Amber cove, Dominican Republic

[chesterka]

Did you book a day pass on your own or through Carnival. it seems that the RIU would be close enough to take a taxi. Just wondering if this can be done without purchasing an excursion through carnival?

 

I have already checked. On cruise ship days they will only book a day pass thru Carnival. There is another RIU resort Meregnue, I believe, that will offer a day pass for $40 and it's within walking distance (or so I hear), but before you commit to that, I would read some reviews.

[KirstyGee1978]

Our ship can't go to St Thomas due to the tropical storm and now headed to Amber Cove any photos or recommendations?

[tncruisergurl]

We loved it. They have a free pool. $8 umbrella rental. Free water slides. You can pay $14 and do the zipline all day. They didn't have very many shops open yet. Very nice pool area though.

[misslucy01]

Taxi to haul people to and from the ship. Don't forget to tip them!!

[misslucy01]

Cabanas to rent

[misslucy01]

Hillside cabanas overlooking pool. Notice the sunken hot tubs on front porch.

[misslucy01]

Coconut girls were popular.

[misslucy01]

Food available at the pool

[misslucy01]

The port is behind a closed gate.

[misslucy01]

Bar overlooking the port

[misslucy01]

Protesters on our way to Puerta Plata

[misslucy01]

Fort Felipe

[tncruisergurl]

[ATTACH]368073[/ATTACH]

Protesters on our way to Puerta Plata

 

 

What were they protesting?

[misslucy01]

What were they protesting?

 

 

A local said that some people had lost their homes when the port was built. I don't understand Spanish, but one of the signs says "homeless" and "help us".

[joellebridgers]

Loved Amber! Great Port! Will do a full report this week.

[wantocruisemore]

Loved Amber! Great Port! Will do a full report this week.

 

Looking forward to your report. Considering a cruise that goes to AC, but interested in beaches. From what I've seen so far does not compare to HMC.

[momonthego17]

Loved Amber! Great Port! Will do a full report this week.

 

Please post a link to your report on AC on this thread. Looking forward to hearing all about it! Thanks!

[reno3]

Loved Amber! Great Port! Will do a full report this week.

 

Please do....looking forward to it. We will be there in a few weeks and have no idea what we are going to do :confused:

[headhunterke]

I look forward to the review as well. I'm not trying to sound disrespectful, but what can you like about a port that has been built exactly how the cruise industry wants it? I mean, they literally planted the entire area there.

 

I think it has zero charm and the artificial feel of it makes it yet another generic port, as there are (too) many of them around the Caribbean. Eventualy, lines will stop docking at Bahia de Samana. Granted, there was not much to do there either, but at least it had some of the most pure wildlife I have ever seen. That was a relatively pure experience and at least you had a feel how the Caribbean are when you take all these artificial stores that sell the same around all the islands.

[misslucy01]

I look forward to the review as well. I'm not trying to sound disrespectful, but what can you like about a port that has been built exactly how the cruise industry wants it? I mean, they literally planted the entire area there.

 

I think it has zero charm and the artificial feel of it makes it yet another generic port, as there are (too) many of them around the Caribbean. Eventualy, lines will stop docking at Bahia de Samana. Granted, there was not much to do there either, but at least it had some of the most pure wildlife I have ever seen. That was a relatively pure experience and at least you had a feel how the Caribbean are when you take all these artificial stores that sell the same around all the islands.

 

 

That is why excursions are available.

[avenger71]

Amber is one of our stops. We leave on the Splendor Nov 8th. We booked at the RIU next door to the port. I will let you know how it is when we get back.

 

We booked the RUI excursion as well in a few weeks. I would be interested to hear how you liked it. Thanks!

[headhunterke]

That is why excursions are available.

 

While that certainly is a valid point, all the Caribbean ports (the port area, not the island itself) are starting to look very similar.

I was all in favor of HAL's policy to try and include at least 1 authentic Caribbean port in their sailings if possible. And I agree with many that Samana was not your typical, tropical paradise, but at least it felt real. And that's what's very important to me when I travel.

[momonthego17]

I am hoping for many reviews about AC that will give me an expansive view of a place I know nothing about. I wish more reviews were available. I trust cruisers opinions especially since they have had to put out money for the time they spent at that particular port. I'm not sailing to AC till May 2016 so hopefully I will be reading many reports so I can make decisions on what we want to do.

Thanks future reviewers for your insight!

[joellebridgers]

Ok here it goes! We pulled into Amber when it was still dark out.... I was so excited that I watched us pull in from our balcony.

We were allowed off the ship early, and our excursion started at 9 AM, so off we went a bit after 8. When you get off, yes you end up in a shopping area, (they wouldn't have it any other way). Almost tight away you will see the excursion area where we met our guide. We only waited a few minutes before he brought us to the bus area.

That's when I saw busses and taxis in lines all over, beyond the gates, up hills! Most taxis were brand new.... There had to be a few hundred of them!

We got on a brand new bus, (still plastic on the seats), and waited a few minutes before heading to the RIU. As the bus left the gates, the scenery changes.... You can see how poverty stricken this area really is.

We only drove 3-4 minutes before getting to the entrance of the RIU

We were greeted there by Dominican dancers and tropical drinks that were yummy!

It was a typical all-inclusive RIU. The pools, layout, restaurant.

We weren't there for luxury though. We found chairs by the pool bar then headed to the restaurant for a little bite. They were still serving breakfast so I just got a poached egg and papaya. Neither was very good, but again, didn't expect it to be.

We then took a walk to see what their beaches looked like. It was very pretty but not what we are use to.

Back to our pool chairs we went where two young ladies who worked at the resort asked us if we would like to sign up for massages. We did! The price was right too! We paid $30 each for beachside 1/2 hr massages. They were heavenly! I am picky on my massages, so when I say heavenly I mean it! Plus way cheaper than on the ship. They do the massages in a thatched hut on the beach..... The sounds of the ocean while getting a fantastic massage.... Sigh!

Next it was fun time at the pool. I was excited to have a Mamma Juana, the Dominican Drink, (I had them before and they are delicious). Ok, well I was excited until I had theirs..... Waaayyyy to strong which made them taste awful.

The pool entertainment staff was doing water aerobics, so I joined in. It was fun.... After they had a BBQ at the pool of pulled pork and chicken. I had the chicken and it was good.

I honestly forget what time we headed back to get on the bus.... But I'm estimating it to be about 2pm. We did some shopping before we got on the boat. The Larimar stone is the Dominican stone, so if you like jewelry, here is your best chance of getting a piece of local flavor. I ended up with a aquamarine ring that my husband bought me..( I got some Larimar on my last DR trip). At the port they had a bar, pools, zip lines, cabanas... And more for you to keep occupied with. sorry didn't take pictures of the pool area....

Overall it was a pleasant experience. From what some locals told me, they were happy to see the port. It will help to put food on their tables. Everyone was so nice.

Chose the excursion that best fits you. I heard some people say they liked the ATV excursion. I didn't hear anyone on our ship complain about Amber Cove.

Enjoy it!

[phabric]

Can you say the name of your excursion and with which cruise line?