Carnival Cruise is taking part in part of a ground breaking of a new modern cruise terminal in Puerto Plata. The completed terminal is expected to cost $65 million in US dollars and is expected to be completed in 2014. Once completed it is estimated that the new port will bring in around 250,000 cruise passengers per year.

Carnival Cruise already stops at ports in La Romana and Santo Domingo. Puerto Plata has been suffering from a downturn in the tourist industry and this new port should provide a needed source of tourist income to the area.

While Puerto Plata isn’t one of my favorite locations in the DR there are several interesting tourist attractions in the area including Horseback Riding Stables, the Damajaqua Cascades (27 Waterfalls), Ocean World Adventure Park, and a cable car (sky tram) ride up to the top of Mount Isabel.