Headed to the japanese Caribbean on a Carnival or Princess cruise? Likelihood is that it might embrace a cease in a port referred to as Amber Cove.
This port — positioned about six miles west of Puerto Plata within the Dominican Republic — is a devoted space for passengers of Carnival Company ships. So should you’re crusing a Carnival model and headed to the realm, then that is the place you’ll cease.
You’ll be able to consider Amber Cove very similar to a non-public island, solely it’s nonetheless a part of the mainland. However right here you’ll discover all types of facilities for cruise passengers, from a pool space to purchasing to eating places. And whereas it’s a leaping off level for seeing Puerto Plata, the reality is that you would spend all day contained in the port space should you needed and have loads of enjoyable.
So what precisely is there to see, do, and learn about Amber Cove? We not too long ago visited to provide you all of the ins and outs in regards to the spot.
Location & Structure of Amber Cove
First issues first, it’s good to get a lay of the land with the port, its location, and what’s round.
Amber Cove sits in a small inlet, about 10-Quarter-hour by taxi from Puerto Plata. Across the port there may be little or no, though there’s a resort proper subsequent door. Other than that, it’s largely open area with hills and pastures. Because of this, if you wish to go anyplace exterior the port, you’ll want some type of transportation. Strolling exterior the port isn’t actually possible.
As for the format of the port space itself, it’s pretty simple to navigate. First, your ship will dock on the pier, after which it’s a brief stroll to Amber Cove. You enter by way of the duty-free retailer. As soon as by way of, straight forward would be the assembly factors for booked shore excursions. To the left are a variety of eating places, outlets, and the best way to exit the port and seize a taxi. To the best is the “Aqua Zone” that’s full with an enormous pool, waterslide, cabanas, and rather more (extra on this beneath).
You may get an thought of the format by way of the map beneath:
What Is There to Do at Amber Cove?
This port space is customized made to entertain cruise passengers. In some ways you may consider it as an extension of the cruise ship. Under we cowl all of the issues to do in port. Should you plan to go discover close by Puerto Plata, then we’ve got a whole information of issues to do right here.
Purchasing
Want a memento? Or possibly to choose up one thing from the pharmacy? Or jewellery? Or alcohol? It doesn’t matter what’s in your purchasing listing, there shall be a retailer in Amber Cove that sells it. The purchasing space takes up one complete aspect of the port, supplying you with loads of choices to decide on.
Get a Image in Entrance of the Ship
As you get off the ship, take a left after which head to the top of the port space. On the far nook of the port is an ideal spot to get an image in entrance of your ship. There, you’ll discover a big show writing out “AMBER COVE!” with a spot within the center that reveals the ship completely. Step up and get a memento photograph to recollect your journey.
Seize One thing to Eat
Need to eat? Bear in mind you can simply head the quick stroll again to the ship and eat without cost, or you may seize a chew in port. There are a few sit-down eating places serving informal fare. One is true by the pool and the opposite on the reverse finish of the port close to the “AMBER COVE!” signal. There’s additionally a Nathan’s sizzling canine trailer by the pool. Simply know that not like some personal ports, the meals isn’t free right here. You’ll should pay out of pocket.
Get pleasure from a Drink (or Three)
What would a Caribbean port be with out one thing to drink? There are bar stations across the pool, in addition to the massive Coco Cana (a restaurant by the pool with a swim-up bar) serving libations. However maybe the best place to have a drink is Sky Bar — a bar sitting on a hill that overlooks the port and provides cool views of the ship and surrounding space.
Hit the Pool
Should you’re going to remain in port, then by far the massive attraction is the pool space. The pool right here is massive, with tons of loungers throughout. It’s damaged into totally different areas which can be related with bridges so regardless that it may be busy, it may well nonetheless make the spots appear extra personal. The principle portion of the pool close to the swim-up bar will get fairly full of life. Head round from there and you’ll find a calmer vibe.
Attempt the Waterslide
One enjoyable characteristic is a pair of waterslides that circle round close to the sting of the pool. The dual slides spin round a number of occasions earlier than dumping you right into a devoted splash pool. The doorway could be a little hidden, however it’s alongside the again of the port space and up a hill. You’ll be capable of see the slides from the pool — simply head over to determine the place to go. There’s a 230 pound weight restrict, and also you should be at the very least 4 toes tall to journey.
Sail Throughout the Port on a Zipline
Head to the pool space, and also you’ll possible hear the zipline earlier than you really see it. The prolonged run heads straight over your complete pool space, letting out a high-pitched whine as individuals go over. The fee is $28 for limitless rides when you are in port.
Dwell it Up in a Cabana
To make certain the port space can get busy. Once we visited, two of Carnival’s largest ships have been in port, making it crowded. If you would like slightly extra elbow room, then there are cabanas that you just lease out. There’s a gaggle of them that sit out over the bay and others that sit overlooking the pool. Charges begin at $340 per day and most are on this vary, aside from the Grand Cabana, which runs a dear $1,170.
Youngsters Water Park
Are you crusing with little ones (about 5 years or youthful)? In that case, then there’s a splash space designed for smaller youngsters. It incorporates a small slide, a tree that sprays water, and a big fish that children can climb in. You probably have youngsters that aren’t prepared for the pool, it’s a enjoyable spot for them to get moist and revel in themselves.
Basketball
Feeling slightly extra energetic? If you wish to shoot some hoops, there’s a basketball space. It’s positioned on the far finish of the port, previous the pool and the child water park. It’s not a lot — only a hoop and a half-court space, however it’s a enjoyable choice if you wish to do one thing apart from lounge by the pool.
Kayak/Pedal Boat/Paddleboards
If you wish to get out on the water, then there are many leases to select from. Cruisers visiting Amber Cove have the choice of renting kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, and extra. The charges are a bit steep — beginning round $35 per hour — however a few of these will be break up by a number of individuals such because the pedal boats that carry 4. Half-hour leases are additionally out there.
Worth Record for Amber Cove
We’ve talked about a number of issues to try this include an additional cost. Under is the pricing from a current go to to provide you an thought of what issues value.
Ideas & Issues to Know
Earlier than you go to, there are undoubtedly some issues to know in regards to the port that can make your journey go smoother.
Taxis are Costly
Amber Cove sits about six miles away from Puerto Plata. You’d assume that getting backwards and forwards could be low-cost, however assume once more. Taxi charges from the port to city are sky-high, costing $70 spherical journey in accordance with the charges seen posted. With that in thoughts, it’s possible value it to e book an tour as an alternative if you wish to go to city, which can embrace transportation.
There’s a Cost for Most Extras within the Pool Space
If you wish to spend the day on the pool, entry is free, as are loungers. Most different issues will value cash. Every part from umbrellas to pool floats to lockers value further, as do sure “VIP” areas. You’ll be able to see a listing of the fees within the “Worth Record” part above.
Drink Packages/Wi-Fi Don’t Work in Port
Whereas Amber Cove may need the vibe of a non-public cruise line island, it’s really not. And meaning not like some personal islands the place drink packages and wi-fi service purchased on the ship additionally prolong to the port, it’s not the case right here. As a substitute, if you wish to drink then you definately’ll should pay bar costs. And wi-fi service is offered within the port space for $8 per day.
Free Wi-Fi at Shops
As we simply stated, the wi-fi from the ship doesn’t work in port. And whilst you will pay the $8 for all-day entry whereas visiting, there may be additionally a free choice. Take a look at the shops in Amber Cove. You’ll discover that some provide free wi-fi entry as an incentive so that you can go to the store. It will probably provide the alternative to examine in again dwelling should you solely want the Web for a brief bit.
Examine Out the Sky Bar for Nice Views
If you would like the most effective view in Amber Cove, then take a look at a spot referred to as Sky Bar. It sits on the prime of a hill that overlooks the port. You’ll be able to’t miss the massive white-roofed construction that’s seen from almost in all places. Head up right here for a tropical drink and a singular spot to loosen up whereas in port.
Be Certain to Deliver a Towel From the Ship
Spending the day on the pool? In that case, you’ll wish to you should definitely convey a seaside towel from the ship. All cruise ships provide towels to passengers (sometimes there’s a station by the pool). You’ll be able to convey these into port with you. There are not any towels out there within the port, so should you overlook yours, then you definately’ll should air-dry.
Be Early or Be Late to the Pool
Clearly the pool space is a giant draw at Amber Cove, and through the peak of the day (between round 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.) it may well get fairly crowded if you’re in port with massive ships. In case you are the one ship docked, then it’s not as massive a deal. But when there are a number of ships, then it’s sensible to reach early to stake out a main spot. As properly, going later within the afternoon additionally sees smaller crowds as many head again to the ship regardless of all aboard not normally being till the night.
Extra on Visiting Amber Cove:
Well-liked: 39 Helpful Issues to Pack (17 You Would not Suppose Of)
Learn Subsequent: Park & Cruise Inns for Each Port in America
Well-liked: 107 Finest Cruise Ideas, Secrets and techniques, Methods, and Freebies