Puerto Plata bids farewell to first Disney Cruise Ship with fireworks

Puerto Plata.- The Disney Dream cruise ship made its first-ever visit to the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, October 6, docking at the Taíno Bay cruise terminal in Puerto Plata and marking a milestone for the country’s cruise tourism industry.

The vessel, operated by Disney Cruise Line, arrived from Port Everglades, Florida, carrying 3,194 passengers and 1,467 crew members. Its inaugural stop adds Puerto Plata to the company’s cruise itineraries and expands the Dominican Republic’s appeal as a destination for family-oriented cruise tourism.

The Ministry of Tourism and the Dominican Port Authority welcomed the ship, highlighting the importance of the visit in strengthening the country’s position in the Caribbean cruise market.

Dominican Port Authority Executive Director Alejandro Campos said the arrival resulted from management efforts initiated in 2021, coordinated with the Ministry of Tourism and private-sector partners.

The Disney Dream’s historic visit concluded with a fireworks display at the Taíno Bay terminal as the ship departed Puerto Plata, illuminating the waterfront and marking the cruise line’s first call in the Dominican Republic.