Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic - new Royal port stop

[DrProfessor]

Just got an email about our October 11, 2024 Southern Caribbean sailing saying they are adding Cabo Rojo as a port stop on the way back from Aruba and this sailing will be the first ever stop for Royal at this port (I am guessing a little extra hoopla associated with it).

 

About Your Upcoming Travels

Dear Guest, We have exciting news – to provide you with the best experience, we’ve added a brand-new port to our itinerary! We’ll now have a full-day’s visit to Cabo Rojo, Dominican Republic, and it’s Royal Caribbean’s first time ever visiting this destination! While we’ll lose a little time in Oranjestad, Aruba, you’ll be sure to enjoy the celebratory event planned for us to commemorate our inaugural arrival in Cabo Rojo. You and your travel party will be the first to experience this beautiful destination and we’re excited to sail away with you. Below, please find our revised Adventure of the Seas October 11th, 2024, itinerary. Your Day in Cabo Rojo Located on the southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic, Cabo Rojo, which translates to “Red Cape”, is welcoming cruisers for the first time ever! With plenty of beautiful beaches to lounge at, like Playa La Cuerva, your beach days have just gotten better. Looking for a little adventure? Enjoy snorkeling in the stunning turquoise waters, home to some of the best-preserved coral reefs, or take a boat ride to Bahía de las Águilas. Tour the Jaragua National Park and admire the beautiful cenotes, or hike to the Hoyo de Pelempito observatory and awe in the transition from desert plants to pine trees, into a cloud forest at the top. Whatever you decide to do, we know you’ll have a memorable time!

 

 

[Tree_skier]

Was this a replacement to a cancelled port or just an extra port stop instead of sea day?

[neverbeenhere]

So, they are saying they're going to have another stay on the ship day?

I see the future schedule show a couple NCL, Costa and Holland ships visiting.

[DrProfessor]

8 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

Was this a replacement to a cancelled port or just an extra port stop instead of sea day?

 

Added port stop (replacing a sea day)

[orville99]

2 hours ago, Tree_skier said:

Was this a replacement to a cancelled port or just an extra port stop instead of sea day?

 

2 hours ago, neverbeenhere said:

So, they are saying they're going to have another stay on the ship day?

I see the future schedule show a couple NCL, Costa and Holland ships visiting.

Did a Google Earth search of the port - there is literally nothing there. No town, no infrastructure, just a pier sticking out from a desert and an artificially created port venue (think Costa Maya before they built up the port area).

 

Definitely a stay on the ship day for us🙄

[leaveitallbehind]

Pass.  Rather have the extra time being cut out at Aruba and the day at sea.

[neverbeenhere]

Nice looking airstrip there, maybe we could take the airstrip run excursion?

 

Small beach club for a beach day, if one needs a beach day.

[smokeybandit]

Looks like literally a new cruise port. And new everything.

 

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-will-visit-new-dominican-cruise-port/94616

[orville99]

11 minutes ago, smokeybandit said:

Looks like literally a new cruise port. And new everything.

 

https://www.cruisehive.com/norwegian-cruise-line-will-visit-new-dominican-cruise-port/94616

Interesting article. sounds like it will be nice if it ever gets built😱🙄

[smokeybandit]

Just now, orville99 said:

Interesting article. sounds like it will be nice if it ever gets built😱🙄

Looks like it's been open since January. And it doesn't look all that impressive. At least yet

 

https://www.cruisehive.com/new-caribbean-cruise-port-welcomes-first-ever-guests/120048

[leaveitallbehind]

I prefer ports of call that have real places to go and a variety of things to do instead of a confined manufactured space.  JMO.  

Edited May 7 by leaveitallbehind

[Cliff and Cove]

Hello! 

 

I just wanted to provide a little more insight on Cabo Rojo, Pedernales. We are a local travel blog that focuses on the south of the Dominican Republic and have been following the new Cabo Rojo port progress. It's much better now than when the cruises first started coming in January! 

 

Check out this post that discusses the cruise excursions vs. local guides in the area, and a little more about what each excursion entails.  Bahia de las Aguilas is a virgin beach in a natural park, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic. Typically, it's a challenge to get there - so arriving by cruise ship, is defintely convienent. Oviedo Lagoon is also a gorgeous preserved area that is home to a variety of wildlife - a trip is here is truly unique! There are quite a few options in the area. 

 

Here is a little more info about the Cabo Rojo Project. The deep south of the DR is truly a beautiful place! We hope you enjoy your brief stay and come back for longer! 

[Tree_skier]

I just received this from Royal in regards to my Dec. 2025 cruise on Oasis... 

 

 

I'm wondering if this port will also be an option should they cancel my Labadee stop in Dec 2024

[jenushkask8s]

We have a southern on Oasis in September 2025 and got the same email today. 

[toad455]

wonder if it'll be better than Puerto Plata?

[smokeybandit]

It's one of those "make a cruise port out of nothing" stops with a couple construction phases. It was fronted by Norwegian and they started going there in January.

[CanobieFan]

25 minutes ago, toad455 said:

wonder if it'll be better than Puerto Plata?

Probably not… at least not for a while? I Really liked PP, probably second favorite port area after Costa Maya as far as immediate port area go. Lots to do even if you don’t leave // go on an excursion 

[SilkySal]

We got the same notice today for our Oasis cruise in September, 2025. Never been there, so ok with the change.

[Ashland]

On 5/7/2024 at 4:09 PM, leaveitallbehind said:

I prefer ports of call that have real places to go and a variety of things to do instead of a confined manufactured space.  JMO.  

 We felt Puerto Plata was a confined manufactured place...Not looking forward to this port stop again for us in March/April 2025. Oh well the rest of our 11 night itinerary is great.