Amber Cove welcomed us with sunshine and Caribbean vibes during our Princess Cruises itinerary. This port, located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, was created especially for ships under the Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Holland America, and Princess cruises). From relaxing by the pool at the port to venturing out on an excursion, Amber Cove offers a variety of ways to enjoy your day — it’s up to you whether to stay local or explore further before your ship sets sail again. But on this post, I’ll talk about, basically, things to do in Amber Cove without leaving the port.
— Puedes leer esto en español aquí —
The port area offers so much to explore. From souvenir, clothing, and local craft shops (especially in the little market) where you can find something memorable to take home, to a Dominican chocolate shop that tempts you with its sweet aroma even before you step inside… so yummy! You’ll also come across several food spots, including a small kiosk where we tried an incredible chicken empanada—because it’s hard to resist a taste of the local flavors, even if just for a quick snack. To top it off, vibrant displays of Dominican Carnival, like the colorful Diablo Cojuelo, add a festive cultural touch to the atmosphere. So many spots for a ‘Instagram pic’!
The first store you’ll see upon arrival (and the one you’ll walk through again on your way back to the ship) is the Tax & Duty Free shop “Dufri”. Once you exit it, you’ll find the smaller shops, including jewelry stores, a pharmacy, and even a charming Christmas shop (perfect if you collect holiday ornaments for your tree, like I do!).
For even more local shopping, you can take a short walk to the craft market, where you’ll see artisans at work. One vendor was creating beautiful glass designs, which instantly brought back memories of our trip to Murano a few years ago.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the port area is spacious and great for walking. One of the best spots is the bar located at the very top of the complex, offering stunning views of the port. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the staff is incredibly friendly. Right next to the bar is the start of the zipline course.
— About the zipline: It’s usually around $20 per person for unlimited rides throughout the day. Just note that you’ll have to walk uphill each time you want to ride. Be sure to check the current price when you arrive, as we found conflicting information online before our visit.
We (two adults) chose to relax by the pool and stroll through the shops, but we saw plenty of kids and teens riding the zipline over and over — it definitely looked like a fun activity for the day.
We visited in December 2024, and the weather was perfect — warm but pleasant, with no rain. I loved that it wasn’t hurricane season and also not the scorching summer heat. Definitely pack plenty of sunscreen!
— If you’re planning excursions: It’s best to book directly through your cruise line, as they adjust the schedules to make sure you return to the ship on time. Always double-check the ship’s time (not local time), and confirm with a crew member if you’re unsure before leaving the port.
Excursion options include visiting nearby beaches or exploring Puerto Plata, a charming city just a short drive away. We had planned to go, but ended up enjoying Amber Cove so much that we stayed in the port.
That said, Puerto Plata is definitely on our list for next time. It’s a coastal city full of charm, history, colorful architecture, and beautiful scenery where the ocean meets the mountains. One highlight is the cable car up to Pico Isabel de Torres, which leads to the city’s historic center. However, I read on a site the cable car is temporally closed and it might open in 2026. We’ve also heard there are gorgeous beaches nearby, perfect for a relaxing day. Hopefully, we’ll visit on a future stop — or maybe even on a cruise itinerary that docks directly in Puerto Plata, as many already do. Have you been there? Let us know in the comments your thoughts about it!
We truly enjoyed our time in Amber Cove. Beautiful views, a friendly atmosphere, tasty food, a touch of culture, and activities just steps from your ship. Easy and great!
Below you’ll find our video with more info about Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic — enjoy! (CC for subtitles in English)
