Island Princess cruise ship, operated by Princess Cruises, is set to make its highly anticipated return to the Dominican Republic on 8 July 2025, marking its first visit in over 15 years. The vessel will dock at the Amber Cove terminal in Puerto Plata, a significant inclusion in the country’s busy summer cruise schedule
The mid-size cruise ship has capacity for 2,200 guests and 900 crew. It is known for its abundance of outdoor space, compared to other Princess ships of smilar size. Island Princess feels larger and quieter due to ample outdoor areas on the top and promenade decks. This provides guests with more space to relax outdoors and enjoy scenic views.
The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom) announced the news, highlighting the return of the Island Princess as a strong indicator of renewed confidence from cruise lines in the nation’s port infrastructure.
Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of Apordom, emphasized that the re-inclusion of the Dominican Republic in such itineraries is a direct result of ongoing improvements in the country’s maritime terminal operations and facilities. “The arrival of new vessels like the Island Princess directly contributes to an increase in visitors arriving by sea,” Rodríguez stated, underscoring its alignment with the broader development goals for the port sector.
Apordom’s projections for July 2025 indicate a bustling month for the Dominican Republic’s cruise industry, with 26 cruise ship arrivals expected across various terminals. Amber Cove in Puerto Plata leads the forecast with 13 anticipated arrivals, followed closely by Taino Bay with 10. Cabo Rojo in southwestern Pedernales is slated for 2 arrivals, and La Romana (Muelle Este) on the eastern coast will welcome one.
Apordom also noted that these scheduled dates are subject to change due to potential weather conditions or other logistical factors that might alter cruise line routes.
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Apordom
N Digital
1 July 2025