What is there to do in Santo Domingo?

We are going to Santo Domingo in Jan 2017 on the Conquest. Carnival has not post any excursions (they have posted excursions for the other three ports).

Has anyone been there before and what is there to do? Is it safe? Could this be a stay on the ship port?

I asked the same question May 11 as I am on the same cruise in January and got one response from Capt BJ.

"Took my ship in here a few times for R&R ... not one of my favorite places.

The capital city .... cruise terminal is actually on the east side of the river while the main town is on the west side. So if they put you at the cruise terminal, that's your first issue, get to the other side.

No beach to speak of in the area, the city is LARGE with a busy downtown. There are some large resort type hotels on the coast with casinos.

best bet for a day tour would be something visiting some of the many Spanish Forts and cathedrals. Also you'll find Cuban cigars if you are into that. I had an officer that would budget several hundred dollars for cigars every time we went."

I am also waiting to see what opens up and would like to know if we can get a tour once we get off the ship.

I asked the same question May 11 as I am on the same cruise in January and got one response from Capt BJ.

 

"Took my ship in here a few times for R&R ... not one of my favorite places.

 

The capital city .... cruise terminal is actually on the east side of the river while the main town is on the west side. So if they put you at the cruise terminal, that's your first issue, get to the other side.

 

No beach to speak of in the area, the city is LARGE with a busy downtown. There are some large resort type hotels on the coast with casinos.

 

best bet for a day tour would be something visiting some of the many Spanish Forts and cathedrals. Also you'll find Cuban cigars if you are into that. I had an officer that would budget several hundred dollars for cigars every time we went."

 

I am also waiting to see what opens up and would like to know if we can get a tour once we get off the ship.

Yes, I read your post. I don't think Carnival has ever visited this port before. I wonder why now. It doesn't sound very appealing. If I can't find a decent Carnival excursion, it might be a stay on the ship day.

I was thinking the same thing but I have always gotten off the ship even to walk around and find a local bar just to see what is around. Have been to the DR on land vacations but never to Santo Domingo so if it is a sunny day I am sure i will get off for a little while. Must be an old fort that would be interesting.

I was thinking the same thing but I have always gotten off the ship even to walk around and find a local bar just to see what is around. Have been to the DR on land vacations but never to Santo Domingo so if it is a sunny day I am sure i will get off for a little while. Must be an old fort that would be interesting.

Are you on the roll call? That may be the same thing we do. Sometimes you can get an english speaking taxi driver to give you a taxi tour and then to a safe bar.

Lots to do in Colonial zone of Santo Domingo.

http://www.santodomingotourism.com/top-5-colonial-zone-attractions/

Had a guided tour of the custom house and the alcazar last time we wer there.

Going back in Jan 2107 for a condo stay outside the city for 10 days.

Is the Colonial one within walking distance from where the ship will dock?