The last time we were in the Dominican Republic was January 9th. Then we missed stopping there on January 26th, when we were having a side trip in Ft. Lauderdale. So we are back today at the port of Amber Cove, on the north side of the country. The ship arrived to the pier around 8am and the good news is that we were the only cruise ship there. Amber Cove is not a town or city, but an entirely enclosed Carnival Corp-built complex and park grounds. It is completely fenced and has manned guard towers in each corner. Locals are not allowed in, except for the shop vendors. The only way out is through a taxi canopy, where you can hire someone to take you anywhere. The closest city is Puerto Plata, a 10 minute taxi ride according to one of the nice shop ladies. Of course, there were some shore excursions that left from here too.
But first, here is a little info on the Dominican Republic. It occupies 2/3 of the island of Hispaniola, while Haiti takes up the other third. Together, they are the second largest island in the Caribbean, with Cuba being number one. Temperatures are about 82 degrees year round, and 8.8 million people live here. Attracting tourists (mostly from Europe), there are 1000 beaches. Natural resources are cocoa, coffee, rum, tobacco, and sugarcane. All of these items can be purchased in the duty-free stores. Up high in the rain forest, there are crocodiles, green cockatoos, and 29 species of birds.
The north side of the Dominican Republic is called the amber coast, since large quantities of amber were discovered here. Also the blue stone called larimar is found only in this country. The most valuable stones are a shade of milky blue. Warning: be careful buying amber as it can be plastic. Shopping includes jewelry made with these stones, as well as cigars, rum, coffee, and masks, which are worn during Carnival season. The biggest warning is don't drink the water….don't even brush your teeth with the water unless it is bottled. In addition, be careful with buying street food, which could make you mighty sick.
During breakfast, there was a sudden crew drill at 9:15am. It involved a possible fire on the ship (made up). Within minutes, every waiter and cook left the room and came back with their life vests on. Leaving Club Orange, we went to the promenade deck for a walk, and that deck was full of more crew members. The drill lasted one hour, and we figured that was a good time to leave the ship.
Taking our time, we took the same path we had walked the first time we were here. Taking a right turn, we found the spacious swimming pool, and the signage for rentals. Most everything had to be rented except for the use of the chaise lounges. One thing they do not have here is beachfront. The entire shoreline is filled with boulders. Several sun lovers from the ship had come over and were swimming and tanning. The big restaurant & bar would be opened for lunch business soon. From what we could see, none of the pricey cabanas had been rented.
There was a zip line there, and we did witness a couple of brave fellows riding it. When they approached the end of the line, the ride jerked to a sudden stop. No way would we try this anywhere, now that we have seen it close up. By the way, it cost $20 to ride it all day. We climbed the hill where the ride initiated. A bit further up the mist-lined road was a circular bar with a view. Unlike Half Moon Cay, people had to pay cash or use credit cards for everything here. And the shops also took credit cards naturally.
Leaving the pool area, we walked by the pond and waterfall display, then onto a string of shops with typical souvenirs. One of us did purchase another visor. That makes five new ones, which are worn at home. Four of the usual suspects are here…..Diamonds International, Effy Jewelers, Del Sol, and Cariloha, the bamboo place. We just started collecting the free charms at DI, but today seeing there were two of us, the nice lady gave us doubles. The bracelets and charms are not high end jewelry, but they do get you into the store where they hope you buy more.
Passing through Dufry, we went back to the ship. Many locals were there to offer a pedaled ride back to the gangway, but most everyone chose to walk. The day had warmed up quite a bit, and we were in need of something cold…..like beers. So it was off to the Grand Dutch Café. Andre was there, and we commented about seeing him as a dining room greeter last night. Right now, he works hard in the Dutch Café, but is training to promote to a dining room head waiter. He would be an excellent choice in our opinion. Anyway, the ham and cheese sandwiches were good and so were the fries. Michelle, who also works there, said she would double them, but we said no, one plate was ample. Barb, Susie and Woody have discovered that this is a very nice venue for eating something different from the dining room lunch or Lido.
Back in our room, we had planned on some down time on the veranda. But down below on the promenade deck, workers were pounding and sanding away making a heck of a racket. Eventually they stopped and we enjoyed watching the opposite shore with locals having a Sunday beach afternoon with their families. Banana boats were being pulled behind speed boats, while the little ones played in the shallow surf.
We stayed until the ship left at 6pm and sun went down. Closer to 7pm, we felt like the ship was turning, but thought nothing of it. Then something strange happened on the way to dinner. A couple in the elevator asked if we were going in the right direction? Yes, we were heading north, and they seemed good with that. Passing the shops, we noticed they were closed. Strange. Then when we reached our table in the dining room, we noticed we were docked somewhere with lights. What happened? We learned that the Captain had turned the ship around due to a medical emergency. Someone had to be taken off. We never heard an announcement, and we are not sure they made one. Guess we will have to wait until tomorrow for the details. On past cruises, we have seen this happen many times….sometimes even with helicopter med-evacs. Hope it turns out OK for the patient.
Three of our tablemates had decided last night to try the Sel de Mer this evening. Not big fans of the cuisine, we opted out, mostly because we wanted to see what was on the dining room menu first. Turned out it was liver and onions, Barb's and Susie's favorite. So they cancelled the reservations, and came to dinner. Woody had the pasta, and we had Rudi's half chicken and beef Wellington. Desserts were frozen yogurt and chocolate sundae. And guess what? Last night these same desserts were melted, but tonight, all was frozen. We suspect our waiters were anticipating what we would order, and bring the desserts early. By asking about it, they brought it straight from the freezer. What a difference.
The best thing we did tonight was turn the clocks back one hour. The extra sleep will do us good.
Tomorrow will be a short stop in Grand Turk, and an afternoon date with the Covid testers. Oh, we hate this invitation.
Bill & Mary Ann
Monday, February 21, 2022
Report #65 Amber Cove, Dominican Republic Sunday - February 20, 2022 Mostly sunny & 83 degrees
