Amber Cove is the newest addition to Carnival Cruise Line’s list of port destinations, boasting a picturesque location along the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
As you can expect from the Dominican Republic, Amber Cover offers innumerable beautiful beaches, island activities, and wonderful excursions throughout the breathtaking region of Puerto Plata.
Carnival Cruise Line, along with its subdivisions Holland America, Princess Cruises, and occasionally even Norwegian Cruise Line, all take advantage of the tropical climate, stunning scenery, and amazing port area facilities.
Before you visit Amber Cove, here are a few things you should know.
Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Amber Cove Cruise port is a new cruise terminal located on the coast of the Dominican Republic. The Amber Cover cruise port area is set on Maimon Bay along the north side of the Amber Coast in the Dominican Republic, with nearby Puerto Plata to the northwest.
The cruise terminal consists of two berths and gets its name from the amber stone due to the amber mining industry in the area. The Amber Cover cruise port is one of the biggest investments the cruise industry has ever made in the Dominican Republic. This cruise port extends 25 acres and came about in 2015 when the Carnival Corporation made an $85 million investment.
Although Amber Cove is new, it shares the historic atmosphere of Fort San Felipe and the nearby Puerto Plata, dating back over six centuries.
Amber Cover is, therefore, a doorway to incredible historical sites, a myriad of adventures, and beautiful beaches that make a trip to the Dominican Republic memorable.
Before Amber Cove came to be, the Dominican Republic hadn’t played host to a cruise ship in over 30 years.
Despite being such a unique attraction, the area remains peaceful, and cruise traffic is very mild, allowing visitors to explore their shore excursions without the hustle and bustle of endless crowds.
How to Get to Amber Cove
Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic is a private cruise line port destination. Therefore, you can only reach this port when you go on a cruise.
Moreover, Amber Cove is exclusively available to Carnival Corp. cruisers, so only cruise ships from the cruise lines Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America, and Princess cruises allow you to visit Amber Cove.
As the cruise terminal hosts two berths, only two ships can stop here at any given time, so Amber Cove is significantly less busy than other Caribbean ports.
Once your cruise ship arrives at Amber Cove, the pier takes you to the main port area, which is just a short walk away. If you are unable to walk the distance, free pedicabs are available that take you along the pier.
The port area itself is a hub of great activities, but just off the main port area, you’ll find a transportation hub where buses and taxis await to take visitors to all the amazing sites in Puerto Plata.
What to expect at Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Visitors that arrive at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic on their cruise will have the opportunity to book a shore excursion and discover the historical area surrounding the port or simply spend the day at the port.
Although Amber Cove itself doesn’t have its own beach, the port offers plenty of free things to do and see. The massive luxurious pool is likely the most noteworthy attraction of Amber Cove.
This pool boasts plenty of lounge chairs and even a swim-up bar where guests can sit back and enjoy the sun. Although the lounge chairs are free, be sure to bring your towel from the ship with you.
Even if this port is relatively quiet and unoccupied, it is still best to get off the ship as early as possible to pick the best spot by the pool.
You’ll also find a splash pad to keep the kids entertained right by the pool, along with a volleyball court, a basketball court, and a giant chess set to keep you busy for hours.
If the crowd at the pool becomes too much for you, you can escape to the bay, where a secluded area filled with hammocks awaits.
The big shopping area is the perfect place to browse for a unique souvenirs to commemorate your time in Amber Cove. You simply cannot leave Amber Cove without taking a picture at the strategically-located Amber Cove sign, where your cruise ship will decorate the background of your photo.
Food and drinks at Amber Cove can be enjoyed at your own cost, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants to try in the port area.
Amber Cove Food and Drinks
Although the food and drinks at Amber Cove aren’t covered by your cruise package, it is still worth trying. There are two eating areas at Amber Cove. One is located near the pool, and the other is in the shopping area. The swim-up bar is the ideal spot to spend your drinks budget while in Amber Cove.
Furthermore, Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic also features the Sky Bar, which can be reached by walking up the inclined steps and pathways to the hilltop close to the waterslides.
Once you reach the top, panoramic views of the stunning Amber Cove and refreshing drinks will reward your efforts.
Best Things to Do at Amber Cove
The top attraction at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic is the Aqua Zone. You can have a great time simply lounging by the pool area and floating down the lazy river while the kids have a blast at the splash pad.
If you consider yourself a bit of an adventurer, Amber Cove also offers a zip-line that lets you fly across the pool area. The watersports rental area offers everything from hydro bikes, paddleboards, and kayaks to solar catamarans and pedal boats.
A visit to any of the Caribbean ports wouldn’t be complete without a bit of retail therapy. The nearby marketplace offers many amazing shops filled with Dominican specialties, where you will find chocolate, coffee, amber items, and many other little treasures.
For an upgraded Amber Cove experience, renting a cabana is the ultimate splurge. You have a wide range of cabana options to suit your needs, including a Poolside Cabana, a Hillside Cabana, a Grand Cabana, or an Ocean Cabana.
Soda, water, and a goodie basket are available at most of the cabana rentals, and, depending on your choice of a cabana, you may even get an outdoor shower, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and an all-day pass for the zip-line available for up to eight guests.
Amber Cove Shore Excursions to Puerto Plata
If you would like to explore more of the Dominican Republic beyond Amber Cove, the myriad of shore excursions available are sure to intrigue you. From outdoor adventures and beach escapes to treasures for history buffs to explore, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
First discovered by Christopher Columbus and known as the first European settlement in all of the Americas, the coastline of Puerto Plata hosts over 60 miles of pristine beaches, so a proper beach day is a great way to spend the day at Amber Cove.
Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive Playa Bachata and Coconut Cove beach days, which include stops at many other town destinations as part of the sightseeing tours at Puerto Plata.
Malecon at Puerto Plata is renowned for its amazing shopping experiences, bars, and restaurants, where you can get a taste of true Dominican culture.
Fort San Felipe is enriched with history, and a walk along the seafront will bring you to the mesmerizing Fortress of San Felipe, a museum set in an old military fortress that was originally built to stave off pirates.
Visit the Amber Museum, take a walking tour through the chocolate factory, or explore the Brugal Rum Factory to get to know some of the friendly locals in the Dominican Republic.
At Monkeyland, families will have a ball interacting with the cheerful squirrel monkeys, and at the Ocean World Adventure Park, you can meet sea lions, dolphins, and sharks or go on a snorkeling tour through turquoise waters. The famous Dolphin Beach Lagoon and Pirate’s Pool are always great places to spend the day.
The top attraction in Puerto Plata is undoubtedly Damajagua Falls, located a mere 30 minutes from Amber Cove. With a total of 27 waterfalls to enjoy, you can get your blood pumping by climbing to the top and sliding or jumping into refreshing natural pools.
Your cruise line may even offer packages that include thrilling adventures, including dune buggy rides, horseback riding, catamaran sails, and zip-lining to enjoy during your Amber Cove shore excursion.
In Closing
Evidently, Amber Cove is a truly idyllic destination and adds the perfect amount of Caribbean charm to your cruise vacation.
Stay updated on the latest cruise news to get some expert advice and insights into the best cruise ships that visit Amber Cove, as it will certainly be a trip you’ll remember forever.
