ITM Group, has plans to build a new cruise port in Puerto Plato. It will be located fairly close to Amber Cove, a port developed by Carnival Corporation about 3 years ago. This will be a major addition for the Dominican Republic.
With the cruise industry on a rise, there is a need for more ports to frequently visited islands.
The new port will be called Taino Bay and will have a theme of the Pre Columbian culture. Taino Bay will replace Puerto Plata’s old cargo port, and cruise passengers will be just a short boat ride away from Fort San Felipe, a major historic site, and the colonial heart of Puerto Plata, which will be a 16-block area that will undergo a major government-led renovation.
Mexico’s ITM Group plans to invest $80 million into the first stage of Taino Bay’s development, which is to include a two-berth pier, accommodating two Oasis class size ships at once. Taino Village is themed on the culture of the pre-Columbian Taino people. Monkey Jungle will be an interactive eco- park with capuchin monkeys, a botanical garden, aviary, reptile island, marine habitat and sustainability center. Shops, bars, restaurants, plazas for live entertainment and a museum will make up Buccaneers Village. Fort Cibao will be a theme park with waterslides, coasters and a lazy river, children’s and VIP areas and swimming with rays and cat sharks. There is also plans for a multi-stage zip line.
In the second stage, a 984-foot extension will be added to accommodate up to three Oasis class size ships at once.
ITM Group is also working with local companies to develop multiple shore excursions around the island. Multiple cruise lines have expressed interest in this project.
Sharon at Sea