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Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), led by director Jean Luis Rodríguez, is assessing the potential development of a new cruise terminal in Santo Domingo with the goal of transforming the capital into a homeport for Caribbean and international cruise routes.
The proposed terminal would be located near the Malecón, close to the Jaragua Hotel, and would allow passengers to embark directly from the capital, bypassing ports like Miami and San Juan. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost cruise tourism and solidify the country’s position as a regional hub.
Rodríguez highlighted the expansion of the nation’s port infrastructure, which now includes four cruise-ready terminals—Amber Cove (Maimón), Taíno Bay (Puerto Plata), Cabo Rojo (Pedernales), and La Romana. The new Santo Domingo terminal would build on this progress, contributing to economic growth and benefiting local tourism-related businesses. The legal framework for the project is still under evaluation, but Rodríguez confirmed its priority within the national development agenda.
Building a cruise terminal in this location is adding salt on the wound of traffic chaos associated with the area. It is difficult at present to transit the roadway when the ferry is present and definitely worst in mornings when inbound commuter traffic is allowed to monopolize all lanes, shutting off outbound traffic. **The $400 million price tag for the project should raise questions.
**Dominican Today, June 7th,