We were on the Getaway and just disembarked 11/8. Itinerary said we would dock at Puerta Plata - however, we docked at Amber Cove. It did not affect the excursions. We did not have an excursion planned, so we decided we would just get a taxi and go into town.
Here's what you need to know:
*This is a brand new port with overpriced shops etc. (All the merch was much more expensive than both Aruba and Curacao)
*Amber Cove is located in the countryside. Puerta Plata is a 30 minute drive. If you want to go into town (I was told the nearest town is Puerta Plata), you need to get a taxi. Fares are $30 each way per person. So for 2 people - it's $60 round trip. I wanted to go to a grocery (type) store to buy local spices and coffee. The nearest grocery store is in Puerta Plata.
* There is a public pool - get off the ship and go to the right (not toward the shops)