What do you want to know about Amber Cove?

[joellebridgers]

I have a cruised booked for next year with AC as a stop. Several excursions showing. But unless I'm missing it, I don't see anything for the bungalows. Curious as to the price and if they include anything.

 

 

Me too.... Curious because my cruise leaves in exactly 69 days and I do not see it either as an excursion option.

[ChicagoCrafter]

First: No time to do beaches, alas.

 

 

*The nearest-nicest: The Lifestyle Beach Resort, which is where we stayed but I'll be damned if I got to spend any time on the beach (!), is upscale, a sort-of Miami Beach-esque kind of club scenario. There's white sand, lounge chairs, beds, and a bar and restaurant, and the fee is inclusive, around $59 per person. Includes transportation to the resort (and back), and it's genuinely lovely (we had dinner there but it was dark and aside from a gorgeous full moon, hard to see much!).

 

I'm seeing 2 different Lifestyle Beach Resorts listed on excursions with a $10/pp price difference

 

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort and Lifestyle Serenity VIP Private Beach. Do you recall which one you visited?

[editor@cruisecritic]

They're together, Chicago Crafter. I'll go find my notes and see which it is, both looked lovely (we stayed at the Lifestyle resort but no beach time!).

 

Also to everyone who's asked about tours: I've asked Carnival for clarification. Still waiting on an answer. Had the same experience with very limited options as you did.

 

 

Carolyn

 

 

I'm seeing 2 different Lifestyle Beach Resorts listed on excursions with a $10/pp price difference

 

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort and Lifestyle Serenity VIP Private Beach. Do you recall which one you visited?

[editor@cruisecritic]

Slideshow's up. You've seen some of the photos and I've shared some of my findings with you already -- but not all of them :)

 

Carolyn

 

Link: http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=540

[sturderick]

Slideshow's up. You've seen some of the photos and I've shared some of my findings with you already -- but not all of them :)

 

Carolyn

 

Link: http://www.cruisecritic.com/slideshows/?ID=540

 

Beautiful pictures!! Thank you for sharing.

[editor@cruisecritic]

So maybe I'm an idiot (be kind) but I couldn't find on the Carnival Cruise Line site the shore excursion menus. I mean there was one, but you couldn't book and it was extremely limited. So here's what Carnival sent me (and mind you, if you're on another cruise line in the family, FYI):

 

http://www.carnival.com/shore-excursions/amber-cove-dominican-republic

 

Carolyn

[editor@cruisecritic]

Serenity's a little bit more luxe....

 

Carolyn

 

I'm seeing 2 different Lifestyle Beach Resorts listed on excursions with a $10/pp price difference

 

Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Resort and Lifestyle Serenity VIP Private Beach. Do you recall which one you visited?

[editor@cruisecritic]

Last update on Amber Cove for awhile! Heads-up that you can book the villas onboard (ultimately they'll be available to pre-reserve online, but not for the first few calls). Pricing's not yet determined.

 

It will include food, drinks, etc.

 

Carolyn

 

Me too.... Curious because my cruise leaves in exactly 69 days and I do not see it either as an excursion option.

[wmwmarmstrong]

Last update on Amber Cove for awhile! Heads-up that you can book the villas onboard (ultimately they'll be available to pre-reserve online, but not for the first few calls). Pricing's not yet determined.

 

It will include food, drinks, etc.

 

Carolyn

 

Thanks for sharing Carolyn. Hope to get there soon.

[Butterfinger1954]

I would like info on the 27 waterfalls. Who should I book a tour with? Carnival isn't offering any waterfall excursions. I'm booked on the Oct 26 Victory. I think we are the third ship in port.

 

We stayed at an AI resort in Puerta Plata a couple years ago and booked the excursion to 27 waterfalls with a local, can't remember who now. It was a pretty cool excursion since it was something new for us. We were in our late 50's. The guides that take each group up through the falls are great and very helpful and STRONG as they litterly help pull each person up through each little waterfall. Yes, you go up THROUGH each falls and them swim on to the next one and go up again. Most opt for the first 7 falls only which is plenty to go through. You get to jump or slide down each falls on your way back down. Do to the rushing water I HIGHLY recommend that women wear a ONE -piece bathing suit, as the water can push/pull down on your bottom part. Yes, we could see my friends bum (ack!) in the video that we purchased of our group at the end of the trip. We called our camera guy "Mr. Paparazzi! Again, the guides take really good care of you. One of the men in our group was not a swimmer and the guides would help him across the water if it was too deep to walk, always saw to it that he was ok. Tip them WELL, they deserve it!

[Caribensun]

Hi Dave and Laura, any concern for mosquito born illnesses, around Amber Cove or on any ship excursions?

Will Oosterdam be going to Amber Cove on Oct. 16, 2015?

If we will be there what tour would you recommend through HAL that goes to the fort?

Thank you for taking time to respond,

Sandipalms

[sweetsixteencruisers]

How many ships can dock at Amber Cove at a time?

[skyeman27]

How many ships can dock at Amber Cove at a time?

 

2 ships...

[Cruise life]

My husband just spent several days on the other side (in Santo Domingo, a few hours from La Romana). The food tax is 30%. The AC shopping complex looks nearly identical to the circular one at Mahogany Bay. There was a thread here a few weeks ago about an excursion group that was robbed while traveling in their van from the LR port.

When I was in Puerto Plata many years ago, we were tendered into a very calm bay where snorkeling and novice dives took place. The cost of excursions through the cruise line is reaching ridiculous proportions. (already there in many people's minds). I hope people using private tours are very careful when choosing whom to trust. The driving here is very dangerous- my husband's work group did not have private vehicles, something they usually manage on their own. Dominican drivers took them where they needed to go. I suspect the security here will be similar to that in Roatan and Belize- very high.

To the OPs, We would love to see pictures of the pool complex filled up with water and hear all about the swimming and activities for children. ty

[sweetsixteencruisers]

2 ships...

 

Thank you!

[CalJas]

We have gone ahead and rented a villa with a private pool for our Amber Cove stop. We did this through Airbnb. It Will be nice to escape the crowds and have our own pool. Found very reasonable prices for quite nice villas. Looking forward to it!!

[momonthego17]

We have gone ahead and rented a villa with a private pool for our Amber Cove stop. We did this through Airbnb. It Will be nice to escape the crowds and have our own pool. Found very reasonable prices for quite nice villas. Looking forward to it!!

 

I'll be interested to hear about your villa in DR. Do you know how far away from port the villa is? Are you near a beach? Thanks in advance on any additional info.

 

Have a great cruise!

[CalJas]

I'll be interested to hear about your villa in DR. Do you know how far away from port the villa is? Are you near a beach? Thanks in advance on any additional info.

 

Have a great cruise!

 

It is in the Cofresi area and told this is just a 20 minutes drive from port by the Villa host. The Villa is also within walking distance to the beach, but not right on the beach itself. I guess this is the same area that Ocean World is located, but we won't be going there. Can't wait and and will let you know our thoughts!

[Anchor Life]

We just went to Amber Cove on the Maiden Voyage - first ship to arrive there, never ever again! The pier is beautiful but as soon as you leave the gates you find yourself very unsafe! Guards holding guns line the streets vehicles marked Tourist Protection. (I have photos of both) I have never felt so uncomfortable for my families safety and well being. We also stoped at Grand Turk and loved it there. With that said we enjoyed the ship we traveled on Carnival Victory ⚓️ Carnival I enjoy our adventures with you but, this port outside of the ports gates does not seem safe at all for your guests.

[Cruise life]

We just went to Amber Cove on the Maiden Voyage - first ship to arrive there, never ever again! The pier is beautiful but as soon as you leave the gates you find yourself very unsafe! Guards holding guns line the streets vehicles marked Tourist Protection. (I have photos of both) I have never felt so uncomfortable for my families safety and well being. We also stoped at Grand Turk and loved it there. With that said we enjoyed the ship we traveled on Carnival Victory [emoji572]️ Carnival I enjoy our adventures with you but, this port outside of the ports gates does not seem safe at all for your guests.

 

 

I thought this may be the case, similar to Belize, where armed guards line the port entrances. Although the DR has a high credit card theft rate, and there are reports of corrupt police that demand money instead of issuing citations, the Carnival area and Carnival excursions to private beaches should be very safe. It's too bad a beach was not built at the port like in Roatan...would have been perfect for a relatively cheap beach port day. When Bill was in the DR for work twice in the last year, his work group had an armed escort and a driver. They travelled through different parts of the island and he reported widespread extreme poverty, much like you would see in Haiti. Haiti is on the Gov. travel advisory list due to lack of basic infrastructure- poor roads, groceries, hospitals, etc. There is a large number of Haitians trying to make a living in the DR. The area near La Romana is one of the wealthiest, and there are nice beaches and AIs on the south side within an hour's taxi drive. Also, from La Romana, Santo Domingo is a huge city in which to explore history. The north is limited, but hopefully will improve. I have read some are booking the RIU at Amber Cove, which is nearby, walking distance.

Glad you had a great time overall. Any information on activities inside the port?

[pe4all]

We have been to several AI's in the DR, and have always seen armed guards on the streets, outside the resorts, etc. However, I live in NY, and when we visit the city I see armed guards all over the place also. (not just police - military) That being said - keep your eyes open, do not go off the "beaten trail" by yourself, and you should be fine! Looking forward to our visit to Amber Cove in February.

[cruizinisthebest]

We have been to several AI's in the DR, and have always seen armed guards on the streets, outside the resorts, etc. However, I live in NY, and when we visit the city I see armed guards all over the place also. (not just police - military) That being said - keep your eyes open, do not go off the "beaten trail" by yourself, and you should be fine! Looking forward to our visit to Amber Cove in February.

Agreed. I live 45 minutes from NYC and guards standing around with guns doesn't really bother me. If I wanted to go outside the gate, I would pick a Carnival excursion. Easy. Use your common sense regarding safety. We're also looking forward to Amber Cove! !

 

Sent from my SCH-I435 using Tapatalk

[sunlover5]

We will be in Amber Cove on Thanksgiving day. Can you tell me if the port shops/restaurants be open? Also, will the pool be filled by then? We were taking our 2 grandchildren and they will be more content chilling by the pool and using the waterslide.

 

Thank you for any information!

[jamscckmc]

Will US $ be accepted there for drinks, tips, etc? Are chairs and umbrellas available for free in the pool area?

[TMW67]

Just curious if anyone has done the Monkey Jungle & Zip Line Adventures in Sosua while in port, or is this even possible to do from Amber Cove? How did you get there?