Why The Dominican Republic Is Much More Than A Cruise Destination

Last Updated 2 months ago

The Dominican Republic receives a huge number of cruise ship visitors, and this year is no different with over 1.5 million cruise visitors arriving in the destination over the past 9 months.

But while the Caribbean islands have long had a reputation for attracting travelers who prefer the island-hopping experience of a cruise, the Dominican Republic has emerged as the Caribbean islands’ answer to Cancun in Mexico.

Everything Travelers Want

The Dominican Republic has succeeded where other destinations in the Caribbean islands have failed thanks to its relatively large size, modern infrastructure, and willingness to invest and reimagine itself to keep up with travelers’ wants and desires.

Luxury That Rivals The World

In destinations like Punta Cana and Cap Cana, travelers can experience Dubai’s levels of luxury and service—all with the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean geography that blessed this tourism hotspot.

And this luxury isn’t just reserved for the super-rich, unlike other rival destinations. There is a wealth of royalty-worthy all-inclusives in the destination that offer some of the best deals in the Caribbean.

Although, if travelers do want to splash the cash for a next-level experience, there’s certainly no shortage of those options either.

Large luxury villa in the Caribbean with a pool and sunset views

A Home For Wellness And Relaxation

Wellness vacations have become super popular in recent times, perhaps a reflection of just how more aware we are of looking after our mental as well as bodily health.

Across the Dominican Republic, there is a huge number of fantastic wellness centers and spas. In fact, it has become so popular that most all-inclusive resorts will have their own on-site spa to make sure this relaxing activity is on hand whenever it’s wished for.

Born From Adventure

As a nation, the Dominican Republic was born from adventure. Throughout its history, which included it being the first colonial settlement in the Caribbean, it has drawn explorers and adventurers to it like a moth to a flame.

And that spirit of adventure is still alive today. Much of the island is covered in luscious greenery, rugged mountains, and barely traveled routes that entice those with an off-path personality to explore.

But the adventure isn’t just cornered off for the caution-free travelers. Across the country, there is a huge variety of activities, such as guided jungle ATV tours, above-the-treetop ziplining courses, and an endless offering of water sports.

Zip-lining in the tropics amid a large rainforest

History Meets Modernity

Perhaps one of the most under-appreciated aspects of a Dominican Republic vacation is that it offers all the comforts of the modern world yet allows travelers to peer into the past.

Across the country, many of the colonial-era buildings have been lovingly preserved, showing the huge respect Dominicans have for remembering where they came from and the struggle to get to where they are now.

To see this history at its best, travelers should visit the capital city of Santo Domingo. Here the beautiful architecture of the past has been best preserved, with everything from military forts to colorful Spanish Empire haciendas spread throughout.

A Santo Domingo street with colonial buildings

Travelers Choose

Cruise ship vacations are great, and for many travelers they love the planned-out aspect of them. But, for others, the on-rails reality of being told where, when, and what they’ll be doing on their vacation robs the experience of the fun.

A female traveler with outstretched arms on the beach at sunset

In the Dominican Republic, travelers have access to every experience and activity that a cruise will offer, but with the freedom to choose where, when, and what they want to do.

And as another huge plus, if travelers knock back one too many mojitos at a beach hut, they can sober up with a sunset without having to rush back to their cruise ship for last-call boarding!