Caribbean Cruise (February) 2025: Dominican Republic (La Romana)
The first port-of-call happened on the second day of the cruise. We landed in La Romana, Dominican Republic. It threw me off a bit when I learned that we were not stopping in Punta Cana, which up until this cruise, is the only port I know where cruise ship stops.
At the port, live music welcomed us. A resort-type setting with pool and lounge chairs were available for those that want to just lay under the sun and swim and drink cocktails. Shopping booths are aplenty plying from magnets to swimsuit cover ups and everything in between.
As is our (husband and I) practice, we don't join the ship's excursion trips. Instead, we do it on our own - more budget-friendly. And given that on this cruise we were 6 other people, it's easier to arrange a private tour.
As one exits the port area, there are private tour operators. Their barkers are free to enter a small area of the port area. After talking and bargaining, we chose the guy that would take us to where we wanted to go. My research had produced two must-see places nearby the cave (Cueva de las Maravillas) and the village (Altos de Chavon). We were told that the cave is closed on this day and every Monday. I didn't believe him until I got confirmation from everyone there that indeed the cave is closed on Mondays. So just a visit to the village and a little peek at the town.
Altos de Chavon is located inside the Casa de Campo Resort. It is actually a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village. For some reason, to me, it felt so right at home in this lush tropical setting. The village sits 300 feet above the Chavon River.
There is an outdoor ampitheater that could seat 5,000. When the village opened in 1982 (construction began 1976), Frank Sinatra had performed live; other world artists have since performed.
Chavon River
The village's centerpiece is St. Stanislaus Church, which is a favorite wedding site in the country. Geographically it is located in the center of the village. It was consecrated in 1979 and ashes of Poland's patron saint, St. Stanislaus, was sent by Pope John Paul II to commemorate the church's inauguration. The Pope also sent a hand-carved statue from Krakow for the inauguration.
There's golf course and plenty of shopping and eating establishments.
Shortly after the visit to the village, we made a quick stop at La Romana town. We added this visit just to make the most of the money we paid for this trip. However, we've been under the scorching sun so long over at the village, even though I brought and used an umbrella) that we were so tired and hot to do anything else outdoorsy that the only thing we could do was make a quick look at the town plaza.
Government building
God, Country, Liberty at Duarte Central Park
Juan Pablo Duarte, a revered national hero and one of the founding fathers of Dominican Republic.
Across the park is the Church of St. Rose.
Back on the port, we quenched our thirst with ice-cold Coca Cola (best way to cool down, methinks) and then did a little shopping before heading back up to the ship.
All in all, I was happy to be able to enjoy the village experience and add Dominican Republic to the list of countries I have visited.
Altos de Chavon is located inside the Casa de Campo Resort. It is actually a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village. For some reason, to me, it felt so right at home in this lush tropical setting. The village sits 300 feet above the Chavon River.
There is an outdoor ampitheater that could seat 5,000. When the village opened in 1982 (construction began 1976), Frank Sinatra had performed live; other world artists have since performed.
Chavon River
The village's centerpiece is St. Stanislaus Church, which is a favorite wedding site in the country. Geographically it is located in the center of the village. It was consecrated in 1979 and ashes of Poland's patron saint, St. Stanislaus, was sent by Pope John Paul II to commemorate the church's inauguration. The Pope also sent a hand-carved statue from Krakow for the inauguration.
There's golf course and plenty of shopping and eating establishments.
Shortly after the visit to the village, we made a quick stop at La Romana town. We added this visit just to make the most of the money we paid for this trip. However, we've been under the scorching sun so long over at the village, even though I brought and used an umbrella) that we were so tired and hot to do anything else outdoorsy that the only thing we could do was make a quick look at the town plaza.
Government building
God, Country, Liberty at Duarte Central Park
Juan Pablo Duarte, a revered national hero and one of the founding fathers of Dominican Republic.
Across the park is the Church of St. Rose.
Back on the port, we quenched our thirst with ice-cold Coca Cola (best way to cool down, methinks) and then did a little shopping before heading back up to the ship.
All in all, I was happy to be able to enjoy the village experience and add Dominican Republic to the list of countries I have visited.
Oh my that looks so welcoming in the midst of our hard freeze!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed a visit to the Dominican Republic several years ago - it's lovely! Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2026/02/weve-had-still-more-snow-since-last.html