Costa Fascinosa makes first visit to Port Cabo Rojo, boosting local economy

Pedernales, DR.- The Port of Cabo Rojo welcomed its third cruise of 2025 on Saturday, with the arrival of the Costa Fascinosa, marking the ship’s first visit to this port. Carrying 3,109 passengers and 1,033 crew members, this docking is part of an ongoing surge in tourism since the port’s inauguration in January 2024. To date, Cabo Rojo has received over 19,600 cruise visitors.
The Costa Fascinosa brought tourists from countries including Mexico, Peru, Costa Rica, France, Italy, and the United States. Visitors explored the local culture, enjoying a tour of the municipality’s key attractions such as the boardwalk and central park, where they experienced Dominican folklore, merengue, local cuisine, and the artistry of local craftspeople, prominently featuring larimar stone.
Provincial Governor Edirda de Óleo Peña highlighted the economic boost brought by the cruise ship’s arrival, coinciding with the town’s festivities honoring the Virgin of La Altagracia, culminating on January 21.
Significant growth since inception
Since its opening on January 4, 2024, the Port of Cabo Rojo has rapidly become a key player in the region’s tourism sector. The port’s first phase saw the arrival of the Pearl from Norwegian Cruise Line and the Nieuw Amsterdam, bringing a combined total of 4,491 passengers and 1,870 crew members.
The port’s second phase, inaugurated on October 16, 2024, included a theme park and expanded docking capabilities to accommodate two large cruise ships simultaneously, with the capacity to host up to 15,000 passengers. This development welcomed Adventure of the Seas, which brought 3,142 passengers and 1,190 crew members.
By the end of 2024, Port Cabo Rojo had hosted five cruise ships, totaling 11,626 passengers and 4,723 crew members.
A sustainable vision
Port Cabo Rojo, operated by the Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM) and developed by ITM Group, is part of the Cabo Rojo Tourism Development Project, led by the General Directorate of Public-Private Partnerships (DGAPP), Pro-Pedernales Trust, and the Ministry of Tourism. The port stands out for its commitment to sustainability, banning single-use plastics and promoting the conservation of protected areas and natural parks.
This continuous influx of tourists underscores the port’s growing role in enhancing the local economy and positioning Pedernales as a prominent destination in the Caribbean.