Travel to the Dominican Republic is improving due to terrorism, as air and passenger arrivals have shown a significant increase compared to the past few years. This news is welcome given the recent warning from the US State Department.
Cruise Spike Arrivals in the Dominican Republic
The US State Department on June 6 is raising its alert for travel to the Dominican Republic to Level 2-Exercise Increased Caution does not seem to cause concern for the tourism industry.
In a strong start to the year, the Ministry of Tourism said the island nation posted a record number of visitors in the first year of 2023, with 2,076,171 arrivals.
March was a good month for seafarers. Cruise ship guests calling at the island in March reached 280,247, double the number of arrivals in March 2022, when 134,070 guests arrived on the Caribbean island.
Also Read: Amber Cove, Dominican Republic – Everything You Need To Know
In terms of all tourist arrivals, air and sea, the number of the first quarter shows a rise of 21% immediately in 2022.
Government Warning Related to Crime
State Department warning more careful in the Dominican Republic because of crime. In the Country Brief, the department stated that violence, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual violence, is a major concern in the Dominican Republic.
It also states that the availability of many weapons, the use and trade of narcotics, and a weak criminal justice system contribute to the increase in crime on a large scale.
Level 2 advice advises travelers to be aware of their surroundings, avoid resisting theft, and avoid displaying possessions.
The Dominican Republic is not the only Caribbean island to receive government warnings. In May the State Department issued a Level 3-Reconsider Travel A warning to Jamaicaand Level 2, similar to the Dominican Republic, has been in effect in Turks and Caicos since last October.
Cruise Lines Embrace Island’s Offerings
Almost all major cruise lines land in the Dominican Republic. Carnival Cruise Line calls at La Romana, on the southeast coast of the island, where travelers can enjoy the beautiful beaches and the old town.
An upcoming cruise Carnival Horizon visits destinations on an 8-day Southern Caribbean cruise from Miami on August 5, 2023. Other ports of call on the cruise include Aruba, Curacao, and Amber Cove.
Royal Caribbean ships call to Puerto Plata, in the northern part of the island, where the mountains and the sea have a spectacular view. The port is known for its Parque Central, a park surrounded by Victorian architecture.
9 night tour The Greatness of the Sea will make a port call on an Eastern Caribbean cruise from Miami on November 5, 2023. Other port calls include San Juan, Puerto Rico, Antigua, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
