New Port Samaná Cruise Terminal set to open November 24

Samaná.- The new Port Samaná cruise terminal is scheduled to begin operations on November 24, with authorities projecting approximately 230,000 cruise visitors in 2027, rising to 540,000 in 2028 and reaching one million annually by 2030.

Alejandro Campos, executive director of the Dominican Port Authority (Apordom), said the project marks a new stage in Samaná’s tourism and economic development. He noted that the 2028 visitor projection has increased by 35% from the initial estimate, driven by cruise lines’ growing interest in the destination and its natural and cultural attractions.

Developed through a public-private partnership between the Dominican government and ITM Group, the terminal is intended to expand the country’s cruise infrastructure while creating opportunities for tourism, commerce, transportation and other service industries.

Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza said the terminal could transform economic activity in Samaná by connecting cruise tourism with communities such as Arroyo Barril, Sánchez and Las Terrenas.

Local authorities also highlighted the potential benefits for businesses and service providers. Arroyo Barril Mayor Luis Felipe Fermín said the terminal could create new opportunities for local commerce, while Samaná Governor Teodora Mullix expressed support for initiatives aimed at boosting the province’s economy.

Port Samaná joins other major cruise infrastructure projects in the Dominican Republic, including Taíno Bay in Puerto Plata and Cabo Rojo in Pedernales, in which ITM Group has also participated.

With operations beginning November 24, the terminal is expected to increase the Dominican Republic’s capacity to receive cruise ships and strengthen Samaná’s position as an international tourism destination.