Santo Domingo.- Authorities anticipate that the Dominican Republic will exceed 3 million cruise passengers by 2024 with the expansion of port infrastructure dedicated to accommodating cruise ships.

Jean Luis Rodríguez, executive director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), expressed confidence in achieving this goal, noting that the country welcomed 2.3 million sea visitors in 2023.

During the launch of the Apordom mobile application, Rodríguez highlighted the strategic significance of authorizing Samaná Bayport, Arroyo Barril, and the Barahona cruise port, slated for completion by 2026, to enhance logistical capabilities for accommodating more travelers.

“Our target for 2028 is between five to six million cruise passengers,” Rodríguez affirmed, emphasizing ongoing efforts to attract shipping companies to the newly built Puerto Cabo Rojo in Pedernales. Discussions with major cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, have already taken place in Jamaica to include this emerging destination in their itineraries.

Rodríguez acknowledged that establishing a regular schedule of tourist boats docking at Puerto Cabo Rojo will take time but expressed optimism for normalization by October this year.

“Cruise itineraries are typically planned up to three years in advance. We expect significant growth similar to Taino Bay’s experience, which saw a rise from 300,000 to over 800,000 passengers within two years of operation,” Rodríguez explained.

Apordom anticipates approximately 500,000 cruise passengers at Puerto Cabo Rojo by 2028, positioning it as a key destination in the region.