La Romana area

There really isn't much of what you want in La Romana. I'm not sure if you are referring to Altos de Chavon when you say replica city but that is one of the sites to see there.True there's not much there but it's a pretty site.The amphitheatre is beautiful and there are some shops and a cafe.

Also Cueva de Las Maravillas, the caves are in La Romana. Other than that there are two islands off of La Romana. Isla Catalina which is just a beach and Saona. Saona has a national park.

I'm not sure how much time you have but there's an aquarium about an hour away in Santo Domingo.There are some caves there as well, Ocho oyos. Also in Santo Domingo you have Faro A Colon.Then there's Bavaro which is also about an hour away where they have another aquarium.

La Romana as an actual town is barely 100 years old, so do not expect to find any historical sights or architectural gems. The cruise ships that come to port usually stay less than 24 hrs. moored there. Most cruise tourists end up getting on a short bus trip to Altos de Chav?n and a few venture into town, mostly to go to the supermarket -Jumbo- a couple of blocks away. Again, not a heck of a lot to do or see in LR proper. Others get on a boat to visit Isla Catalina a few minutes away (snorkeling there should be OK). Going to Saona (which is a beautiful boat ride along the Parque Nacional del Este natural reserve) is a longer trip, and depending on the seaworthiness of your vessel and your overall health status, seasickness may be a factor to consider. Altos de Chav?n, despite being historically "fake" is worth visiting, especially the small Pre-Columbian artifacts museum. At night time they offer a Copacabana-like stage show (Candel?) in the amphiteater that pleases most visitors. If religiously inclined, visiting the Basilica in the town of Higuey (approx. 30-40 mins away from LR by bus) may be of your interest. Higuey itself has a very chaotic street scene and like LR not much else to see there (they do have a truly old, but tiny church in the middle of towncalled San Dionisio). On a longer stay and at a much higher co$t in LR, the Casa de Campo resort offers great golf courses and other leisure amenities.

-Tordok

Some of the cruise ships have an excursion to Casa Del Mar, an all inclusive resort 20-30 minutes from La Romana. There is great snorkling off the beach and to the right of the resort pier. Also for $10.00 USD a boat from the beach will take you to a reef in the bay where there are all kinds of fish. Also a 5-7 minute walk down the beach will take you into the village of Bayahibe for shopping, walkinf or phone/internet access.
In La Romana there is a market area near the Jumbo that you might enjoy.

Some of the cruise ships have an excursion to Casa Del Mar, an all inclusive resort 20-30 minutes from La Romana. There is great snorkling off the beach and to the right of the resort pier. Also for $10.00 USD a boat from the beach will take you to a reef in the bay where there are all kinds of fish. Also a 5-7 minute walk down the beach will take you into the village of Bayahibe for shopping, walkinf or phone/internet access.
In La Romana there is a market area near the Jumbo that you might enjoy.
At Bayahibe there is a school that could use school supplies. It is just out on a short point just after where the beach meets the first village shops.