Santo Domingo Aims for Homeport Status with New Cruise Terminal Development Strategy

The Dominican Port Authority (APORDOM), led by Jean Luis Rodríguez, is assessing the feasibility of constructing a dedicated cruise terminal in Santo Domingo. This new facility, situated along the Malecón near the Jaragua Hotel, aims to enable passengers to board and disembark directly in the capital, reducing reliance on traditional cruise hubs like Miami or San Juan.

Rodríguez regards this initiative as key to expanding the country’s port infrastructure, which currently includes four operational cruise terminals: Amber Cove, Taíno Bay, Cabo Rojo, and La Romana. The proposed terminal in Santo Domingo is expected to enhance the country’s appeal as a prime Caribbean cruise destination while driving economic growth in tourism-related sectors.

The project is designed to provide direct access to the historic Colonial Zone, enhancing passenger convenience and potentially boosting business for local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Estimated to cost around US$400 million, the completion of the terminal is targeted before 2028, though the legal framework is still under evaluation.

In addition to the Santo Domingo project, plans for expanding cruise terminal capabilities in Samaná, Arroyo Barril, and Barahona are also underway, with a focus on public-private partnerships. If successful, Santo Domingo could emerge as a significant player in the regional cruise industry, providing cruise lines with more routing options and reducing dependence on U.S. or Puerto Rican ports.

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