Santo domingo 1-24-17

[Kelliegirl2u]

We docked here on 1/24/17 on Carnival Conquest.

Upon pulling into the port the first thing we noticed was how dirty it was. Trash everywhere in the water and along the banks of the port.

We got off the ship and were immediately bombed by shuttle/taxi drivers. We were wanting to go the beach and were informed it would be 30.00 per person to get to beach plus chair rental of $25.00 There were 11 of us traveling and we could not justify that kind of money for 3 hours.

2 in our group took the taxi to the beach and came back with horror stories of vendors swarming them to the point they paid out over $100.00 to make them go away. They also never got into the water because they did not feel safe leaving their items on the beach.

Another couple we spoke to stated that the area of the beach they were on would not take american money and demanded they exchange for pesos. They were escorted to a bank where they demanded $50.00 be exchanged and paid for their chairs.

We also heard of someone being robbed of their earrings and someone's wallet was stolen.

Carnival needs to get it together if they want to continue coming to Santo Domingo. This is not a safe place at all. Stay on the boat!!!

Edited January 31, 2017 by Kelliegirl2u

[jjjct]

We also visited Santo Domingo we were on NCL Jade in February. Only 4 cruise excursions available from NCL and not anything we wanted to pay for.

We choice to walk off the ship and walk over to Zonal Colonial - the historical part of Santo Domingo. There were many cruisers walking there.

 

We ported in Sans Souci and walked about a mile to the historical area, it dates back to Christofer Columbus and has some amazing structures from the 1500's. I was not so sure if we wanted to even get off the ship at first, but we did. There is a lot of police and Military patrolling the streets. You will feel safe. We enjoyed our walk and seeing this area, we are 58 and 57 and active and had no problem walking back and forth from this area. Defintly worth a visit.

[elklemi]

I was on the Conquest January 24 also and agree with op about the water and how dirty it was. I walked all over the colonial zone and this is the first port I could not find an inviting bar/restaurant to stop and have a beer. I was hoping it would be similar to San Juan Old City but in my opinion this was not the case. Also heard rumours of earrings and backpack being stolen. I had high hopes for visiting this port but it did not appeal to me at all.

[cbrick72]

Santo Domingo is a wonderful port but it does take a little understanding of where to go and what to see. Yes, all the reviews stating the port is dirty with lots of trash on the streets are correct. You want to either walk or take short taxi ride to the Colonial Zone (Zona Colonial). Here the streets are much cleaner are there are lots of restaurants, bars, cafes, museums, and history to enjoy. The Colonial Zone is a World Heritage Site.

 

Depending on how much time you have you can get to a beach but Santo Domingo is on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean. The closest beach is Boca Chica, but this beach is a little rundown, lots of people either begging or selling stuff that you won’t want, and other activities that you probably won’t want to be part of. If you want to go to the beach I suggest the next beach over from Boca Chica which is called Juan Dolio. You will want to go to the cove where the water and the beach are clean and there are restaurants and bars to enjoy. My favorite place is Don Pedros. It is not fancy but has a great view, always a great breeze and the beers are cold. It takes about an hour to get down there and should cost around $50 USD (one-way) for the car/van to take you there. This is for everyone in the car (not per person). I would suggest arranging a taxi before you arrive as the taxis waiting out in front of the port know you don't have very many options once here and they charge a premium. If you speak English, just Google, English Speaking Taxi in Santo Domingo and I am sure you will find a company to give you a fair price.

 

 

Because most people only have a half day with their cruise, I would highly suggest the Colonial Zone and leave the beach for a port that is closer to the beach.