First look: Inside Amber Cove, the Caribbean’s newest cruise port

By Gene Sloan, From USA TODAY

PUERTO PLATA, Dominican Republic — What’s it like at the Caribbean’s newest cruise port, Amber Cove? See for yourself with a scroll through our latest cruise port tour, in the carousel above, which offers a comprehensive look at the $85 million development as it nears completion.

Scheduled to open on Oct. 6, the 25-acre complex on the north coast of the Dominican Republic is being billed as one of the biggest Caribbean port developments of the past decade and will serve as a gateway for cruisers to the region’s historic sites, beaches and adventure activities.

As can be seen in the tour, Amber Cove will have bars, restaurants, shops and a sprawling pool area with water slides that cruise passengers can visit at no extra charge. It’ll also have a zip line, private cabanas overlooking the water and a massive transportation hub where cruisers will find taxis and buses to take them to area attractions. More than 40 organized shore excursions will be available.

Developed by cruise giant Carnival Corp., Amber Cove is expected to draw 350,000 cruisers in its first year in operation from such Carnival Corp. brands as Carnival, Holland America, Princess and Costa. It’ll also be the destination for bi-weekly “social impact” cruises to the Dominican Republic from Miami planned by Carnival Corp.’s new fathom brand. The trips start in April.

For more on this story and to view the images in larger format go to: http://www.usatoday.com/story/cruiselog/2015/09/03/amber-cove-cruise-port/71630154/