🕒 Updated: February 17, 2025 | Published: January 31, 2025 | Written by: Joenid
Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port is a stunning destination I visited during my recent Virgin Voyages Dominican Daze Trip. This cruise 🚢 terminal is becoming a favorite stop for many other cruise lines, not just Virgin Voyages cruise.
In this article, I’ll share my experience about what to expect when visiting this cruise terminal ensuring you’re well-prepared for your visit to Taino Bay.
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Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port Overview
The vibrant Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port opened in December 2021. Puerto Plata Cruise Ship Port Taino Bay is designed exclusively for cruise sailors visiting Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Some of the cruise lines that dock at the Taino Bay Puerto Plata cruise ship port include:
- Royal Caribbean
- MSC Cruise
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Virgin Voyages (my personal favorite)
There is another cruise port on Puerto Plata, Amber Cove, an exclusive cruise port owned by Carnival Cruise. However, Taino Bay stands out as the newest and the closest port to Puerto Plata town in the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴.
I visited this lovely port during my trip with Virgin Voyages Dominican Daze in October 2024. The Virgin Voyages trips that typically make stops at this port include:
- Dominican Daze
- Eastern Caribbean Antilles
- Sunny Daze in Puerto Plata & Nassau
Note: For up-to-date information on current trips, check the Virgin Voyages Puerto Plata itineraries website.
What to Expect at Taino Bay?
The vibe of the Taino Bay Cruise Terminal reminds me of the Virgin Voyages’ Beach Club at Bimini. However, you’ll need to bring cash to eat and drink since this cruise port is independent of Virgin Voyages.
Arrival To Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port
As soon as you disembark your cruise you can choose to walk the pier ⚓️ or take a free cart ride to get to the Taino Bay area. The walk from the cruise to the Taino Bay Cruise Port is around 5-8 minutes.
Note: If you opt for the “free” ride bring cash 💵 to tip the driver.
The free ride will drop you off at the main entrance, where you’ll find the pre-booked shore excursions. If you did not book an excursion, this area is perfect for last-minute excursion options. You’ll pass through a duty-free store to access and exit the Taino Bay area on your left.
What to Do at Taino Bay Cruise Port?
I have visited several cruise ports in the Caribbean, and Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port is, in my opinion, the prettiest so far. As soon as you access the Taino Bay area, you’ll be captivated by the beauty of the entire terminal.
Pool and Lazy River
As a guest, you’ll have access to a free resort-style pool 🏊and lazy river. There are also several hammocks, shaded⛱️ lounges, and daybeds that you can use while enjoying the facilities.
Note: They don’t ask you to pay to use the facilities, but they encourage you to purchase drinks 🍹 and food while enjoying your time in Taino Bay.
Taino Bay is situated by the ocean, and there is a sandy area with several hammocks and daybeds for a relaxing ocean 🏝️ view. However, there is no direct access to the beach. The area has two large pools and is perfect for accommodating multiple cruise ships visiting Taino Bay.
The lazy river design is interesting, featuring sections that go underneath walking bridges and fabulous ship views. You’ll get a float for your swim, and if the lazy river feels too long, you’ll find some escape points along the way.
Entertainment at Taino Bay Cruise Port
You’ll not get bored when you visit the Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port, there are a variety of entertainment options, including:
- Bars
- Restaurants
- Music 🎶
- Splash Surfing 🏄♀️ (a surf simulator)
Souvenir Shops and Cafes
If you want to bring some memories from visiting Taino Bay Puerto Plata, you’ll find several local shops, offering handcrafted souvenirs, jewelry, and other duty-free items.
I highly recommend trying Café Santo Domingo ☕️, you can either savor it on-site or buy a package to brew at home. Also, don’t miss out on the Cacaoteca which is the Dominican Republic’s award-winning chocolate. This chocolate 🍫 comes in various cacao percentages and I recommend 63% and 78% dark chocolate which are their vegan and gluten-free options.
Tip: On Virgin Voyages cruise, you’re allowed to buy alcohol at the ports. Once you pass the security check-in, you’ll find a standing table where you hand over any liquor. They will keep it safe until your final night on board.
What to Bring?
Since chairs, hammocks, and beds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s a good idea to arrive early. On my visit, I did not know what to expect and came unprepared. I don’t want you to make the same mistake, here’s what you should bring:
- A swimsuit 🩱 to stay on the pool
- Water shoes or flipflops 🩴 because the floor can get very hot 🥵
- Towel and towel clip,
- Sunscreen 🧴, there is plenty of shaded seating but nothing to protect you from the sun while using the pool and lazy river.
- A beach hat 👒 and avoid the sun visor hat because it doesn’t provide enough protection to your scalp
- Cash 💵 to tip the cart drivers
- Camera 📸, there are plenty of perfect photo spots.
DON’T FORGET TO READ:
Exploring Outside Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise Port
The Puerto Plata town is just 10-15 minutes from the Taino Bay Puerto Plata Cruise port. Be ready for vendors offering taxi and excursion services as you exit the terminal. I chose to stay at the cruise port because the facilities provide the perfect setting for a relaxing pool day. However, if you want to have a cultural experience, consider visiting these walking distance local attractions:
- Umbrella Street: a lively street adorned with colorful ☂️ umbrellas
- Paseo de Doña Blanca: a small street painted entirely in pink
- Plaza Independencia (Parque Central): where you can find some colonial structures
- Fort San Felipe: a historic Spanish fortress
What Makes Taino Bay Special?
Taino Bay is a newer facility and an exclusive vibe for cruisers, making it a unique place to spend a relaxing day in the Caribbean. It offers relaxing and free things to do, without worrying about expensive excursions.
The restrooms are so clean 🧼, stocked, and well-maintained. The Taino Bay also thoughtfully placed trash cans for recycling ♻️ glass, cans, organic, and inorganic waste which you can see as their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Taino Bay’s beauty is remarkable, and it has many amazing spots to capture stunning photos of the ship, mountains, and scenic port areas. Plus, its convenient location near Puerto Plata town makes it a perfect place for adventure and relaxation.
