Cruise Port Details for Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Sprawling over two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti, is the delightful Dominican Republic. Its people are friendly and hospitable by nature; and it also happens to be one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations.

Santo Domingo is the capital city of the DR and the oldest continuously inhabited city in the northern hemisphere. Many visitors are drawn to its 16th-century Colonial Zone, its modern sophistication and Latin charm. The dazzling casinos, pulsating night life, superb dining, fashionable shopping and top class hotels are a contrast to the rich colonial past seen in the numerous museums and restored historic buildings.

Things to See & Do

• Colonial town of Santo Domingo
• The Three Eyes of Water cave complex
• Calle de las Damas - oldest street in the new world
• The Alcazar of Columbus castle
• Mercado Modelo market

General Information

Cruise Season

Jan - Dec

Currency

Dominican Peso

Language

Spanish

Land Area

48,072 square kilometers

Population

26,000,000

Electricity

2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below

Time

GMT minus four hours

International Country Telephone Code

1 + 809

Port Location - Santo Domingo (the Dominican Republic's capital city) offers two separate cruise ship piers. The newest, Don Diego Quay, is the best and is only a few minutes walk from the Old Town area of Santo Domingo.

Transport Links - International flights to and from the US, London and Europe are available from Santo Domingo), 18km (11 miles) east of the city.

Cheap and efficient air-conditioned bus and coach services run from the capital to other major towns. Travelers are recommended to hire tourist taxis or radio taxis that can be arranged in advance. Avoid unmarked taxis. There are several car hire companies in Santo Domingo. Santo Domingo has flat-fare bus and minibus services, and an estimated 7000 share-taxis called Carro de Conchos. These operate a 24-hour service in Santo Domingo, Santiago and Puerto Plata.