Royal Caribbean’s Michael Ronan is challenging the people of Samana to organize, saying that successful cruise port towns guarantee an organized environment, where people can move around at their leisure, free from being hassled by vendors. Also essential is good information, adequate and easy to take ground transportation, and a variety of things to do at the destination. He said that other ports such as St. Maarten have had a successful operation, even when they operate with tenders and without a mainland dock.
Ronan urged Samana to improve on the products it has available for sale to the tourists. He said that cruise ship passengers like to spend. “If tourists don’t find anything to buy, then they will spend less time at the destination and return to the boat,” he said.
Ronan made the point that the megaship Quantum of the Seas of Royal Caribbean’s scheduled stop is a major commitment for the destination and Royal Caribbean cruise line. He said that cruise line’s best clients usually book the inaugural cruise and there is much press that follows the maiden voyage, from which the Dominican Republic could benefit. “It all depends on whether we can ensure that the passenger enjoys the stop, has a successful buying experience, reports that Samana was the surprise of the trip and becomes a promoter,” he said, challenging the destination to put its best foot forward.