The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) says that 144,525 cruise passengers arrived on board 44 cruise ships and ferries during June 2023. The reports for June 2023 are even more remarkable when compared to the reports for the same month last year. There was an inter-annual growth of 84%. In June 2022, the Dominican Republic received 78,279 cruise passengers.
Jean Luis Rodriguez, executive director of Autoridad Portuaria Dominicana, states: “We are delighted to see how cruise tourism continues to grow in the Dominican Republic. These record numbers and the 84% increase compared to June last year demonstrate the attractiveness and quality of our terminals and destinations. Together with [Tourism] Minister David Collado, we will continue to work hard to provide exceptional experiences to our visitors and consolidate our position as the most attractive and welcoming destination in the Caribbean,” he said.
He made the point that between June 2022 and June 2023 there is only a difference of 12 more cruise ships. He says what made the difference is the entrance in operation of the Taino Bay terminal in Puerto Plata and the new capacity of La Romana-Casa de Campo to receive the larger Oasis type cruise ships.
He also indicated the economic impact generated by the spending of cruise passengers on excursions, shopping and tourist and transportation services. He stressed the arrival of these visitors creates more jobs.
With the June 2023 stats included, the Port Authority highlights that in all of 2022, 1,325,442 cruise ship passengers arrived at Dominican ports. This compares to the 1,266,732 that have arrived in just the first six months of 2023.
The recent press release from Apordom highlights the confidence of the main cruise lines, bolstered by the attractiveness of Dominican destinations and effective management of cruise ship terminals. The numbers confirm overall, the cruise ship experience has been good. The country’s four largest cruise ship terminals – two in Puerto Plata, one in Santo Domingo and one in La Romana — are privately operated.
Of the 44 cruise ships that arrived in June 2023, 15 docked at the Amber Cove terminal, 12 in Taino Bay, both in Puerto Plata. Another four docked in La Romana. There were 14 ferry operations in Santo Domingo.
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Dominican Port Authority
18 July 2023