the 3 most frequent ones:
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Is Amber Cove a private island? not really. The port is built in the Maimon area of Puerto Plata, in the North Dominican Republic, which sits in an island called Hispaniola.
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Is there free food at Amber Cove? the restaurants at this port are not complimentary; the prices are standard for a Caribbean port, and with the port free activities included, the food is worth the price.
- What country owns Amber Cove? This beautiful port is a private ownership of Carnival Cruises, they purchased the land near a beautiful bay in the island, and built a private, exclusive port to service Carnival cruise ships.
SHIPS VISITING AMBER COVE
All of Carnival Cruises ships that visit the Caribbean have docked at Amber Cove, including Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam, Carnival Mardi Gras, Carnival Freedom, and others.
AMBER COVE PORT CONTACT
AMBER COVE CRUISE PORT PUERTO PLATA
Terminal Turistica, Maimon
Puerto Plata 57000
Dominican Republic
Tel. 829-735-0272
Online:Ā https://www.ambercove.com/
PORT CONTACTS:
Amber Cove Agency:
Kelvin Polanco / Cel. (809) 754-9389
Ramon Santos / Cel. (809) 754-8629
General Manager:
Sharon Mei / Email:Ā gm@ambercove.com
Berthing Inquiries:Ā
Raquel Mota /Ā rmota@carnival.com
Security Department:
Johnny Mendoza / Cel. (829) 380-7197
SOURCES:
Amber Cove, Puerto Plata
Carnival Cruises, Amber Cove
CruiseMapper
Amber Cove port schedule