Cruising on the Magic: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic

View of Dominican Republic from ship

The docking pier at Amber Cove (16 months old) is clean and easy to move around with plenty of shopping areas and a free pool. There is a place to have your passport stamped. If you want to leave the docking area, walkable space is not available, so it best to plan a taxi ride or an excursion.

Amber Cove Dock Pier Area

We had reviewed each of the ports before the cruise and decided that Dominican Republic would be a good one to pick an excursion. Discover Puerto Plata Traditions & Local Flavors was an excellent excursion for us. There were 2 charter buses of Carnival guests for the travel around Puerto Plata. The buses traveled to the same spots but at different times, so we did not feel crowded. Jose was our tour guide and did an excellent job explaining the government, education, some history, and economy of the Dominican Republic.

Cacao Bean

Our first top was the Del Oro Chocolate Factory. We were offered a bit size brownie to taste and hot chocolate to drink, both Excellent! We were given a tour and viewed a video on how chocolate is made.Interesting fact: Dominican Republic is the largest producer of organic cacao beans. If you want to purchase chocolate, hot chocolate or brownie mix, be sure to do it at the gift shop at Del Oro since you will not have an opportunity when you shop elsewhere and the prices are the best at Del Oro.

The next stop was Independence Park and Cathedral San Felipe. We were given the opportunity to shop at a gift shop across the street from the plaza. We were then driven around the San Felipe Fortress, not a stop. The bus trip gave us an opportunity to view Dominican Republic. We then visited Vivonte cigar factory where we learned the art of making hand-rolled cigars. Coffee tasting was available as well Mama Juana (rum, red wine, honey soaked in a bottle of tree bark and herbs). Our lunch stop was at Don Fernando Ranch. We were served a delicious meal of a meat stew (Sancocho) and entertained with local music and dance. We didn't have much time to walk the planation and visit the Brugal Rum center. The excursion took all the time we had in Amber Cove, so if you decide to take this excursion just know you will not have time to spend at the pier. There are plenty of chances for restroom breaks and decent restrooms. There is moderate walking, however at Don Fernando Ranch we noticed those with walking limitations did have some problems.

Dominican Republic has many places to visit and view: Samana Bay for whale watching, Mount Isbel ( cable car, botanical gardens, and Statue of Christ), beaches, Amber Museum, San Felipe Fort, various cigar factories, Brugal Rum Distillery, and Jarabacoa Waterfalls.