A Visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

This morning, Nieuw Statendam is docked at Amber Cove, a cruise terminal in Puerto Plata Province in the Dominican Republic. This is the first time I have visited Amber Cove, and I suspect that the reason may be that this is a brand new cruise dock and terminal, and a relatively new port of call. The cruise terminal and shopping area look curiously just like the one we visited yesterday in Grand Turk. Could there be some development company, or the cruise lines themselves, building out these terminals in various ports?

Let’s compare Grand Turk and Amber Cove. Both have a shopping plaza within walking distance from the ship. In both places, you have to walk through the Dufry Duty-Free store to get to the plaza or to your shore excursion, and you have to walk back through the duty-free store to return to the ship.

The shopping plaza and facilities in Puerta Plata appear to be newer than those in Grand Turk. The plaza contains lots of local shops and the ubiquitous Diamonds International and EFFY, et al.

The main difference between Amber Cove and Grand Turk is that there is no beach here. There are, however, water toys for rent (kayaks, pedal boats, etc.). A gigantic, and VERY nice swimming pool is free to use and it was also spotlessly clean. I saw at least three lifeguards on duty at the pool. The loungers are free to use, but an umbrella will cost you $20 per day.

There is a zip line attraction here and you can go as many times as you want for only $20 —you just have to walk back up the hill each time!

If you have not already booked an excursion through your cruise line, you can do so ashore. You will find tour kiosks as soon as you exit the Dufry Duty-Free store. The2.5 hour Panoramic Tour of Puerto Plata (shown below) was being sold for only $29 per person.

There is also a restaurant and bar located here with mostly American food (burgers, chicken, salad, etc.). It’s a shame they do not offer some local Dominican cuisine. I can get boring American food at home or on the ship.

So, if you are not really into booking shore excursions with the cruise line, you can simply get off the ship and walk into this charming little area that offers shopping, dining, a beautiful swimming pool, water toys, zip line and even private cabanas.

Once back onboard Nieuw Statendam, I thought it was time to try out the gelato, which is served poolside (Lido Deck 9) at Gelato. You can get a waffle cone or a cup with two dips for $2. They also have milkshakes here for $4.

Today is Thanksgiving in the U.S. and Holland America has not forgotten those of us who celebrate this holiday. They prepared a special Thanksgiving Day feast in the Lido Market for dinner.

I am not a big turkey and dressing fan, so I decided to try Nami Sushi for dinner this evening. Nami Sushi is an a la carte sushi restaurant located in the same space as Tamarind on Deck 10 aft. I was seated at the sushi bar where I could watch the two sushi chefs preparing the fresh fish dishes.

I decided to treat myself to one of their signature cocktails, a Cucumber Mojito ($10). It was quite good, but also quite small for $10.

I ordered a starter of Roasted Shishito Peppers ($3.50), which I make at home from time-to-time. Shishito peppers are similar to the Spanish Pimiento de Padrón peppers, except Shishito peppers are larger and usually milder. The ones served at Nami Sushi were flavorful and I would order them again. However, they would benefit from the addition of some flaked sea salt.

My next course was a Spicy Tuna Roll ($5.50). Each of the six pieces was a seaweed roll stuffed with tuna and cucumber, wrapped in sticky white rice and topped with another slice of fresh tuna. The roll was served with wasabi, soy and sliced ginger. It was an excellent tuna roll and a bargain at only $5.50.

My main (and final) course was the Roasted Pork Belly Char Siu. For more photos and a complete review, check out the Cruise Ship Dining Reviews section.

Tomorrow is another day at sea as we sail towards Key West.