Costa Pacifica
December 22, 2023

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, offers docking at Santo Domingo Port. Travelers explore Colonial Zone’s UNESCO cathedral and Alcázar de Colón. Excursions visit Los Tres Ojos caves. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for city tours. Photography captures colonial architecture and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes la bandera, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like amber crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while comfortable shoes enhance historic walks. Santo Domingo’s colonial charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic landmarks and cultural heritage, making Santo Domingo an engaging destination.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica, offers docking at Ocho Rios Port. Travelers explore Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain. Excursions include bobsledding and ziplining. Local markets sell jerk chicken. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures waterfalls and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes ackee and saltfish, a Jamaican favorite. Souvenirs, like reggae crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance waterfall climbs. Ocho Rios’ adventurous allure offers a vibrant Jamaican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and thrilling activities, making Ocho Rios an engaging destination for exploration.

Grand Turk Island, Turks and Caicos, offers docking at Grand Turk Cruise Center. Travelers explore Cockburn Town and Governor’s Beach. Excursions include snorkeling at Gibbs Cay. Local markets sell conch salad. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial buildings and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes jerk fish, a Turks and Caicos favorite. Souvenirs, like shell crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance reef exploration. Grand Turk’s coastal charm offers a vibrant stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and marine beauty, making Grand Turk an engaging destination.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic, offers docking at Amber Cove Port. Travelers explore Fort San Felipe and Amber Museum. Excursions include Damajagua Waterfalls. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures colonial forts and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like amber crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while water shoes enhance waterfall hikes. Amber Cove’s cultural charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic sites and adventurous waterfalls, making Amber Cove an engaging destination.

Samana, Dominican Republic, offers docking at Samana Port. Travelers explore Los Haitises National Park and El Limón Waterfall. Excursions include whale-watching tours. Local markets sell mangu. The peak season, December to April, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures karst landscapes and Caribbean vistas. Dining onboard includes sancocho, a Dominican favorite. Souvenirs, like coconut crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Taino history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the tropical climate, while sturdy shoes enhance waterfall hikes. Samana’s natural charm offers a vibrant Dominican stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of lush parks and marine adventures, making Samana an engaging destination for exploration.

Catalina Island (Isla Catalina), Dominican Republic, anchors offshore with zodiacs to the beach, a nature reserve. Travelers snorkel The Wall for coral drop-offs. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to April; boats from La Romana 20 USD. Photography captures sea fans. Dining limited to ship; local sancocho offered. Souvenirs include larimar pendants. Briefings stress reef protection.

Returning to Santo Domingo — see Day 1 above for port info.