Cabo Rojo welcomes two cruise ships with nearly 5,800 passengers

Pedernales.- The Cabo Rojo cruise terminal in Pedernales received two international cruise ships on Monday, bringing approximately 5,771 passengers and 2,264 crew members to the southern Dominican province.

The vessels were Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas and Holland America Line’s Nieuw Amsterdam.

Tourism Minister David Collado said the arrivals highlight Pedernales’ growing importance in the Caribbean cruise industry and offer economic opportunities for local communities through tourism-related businesses and services.

Nationwide, the Dominican Republic welcomed five cruise ships on Monday, carrying approximately 15,503 passengers and 6,421 crew members across its ports. Authorities expect around 105 cruise ship calls throughout November, involving major international companies such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line.

The growing number of calls at Cabo Rojo reflects the port’s increasing presence in international cruise itineraries and the government’s efforts to diversify tourism beyond the country’s traditional destinations. Since opening in January 2024, the terminal has gradually expanded its operations, creating opportunities for businesses involved in transportation, excursions, restaurants, handicrafts and other visitor services.

The development of Cabo Rojo is part of the government’s strategy to promote tourism in the Dominican Republic’s southern region, attract investment and generate employment while expanding the economic benefits of tourism to local communities.