A Guide to the La Romana Cruise Port and Shore Excursions

La Romana Cruise Port, previously known as the Sugar Breeze Cruise Terminal, is located on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It is a popular stop for many European cruise lines, such as Costa Cruises and Carnival Cruises. The cruise port is about an hour and a half away from Santo Domingo and an hour’s drive from Punta Cana. Thanks to a recent expansion, there are many things to do at the La Romana Cruise Port. You can spend the day at the cruise port and enjoy the new pool, shopping area, and restaurants. You can also explore the vibrant town of La Romana, which is known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites, including the famous Altos de Chavón. Keep reading to learn about the La Romana Cruise Port and a few of the best shore excursions offered during your stop in this beautiful Dominican Republic town.

Welcome to La Romana Cruise Port

As your ship arrives at the La Romana Cruise Port, you are greeted by the warm Caribbean breeze and the sight of lush green landscapes. The Dominican Republic is well known for its lush landscapes, and it will be the first thing you notice as your cruise ship begins to dock at the La Romana Cruise Port. 

The La Romana Cruise Port can dock two cruise ships at a time and is well-equipped to handle a variety of cruise ships from the major cruise lines, including the larger Oasis Class cruise ships by Royal Caribbean. Its location offers easy access to some of the most popular attractions in the area. Whether you’re interested in exploring local culture, relaxing on pristine beaches, or embarking on an adventure, La Romana has something for everyone.

About the La Romana Cruise Port

The La Romana Cruise Port went through a small expansion which was inaugurated in November of 2022. The expansion provided more leisure areas for cruise ship passengers. The expansion provided the addition of a swimming pool area and additional restaurants. It also provided an expansion to the shopping area and the section where locals sell artisan crafts for visiting cruisers. The La Romana Cruise Port is not as large as Amber Cove or Taino Bay, the Dominican Republic’s cruise ports located in Puerto Plata. It does, however, offer enough amenities for passengers looking for a relaxing day in port or for passengers returning early from exploring local sites.

Entering the La Romana Cruise Port

If your cruise ship is docked at the pier alongside the port, you will see a great photo opportunity. There is a colorful “Welcome to La Romana” sign on the Masonry wall in front of the ship. The sign is also visible from the cruise ship if you would like to snap a photo before disembarking the ship.

As you exit your cruise ship, you will have a short walk up a bridge with a small incline. Wheelchairs are available if you need assistance or have mobility problems and would like help getting up the bridge. Once you reach the top, the area is flat with no incline making it easy to get around the port area. 

When you reach the top, you will see the colorful “La Romana, Cruise Terminal” sign. This is also a great photo opportunity as it is a beautiful, well-made sign and is very Instagrammable. It is a great spot for a family vacation photo. It can and does get crowded in this area as many cruise passengers will stop to snap a photo as they arrive at the cruise terminal. If it is very crowded, you will have the opportunity to snap a photo on your way back to the ship. 

Dufry Tax-Free and Duty-Free Store at the Cruise Port

You will make your way into the port by passing through the Dufry Tax-Free and Duty-Free store. If you are a new cruiser, you might not be aware that many cruise ports have a tax-free and duty-free store that you walk through before entering the main part of the cruise port. You will find many items for sale at Dufry, such as souvenirs, sunglasses, shirts, t-shirts, cigarettes, alcohol, and many other items. If you don’t want to purchase anything upon arrival, you can make purchases anytime while in port. 

The Swimming Pool Area at La Romana Cruise Port

Once you exit Dufry, you will be in the main shopping area. The swimming pool is located to the right of this area, past the fountain, which is a great splash pad for kids. If you are not aware that the swimming pool is here, you can easily miss it, especially if you are rushing to get to an excursion or are looking for the taxi area. We discovered the swimming pool after we returned from our excursion. It was a nice way to relax after exploring the area.

The swimming pool is located in the same area where the red and white lighthouse is located. There are ample loungers available for cruise guests. Some of the loungers are in a sandy area not too far from the pool, and others are closer to the pool on the deck. There is also a nice sandy area perfect for sunbathing that faces the ocean. This area has palm trees which offer a bit of shade. Umbrellas are available for rent for $10.00 USD a day. You have a great view of the ocean in this area. However, there is no access to the beach. 

Food Trucks and Restaurants in the Swimming Pool Area

One of the first things you will notice is the various places where you can grab a bite to eat in the pool area. There are a few food trucks, such as Nathan’s Hot Dog, Churros, and local options to choose from. If you want a refreshing drink and a snack all in one, there is a coconut cart where you can purchase fresh cold coconuts. There is a restaurant where you can have a sit-down meal and enjoy local dishes such as Mangu, Tostones, and Mofongo while enjoying the outdoor ambiance. The restaurant has a thatched roof with plenty of shade as well as an outside area where you can enjoy the sunshine.

Bars in the Swimming Pool Area

The swimming pool has a wonderful bar where you can order both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The bar is both a swim-up bar and a walk-up bar which is convenient if you are in the water. One of the popular drinks during our time in La Romana was the Chupacabra, which is a Strawberry Margarita with two Canita beers placed upside down in a large Margarita glass. I did not order this drink, but it did look impressive. Many people were enjoying this drink, so I thought it would be a good idea to mention it. The cost of the Chupacabra was $27.00 USD. 

The Shopping Area at La Romana Cruise Port

The shopping area at La Romana Cruise Port is quite impressive. There are a variety of stores where you can shop. What I enjoyed most was shopping in the area where locals sell their artisan products. There were many stalls to choose from that sold everything from paintings, wood carvings, parrots, and cookware for making Mofongo and Mangu. Making a decision on what to purchase was difficult.

There are also a few eateries where you can purchase local cuisine and a variety of carts that sell snacks and food throughout the shopping area.  

The Taxi Area at La Romana Cruise Port

As you make your way past the shopping area, you will come to the taxi area, which is where you exit the port. In this area, you will find local taxi services that offer private excursions for passengers. This is also where you will find your bus if you have purchased an excursion through your cruise ship.

There is also a train that takes you on a tour of the town and shuttles that take you to Altos de Chavon, which is one of the best things to do in La Romana. 

Currency Used at the La Romana Cruise Port

Credit cards are accepted at many of the stores, shops, and restaurants at the cruise port. However, it is a good idea to have cash on hand as many of the local vendors only accept cash. The US dollar is widely accepted as well as the Dominican Peso. 

Exploring the Town of La Romana

La Romana is a great town to explore and offers a wide range of activities for its visitors. You can explore La Romana by purchasing a cruise-sponsored excursion, by booking an excursion on your own, or by hiring a taxi for the day.

Purchasing Excursions offered by Cruise Lines

Cruise lines offer a variety of excursions that include thrilling adventures such as zip lining and river kayaking. They also offer more relaxing excursions such as beach getaways. There are many excursions that are fun for the entire family such as a visit to Monkeyland or Katmandu Theme Park.

One of the benefits of purchasing excursions through the cruise line is that all transportation is handled by the cruise line. There is no worry about getting to your event or returning to the ship. Also, cruise lines guarantee that they will wait for you if your excursion is delayed.

One thing to keep in mind is that many cruise excursions sell out quickly. If you prefer to book your excursion through your cruise line, you should purchase them sooner rather than later to avoid missing out on your preferred cruise excursion.  

Planning Your Own Excursions

If you would like to save a bit of money, you can sign up for excursions on your own. There are a few things to keep in mind if you go on an excursion that is not sold through your cruise line. 

First and foremost, make sure your watch or phone is set to the ship’s time. This will ensure that you track ship time correctly and know when you need to return to the ship.

Second, it is very important to make sure your excursion fits within the time frame that your cruise ship is in town. Cruise ships will wait for passengers who are delayed if they are on a cruise-sponsored excursion. They do not have to wait for passengers who go exploring on their own and return after the all-aboard time.

Third, you should verify the pick-up point when scheduling your excursion. Not all excursions offer pick-up options at the cruise port. Your pick-up spot might be outside of the port area requiring you to take a taxi to the pick-up location.

Local Taxi Services

Taxi drivers are available at the port to take you into town, to nearby attractions, or for private excursions throughout La Romana. The taxi fares are set by a taxi union. However, you can still negotiate a price. If you would like to set up a private excursion, your best option would be to share the taxi with other people. Taxi prices are usually one set price for a carload of up to five or six people. Splitting the cost would guarantee a better price for a private tour around La Romana. During our stop, we paid $130 USD, which we split with another couple. We visited several locations and concluded with a lunch and beach stop at Bayahibe. We paid our driver at the conclusion of our excursion. 

Cultural and Historical Excursions in La Romana

Cultural and historical excursions are a great way to learn about the history and culture of La Romana and the Dominican Republic.

Altos de Chavón

A visit to Altos de Chavón is one of the most popular excursions when visiting La Romana. Altos de Chavón is a stunning replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village. The town is perched high above the Chavón River. It is an artist’s village that is home to cobblestone streets, charming buildings, a beautiful amphitheater, and a church. You can explore art galleries, boutiques, and museums or simply take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, which includes great views of the Chavon River.

Cueva de las Maravillas / Cave of Wonders 

The Cave of Wonders has a 240-meter path that will take you 25 feet underground. This impressive underground cave system is filled with ancient Taino petroglyphs and stunning rock formations. There are over 500 paintings and petroglyphs in the cave system that were created by the island’s inhabitants during the time that Columbus arrived on the island. The tour will take you through the illuminated caverns, offering insights into the history and culture of the island’s indigenous people.

The Best of La Romana Excursion 

For a taste of local life, visit the town of La Romana. There are several different tours that will give you the highlights of La Romana. On this type of tour, you will see the town center, the iconic Santa Rosa de Lima Church, a cigar factory, Casa de Campo, and Altos de Chavon. Several tours also stop at local markets and take a lunch break where you can taste authentic Dominican cuisine. You will also have an opportunity to purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs.

Beach and Water Activities

La Romana has beautiful beaches and is close to Catalina Island and Saona Island. Thus, there are a variety of beach and water activities, and water sports to choose from.

Bayahibe Beach Excursions

Bayahibe is a picturesque beach known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is a 30-minute drive from the cruise port. There are two options to choose from, an all-inclusive Bayahibe Beach Resort getaway and a Bayahibe Beach getaway. There is a restaurant at the beach where you can purchase food and drinks during your beach day. Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, swim in the warm Caribbean Sea, or enjoy a beachside cocktail, Bayahibe is a perfect spot for your beach day.

Isla Catalina / Catalina Island Beach Getaway

Catalina Island is a beautiful island with a white sand beach and turquoise water. It is a 45-minute boat ride along the coast of La Romana and is a great place for snorkeling and swimming. Catalina Island is the second most visited island in this part of the Dominican Republic. The half-day Catalina Island Beach getaway is offered by several cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and AIDA Cruise Line. 

Isla Saona / Saona Island Excursion

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider a day trip to Isla Saona or Saona Island, a pristine island located within a protected nature reserve. Isla Saona is accessible by catamaran or speedboat. It has stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and an abundance of wildlife. It’s a popular excursion for those looking to snorkel, swim, scuba dive, and soak up the sun. This excursion is offered by cruise lines that have an extended day in La Romana. There is also a half-day excursion to Saona Island, which is a better option for passengers who leave La Romana in the afternoon. This is an incredible excursion that should be planned carefully, as most excursions to this beautiful island are long. It is important to select an excursion that fits within the time frame that your cruise ship will be in port. 

Catamaran Snorkel Adventure

The waters around La Romana are teeming with marine life, making it a great destination for snorkeling. On a catamaran adventure, you will explore vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish. Some catamaran experiences offer an upgrade to snuba for an additional cost.

Adventure and Outdoor Excursions in La Romana

There are several outdoor and adventure excursions to choose from. A few adventure excursions are shorter. You can enjoy part of the day swimming at the cruise port or exploring La Romana on your own. 

River Kayaking on the Chavón River

For a fun adventure, consider a kayaking excursion on the Chavón River. This scenic river winds through lush jungles and offers a mix of gentle rapids and calm waters. For this kayak trip, you will be traveling in the calm waters of the Chavon River. This is a fun way to experience the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. Most kayak excursions offer double kayaks. 

River Cruise on the Chavón River

A river cruise on the Chavon River will take you on a more leisurely and relaxing cruise down the river. You will enjoy the beautiful green landscape of the area while you cruise on the Chavon River.  

Zip Line Excursions

If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, head to one of the nearby zip-lining parks. Runners Adventures Zipline Park has 18 platforms and 12 ziplines. They have one of the longest ziplines, which is 2625 feet long. On this adventure tour, you will soar above the treetops and enjoy panoramic views of the tropical landscape as you glide from platform to platform.

Casa De Campo Horseback Riding

The Casa De Campo Horseback riding adventure is a 90-minute horseback ride through the famous Casa De Campo resort. At the resort, you will ride through scenic trails around the golf course and the luxurious villas around the property. Casa de Campo is a few minutes from the cruise port.

Family-Friendly Excursions at La Romana Cruise Port

There are several family-friendly excursions offered in La Romana. The family-friendly excursions are not only great for kids, they are also fun for adults as well.

Monkeyland

Monkeyland is one of the more popular excursions. At Monkeyland, you interact with squirrel monkeys in their natural environment. You are given a small plate of food which attracts the squirrel monkeys. They are playful monkeys that will jump on you and sit on your shoulder or head. You will be able to take a few incredible photos as the squirrel monkeys interact with you. Your guide will give you instructions to follow during your encounter with the monkeys.  

Katmandu Theme Park

Katmandu is a new family theme park near Punta Cana. The park opened in the spring of 2023. Katmandu offers a variety of attractions for the family which include outdoor activities and interactive immersive experiences. A few of the outdoor activities available at Katmandu include a ropes course, two 18-hole miniature golf courses, and rides for kids. Indoor activities include indoor obstacle courses for adults and children, the Hall of Mirrors, and the interactive Challenge of the Mad Mage, where you play with other participants.

Dolphin Swim with Lunch

The Dolphin swim is an incredible experience where you will interact with dolphins at one of the nearby marine parks. This guided encounter will allow you to swim with these intelligent creatures, learn about their behavior, and create unforgettable memories. 

Shopping and Dining in La Romana

There are many shops and restaurants that feature local cuisine in La Romana. If you do not feel comfortable going out on your own, you can book an excursion that focuses on local culture and cuisine. These excursions take you to local artisan markets and restaurants where you can taste local cuisine. 

Local Markets

La Romana offers a variety of shopping opportunities, from bustling markets that sell artisan products to upscale boutiques. You can browse for local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Dominican Cuisine

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the flavors of the Dominican Republic. Try local dishes such as sancocho (a hearty stew), mofongo and mangu (mashed plantains), and fresh seafood. Many restaurants near the port and in the port offer authentic Dominican cuisine,  allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal before returning to your ship.

Tips for a Perfect Day in La Romana

Here are a few tips to make the most of your time in La Romana:

Plan Your Excursions Early

Popular excursions like Isla Saona and Altos de Chavón can fill up quickly. It is a good idea to book in advance through your cruise line or a reputable tour operator.

Stay Hydrated and Sun-Safe

The Dominican sun can be intense, especially during the peak hours of the day. Be sure to apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat, and drink plenty of water.

Set Your Watch to Ship Time

It is very important to keep track of ship time. This is the time that is set by your cruise ship. Time in the Dominican Republic will probably be off by one hour. Keeping track of ship time ensures that you will not miss the required all-aboard time and get left behind in the Dominican Republic.

Currency and Language

Many places in La Romana accept US dollars. It is helpful to have some Dominican pesos on hand for smaller purchases. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

A Memorable Experience Awaits at the La Romana Cruise Port

La Romana Cruise Port offers an incredible gateway to the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and exciting adventures of the Dominican Republic. Whether you want to explore historical sites, relax on a beautiful beach, or have a thrilling adventure, La Romana has something for everyone. With its warm hospitality and diverse offerings for its visitors, this vibrant port stop is sure to be a highlight of your Caribbean cruise. Get ready to explore, indulge, and create lasting memories in the beautiful Dominican Republic.

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