Cruises to/from La Romana
La Romana — the resort gateway to the southeastern Dominican Republic and one of the largest cruise ports in the Caribbean basin. The city sits on the banks of the river that bears its name, where it flows into the Caribbean Sea opposite the scenic Catalina Island. Once a quiet sugar town, today it is synonymous with luxury getaways: this is home to the legendary Casa de Campo resort with its Teeth of the Dog golf course, the artists' village of Altos de Chavón built in a medieval Mediterranean style, and the world's largest hand-rolled cigar factory.
For cruise travelers, La Romana means convenience above all: the airport sits just minutes from the pier, and fly&cruise passengers can be aboard their ship within 12 minutes of landing. In 2025 the port welcomed 278,791 cruise passengers across 110 ship calls, ranking third among the country's ports by passenger volume (about 10% of all cruise arrivals in the Dominican Republic), up 40% compared with 2022. From November 2026 the port's status will change even more dramatically: MSC Cruises is launching its first permanent, year-round homeport for a European cruise brand in the Dominican Republic here. 🚢
📋 Before setting sail from La Romana or stepping ashore for a few hours during a port call, here's what you need to know:
🇩🇴 Country: Dominican Republic
📍 Region: La Romana Province, southeastern Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean coast
👥 Population: approximately 153,200 within city limits (2022 census), with a metropolitan area of about 270,000
📐 Area: the city covers approximately 120 km² (46 sq mi); the whole of La Romana Province covers 653.95 km² (252.49 sq mi), making it the country's third-smallest province
🗣️ Languages: Spanish (official); English is spoken in the tourist areas of the port, Casa de Campo, and Altos de Chavón
💰 Currency: Dominican peso (DOP); USD is widely accepted in tourist areas
🕐 Time zone: AST (UTC-4), with no daylight saving time — in summer the difference from Kyiv time is 7 hours, narrowing to 6 hours in winter
☀️ Climate: tropical, hot year-round (average temperatures +19…+31 °C / 67–88 °F, with peak heat reaching +37 °C / 99 °F)
✈️ Nearest airport: La Romana International Airport (LRM) — just minutes from the cruise terminal
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Puerto La Romana (Central Romana Port), operated by Central Romana Corporation
🗺️ Port berths: the eastern berth accommodates ships up to 360 m (1,181 ft) long, the western berth up to 250 m (820 ft)
🏛️ The History of La Romana — From a Taíno Settlement to a Resort Empire
⏳ A River Older Than the City by More Than a Century
Long before the Spanish arrived, the lands of present-day La Romana were home to the Taíno people of the Higuey chiefdom. They named the river on whose banks the city would later rise “Romana” well before colonisation: the name appears on a Spanish royal map dated 1784 — more than a century before the city was officially founded. This casts doubt on the popular legend that the name comes from “romana”, the scale supposedly used to weigh sugar cane: sugar mills did not appear in the region until 1912, and the area remained largely uninhabited for more than 300 years after Columbus's arrival. Incidentally, in 1494, during his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus himself named the neighbouring island Santa Catalina — today one of the main destinations for shore excursions from La Romana. 🏝️
⚙️ From a Sugar Town to the Resort Capital of the Caribbean
La Romana was officially founded in 1897 as a small oil-workers' settlement, but real growth began in 1917, when a large sugar mill was built here, drawing thousands of workers from across the Caribbean. In 1960 Gulf and Western Industries bought the sugar mill and invested about 20 million USD in the city's infrastructure. It was Gulf and Western, under chairman Charles Bluhdorn, that turned the former plantations into the Casa de Campo resort: throughout 1970, 300 Dominican workers hand-carved the legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course from coastal coral rock to a design by architect Pete Dye, and the course opened for play in 1971 — today it consistently ranks among the world's best. ⛳
Between 1976 and the early 1980s, an idea by Bluhdorn and Italian architect Roberto Copa gave rise to Altos de Chavón on a hill above the Chavón River — a reconstructed 16th-century “Mediterranean village” with a 5,000-seat amphitheatre. In August 1982 the amphitheatre hosted a legendary concert by Frank Sinatra alongside Buddy Rich, Heart, and Santana, and since 1983 the village has been home to a design school affiliated with New York's Parsons School of Design. In 1984 the resort was acquired by the Fanjul family, who still run Casa de Campo today — the resort celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024–2025.
⚓ The Birth of the Cruise Port
La Romana's cruise terminal opened in 2002, with Costa Cruises' Costa Marina the first ship to call. The initial investment to extend the port by more than 40,000 m² (about 430,000 sq ft) was roughly 12 million USD, and in 2022–2023 the berths were further upgraded for 15 million USD to accommodate the largest modern liners. The newest and most significant milestone is November 2026, when La Romana becomes the first permanent, year-round homeport for a European cruise brand in the Dominican Republic. ✨
⚓ The Port of La Romana — Gateway to the Southeast of the Dominican Republic
📊 Scale and Structure of the Port
The cruise terminal sits at the mouth of the La Romana River, just minutes from Casa de Campo and directly opposite Catalina Island. The port has two berths: the eastern one, built for ships up to 360 m (1,181 ft) long, handles cruise vessels, while the western one, up to 250 m (820 ft), serves cargo (mostly sugar) shipping and occasionally smaller liners. The terminal has a resort-style design, with passport and customs control, duty-free shops, cafés, and a waiting area, plus a free shuttle to Casa de Campo (about a 15-minute ride). For fly&cruise programmes it's one of the fastest ports in the Caribbean — from landing at the airport to boarding the ship takes only around 12 minutes.
🚢 How Many Liners the Port Can Accommodate
Up to two large cruise liners can dock at the main berth simultaneously, while up to two more ships can anchor off Catalina Island or Casa de Campo, ferrying passengers ashore by tender. In 2025 the port logged 110 cruise ship calls, and according to the terminal's own figures, a typical season sees more than 120 scheduled visits per year.
🏢 Which Cruise Lines Call at La Romana
The port regularly welcomes ships from Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, TUI Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Marella Cruises. From November 2026 the luxury brand Explora Journeys (MSC Group's premium division) joins the list, as MSC Cruises rolls out a year-round programme in La Romana aboard MSC Opera: weekly departures across eight different itineraries, including 7-night Southern Caribbean cruises and 14-night combined “butterfly” cruises (two consecutive weekly voyages on different routes aboard the same ship). The project is run in partnership with Costasur Casa de Campo and CTL Maritime, and every itinerary will call at the new private beach destination Catalina Sugar Beach on Catalina Island. 🌊
💳 Mandatory Cruise Entry and Exit Fee
Whenever a cruise ship calls at La Romana, passengers are charged a mandatory government fee set by Dominican Republic authorities — it applies to every cruise traveller without exception, including infants. MSC Cruises, for example, automatically debits the fee from the passenger's onboard account: the boarding fee (Exit Fee) is 30 USD per person and applies to all passengers embarking in La Romana, while the disembarkation fee (Entry Fee) is 10 USD per person and is charged to everyone going ashore. Fee amounts and collection methods may vary between cruise lines — please confirm the current terms with your chosen operator or with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist. 💳
💡 Interesting Facts About La Romana and Its Port
A few lesser-known details worth knowing before your trip:
🏴☠️ Near Catalina Island in 2007, researchers discovered the wreck of the notorious pirate Captain Kidd's ship, the “Quedagh Merchant”, sunk in 1699. Today the site is an officially protected underwater archaeological zone — a kind of “living museum at sea”.
🚬 La Romana is home to Tabacalera de García, the world's largest hand-rolled cigar factory. Founded in 1971, it employs nearly 4,000 workers and produces iconic brands such as Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, and others.
⛳ The Teeth of the Dog golf course at Casa de Campo was hand-carved from coral rock back in 1970: 300 local workers did the job without heavy machinery, using only sledgehammers and shovels. Today it still ranks among the world's best golf courses.
🎤 The 5,000-seat Altos de Chavón amphitheatre hosted a Frank Sinatra concert in 1982, and in 2004 it was the wedding venue for Prince Louis, Duke of Anjou, a descendant of the French royal dynasty.
✈️ La Romana's airport sits so close to the port that fly&cruise passengers can be aboard their ship literally 12 minutes after landing — one of the fastest transfers anywhere in the Caribbean.
🏝️ Catalina Island, where cruise ships call, covers just 9.6 km² (3.7 sq mi) and rises to a maximum of 18 m (59 ft) above sea level — yet it boasts some of the region's best sandbars and snorkelling spots.
🏆 Casa de Campo celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024–2025 and today counts nearly 2,400 villas — making it one of the largest resort complexes in the world.
📍 Top Landmarks of La Romana — Must-See Spots for Cruise Travelers
A cruise ship's call at La Romana as a port of call typically lasts 8 to 10 hours, so it pays to plan your route in advance. You'll find a detailed list with photos, addresses, and prices in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section; below is a quick overview of the city's signature sights.
🏛️ Altos de Chavón — a 16th-century-style artists' “Mediterranean village” on a hill above the Chavón River, with cobblestone streets, galleries, a 5,000-seat amphitheatre, and St. Stanislaus Church.
⛳ Casa de Campo — the legendary resort with three Pete Dye-designed golf courses, including the world-famous Teeth of the Dog.
🏝️ Catalina Island — a small island opposite the port with pristine white-sand beaches, coral reefs, and the sunken wreck of Captain Kidd's pirate ship.
🌴 Bayahibe and Saona Island (Parque Nacional del Este) — a popular excursion destination: a fishing village, mangrove forests, and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
🚬 Tabacalera de García — a hand-rolled cigar factory with a century-old tradition of producing iconic Dominican brands.
🏙️ Downtown La Romana — Parque Central, the Malecón waterfront promenade, and the colourful streets of an everyday Dominican city built on sugar and tobacco.
✨ Why Choose a Cruise From La Romana or Add It to Your Itinerary
La Romana is a port that pairs convenient logistics with authentic Caribbean character.
First, transfer time is kept to a minimum: LRM airport sits just minutes from the pier, and fly&cruise passengers can be aboard their ship literally 12 minutes after landing. ✈️
Second, there's a wide range of experiences on offer — from a classic 8–10-hour call during a Caribbean cruise to a full embarkation cruise aboard MSC's new year-round liner starting in November 2026. 🌊
Third, the region itself is worth the visit: even with just a few hours ashore, you can see the Mediterranean fantasy of Altos de Chavón, play a round on the legendary Teeth of the Dog, or take a swim off Catalina Island. 🏝️
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the right ship, itinerary, and cabin, take care of airport transfer details, and offer exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is accurate as of the publication date. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Please confirm the latest details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the venues concerned.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in La Romana
La Romana — a resort area on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and one of the fastest-growing cruise hubs in the Caribbean. Since November 2026, MSC Cruises has made the port its year-round homeport for MSC Opera, with weekly departures — and for decades before that, La Romana welcomed ships from Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and others as a port of call. The cruise terminal sits at the mouth of the Río Dulce, between the town of La Romana and the Casa de Campo resort complex, and has no direct public transport connection — the vast majority of passengers get here by taxi, private transfer, or a complimentary shuttle from the cruise line. Below is a verified, step-by-step guide with all transfer options, current prices, and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯
📍 Where exactly the La Romana cruise port is located
The La Romana Cruise Terminal is owned and operated by Central Romana Corporation under the oversight of the Dominican Port Authority. It sits at the mouth of the Río Dulce: the East Berth is dedicated exclusively to cruise ships, while the West Berth handles cargo operations.
📌 GPS coordinates: 18.416403, -68.960633
🚶 Distance to La Romana town centre: about 1.5–2 km (0.9–1.2 mi), a 10–15-minute walk through an industrial area — not recommended for passengers with luggage
🏖️ Distance to the Casa de Campo resort: about 6 km (3.7 mi), 15 minutes
⚓ Berth type: a 256-metre (840-foot) pier accommodating ships up to 360 metres (1,180 feet) in length and up to 226,000 gross tons
🏢 On the terminal grounds: a duty-free area, souvenir shops, bars and coffee spots, an open-air pool with a swim-up bar (free access for passengers on the day their ship calls), an information desk, and the Chu Chu Train tourist trolley
❗ Important: La Romana is a dual-function port — simultaneously a port of embarkation (for MSC Opera and some TUI/Marella fly-cruise itineraries) and a port of call (for most other lines). The exact status of your call — embarkation, disembarkation, or a few hours in port — is always stated in your cruise voucher.
✈️ From La Romana Airport (LRM) to the cruise terminal
The La Romana – Casa de Campo International Airport (LRM) sits just minutes from both the port and the Casa de Campo resort — the most convenient arrival option for a La Romana cruise. However, LRM handles mostly seasonal and charter flights (Air Canada, Air Caraibes, American Airlines, Condor, TUI Airways, British Airways) and has no direct connections from Ukraine, so most Ukrainian travellers fly in via Punta Cana or Santo Domingo (see below).
🚕 Taxi from LRM terminal
• To Casa de Campo resort (about 3 km / 1.9 mi): approximately 20–25 USD per car (1–5 passengers)
• To the cruise terminal / La Romana town centre: approximately 20–25 USD per car — the port sits practically next to the resort area
• Payment: Dominican pesos (DOP), US dollars and euros are accepted almost everywhere
• Travel time: 10–15 minutes
💡 Tip from Four Gates: Dominican taxis rarely use meters — agree on the price before getting in the car.
🚐 Private transfer
The most comfortable option for families, groups, and passengers with heavy luggage: a driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign and takes you straight to the terminal at a fixed price.
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — just provide your flight number when booking your cruise.
✈️ From Punta Cana (PUJ) and Santo Domingo (SDQ) airports — alternative arrival options
Since there are no direct flights from Ukraine to LRM, most Ukrainian cruise travellers choose one of the country's two larger international airports.
✈️ Punta Cana (PUJ) — the busiest international airport in the Dominican Republic, receiving flights from dozens of countries (from Ukraine — via Istanbul, Warsaw, Frankfurt and other hubs).
• Distance to La Romana: about 77–80 km (48–50 mi) via the Autopista del Coral highway
• Travel time: 50–70 minutes (depending on traffic)
• Private transfer: approximately 90–160 USD per car (depending on vehicle class and number of passengers)
• Airport taxi: available, but usually priced higher than a pre-booked transfer
✈️ Santo Domingo, Las Américas (SDQ) — the country's main international gateway, the capital's airport.
• Distance to La Romana: approximately 110–130 km (68–81 mi) by highway (via San Pedro de Macorís)
• Travel time: approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Transfer: private transfer or a transfer arranged by the cruise line (if you're on a Fly & Cruise package)
💡 Tip from Four Gates: if your flight lands at PUJ or SDQ late in the evening and boarding is the next morning, book a night at a hotel in Casa de Campo or La Romana — far safer and more comfortable than a late-night transfer along a long highway.
🏝️ From the Casa de Campo resort and central La Romana to the cruise terminal
If you spent a night or a few days at a hotel in Casa de Campo or in La Romana itself, there are several ways to reach the terminal:
🚌 Complimentary shuttle — many cruise lines run a free transfer between the port and the Casa de Campo resort (about 6 km / 3.7 mi, 15 minutes). Always confirm shuttle availability and timing in your cruise's Daily Program on the day of your call — the service isn't guaranteed for every line or sailing.
🚕 Taxi — official taxis wait right outside the terminal exit.
• To Casa de Campo: approximately 15–25 USD per car (one way)
• To central La Romana: approximately 10–15 USD per car
• Important: there are no meters — agree on the price in advance, including any waiting time for the return trip
🚶 On foot — theoretically possible to reach the town centre (about 15–20 minutes), but the route runs through the port's industrial zone and is not officially recommended, especially with luggage.
🚃 Chu Chu Train — an open-air tourist trolley departs right from the terminal for a sightseeing ride around town (approximately 35 minutes, paid).
🚗 Driving yourself — parking near the port (and car rental)
The La Romana cruise terminal has no official multi-storey car park like the ones found at major European ports — worth knowing if you've rented a car for a Dominican Republic holiday before your cruise.
• Unofficial parking: several local taxi companies (such as the regionally known Dino Taxi) offer a guarded lot near the port for a modest daily fee (approximately 300 DOP per day, around 5 USD at the current exchange rate) bundled with a transfer to the terminal
• What not to do: don't leave your car in a shopping-centre car park (e.g. Jumbo) — vehicles left there get towed
• 💡 Tip: confirm guarded parking arrangements in advance through your hotel, your cruise agent, or the port directly by phone (see the Contacts section)
🚙 Car rental — an Alamo rental desk operates right at the cruise terminal, while LRM airport hosts Alamo, Budget, National and Hertz. A passport, a valid driving licence, and a minimum age of 21 (25 for some companies) are required.
⚠️ Road conditions: in the Dominican Republic, drivers rarely signal and motorbikes often ignore traffic lights — drive carefully, especially after dark.
💳 Mandatory cruise entry and exit fee in La Romana
On June 18, 2026, Law 30-26 took effect in the Dominican Republic, raising the government's departure fee for all modes of transport, including cruise ships. This applies to passengers whose cruise begins or ends in La Romana (for example, weekly MSC Opera sailings).
According to official information from MSC Cruises, two mandatory government fees apply at the port of La Romana, automatically charged by the line to each passenger's onboard account:
🔺 Exit fee (departure charge): 30 USD per guest — applies to all passengers boarding the ship (embarkation), including infants
🔻 Entry fee (arrival charge): 10 USD per guest — applies to all passengers finally leaving the ship (disembarkation) at the end of the cruise, including infants
These fees are levied by the government of the Dominican Republic and are independent of the cruise line — MSC Cruises simply remits the funds to local authorities on passengers' behalf.
⚠️ Good to know: as of August 2026, the exit fee is 30 USD, not the 20 USD charged before Law 30-26 took effect in June 2026 — the rate jumped by 10 USD overnight. If you booked your cruise earlier and saw 20 USD in your documents, plan for the current 30 USD rate instead. Guests on an MSC Fly & Cruise package are exempt from these fees only when their inbound flight lands on the same day as embarkation and their outbound flight departs on the same day as disembarkation; otherwise, the fees apply as usual. These government charges apply specifically to embarkation/final disembarkation in La Romana as a port of departure — they are not a charge for a short call, where the ship stops for only a few hours as a port of call. 💡 Always confirm current fee amounts with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or directly with the cruise line before departure, as government rates can change without notice.
⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
La Romana operates both as a port of call and as a port of embarkation/disembarkation, so your arrival time at the terminal depends on the type of your call.
🔵 Scenario 1 — port of call (the ship is in La Romana for a few hours):
If your ship is only calling at La Romana for the day (for example, Norwegian Cruise Line, Costa, AIDA, Royal Caribbean, TUI Cruises), follow the “all aboard” deadline stated in your cruise's Daily Program — usually 60–90 minutes before the ship's scheduled departure. Being late means watching your ship sail without you.
🟢 Scenario 2 — embarkation or disembarkation in La Romana (port of departure/arrival, e.g. MSC Opera):
• Complete online check-in in advance — for MSC Cruises this is available from booking confirmation up to 2 days before departure
• Recommended terminal arrival time on embarkation day is 3–4 hours before the ship's departure
• Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure — the exact time is always stated in your cruise voucher
• On disembarkation day (end of cruise), luggage typically needs to be placed outside your cabin the evening before, per the cruise line's instructions
❗ Every Four Gates Group voucher includes the exact embarkation/disembarkation time for your specific cruise.
💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Caribbean cruises, our specialists have gathered advice that will save you time, money, and stress specifically for La Romana:
🌅 Fly in a day before boarding if you're connecting through Punta Cana or Santo Domingo. The transfer takes 1–2 hours, and any flight delay could cost you your ship. A night at a Casa de Campo hotel removes that risk entirely.
💼 Book your transfer in advance, especially if you're flying into PUJ or SDQ rather than LRM — it's a long drive, and an on-the-spot airport taxi will cost more than a pre-booked transfer.
💶 Carry small-denomination US dollar cash — cards aren't accepted everywhere for taxis, tips, and small purchases at the port.
📱 Download an offline Google Maps map of La Romana and Casa de Campo in advance — mobile internet at the port isn't always reliable.
🏊 Arrive at the terminal a little early to enjoy the pool. The terminal's free pool with a swim-up bar is a welcome bonus on a hot day of waiting to board.
👛 Budget for the mandatory government fees (30 USD for embarkation, 10 USD for final disembarkation) — they're charged to your onboard account automatically, so you don't need extra cash on hand for them, but it's worth knowing about them in advance.
📞 La Romana cruise port contacts
Central Romana Port (port administration):+1 809 550 0111
Port email: info.port@crcltd.com.do
Dominican Republic emergency services: 911
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Cruise logistics in La Romana differ from European ports — there's no metro, no train, and no extensive public transport network, but there is a predictable system of taxis and transfers, plus a growing number of direct embarkation options thanks to MSC Cruises' new homeport status. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients with every stage: from choosing the best flight to the Dominican Republic to arranging a private transfer with a name sign in the arrivals hall. Contact our manager — and your cruise from La Romana will start without a single stress. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for reference and is accurate as of the publication date. Prices, schedules, routes, visiting conditions, and government fees may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
La Romana Landmarks and Attractions: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
La Romana — is not a single place but a whole “collection” of experiences: a former sugar town, a lavish resort, a Spanish-style artists' village, a tropical river that starred in Hollywood film, and two turquoise-water islands just a few kilometers (miles) from the pier. Unlike large European metropolises, there are no dozens of museums and cathedrals here — instead, there is a dense concentration of natural and man-made wonders within a 30-kilometer (19-mile) radius of the port. A cruise ship call usually lasts 8–10 hours, and in that time it is entirely possible to see the highlights or devote the whole day to one unforgettable island experience. Below is a tested guide to the key locations, with up-to-date prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the La Romana cruise terminal to every site. 🎯
🏛️ 1. Altos de Chavón — the Artists' Village
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Altos de Chavón is not a historic landmark in the usual sense but a painstakingly recreated “medieval” Mediterranean village built from scratch in the 20th century, perched on a stone plateau above the Chavón River canyon. Every stone here was hand-cut and hand-laid by Dominican craftsmen — and it is precisely this handmade quality that makes the village so convincing despite its young age. 🏺
🔹 The main highlight is the 5,000-seat Greek-style amphitheater, which opened in 1982 with a concert by Frank Sinatra (broadcast live by HBO as “The Concert of the Hemispheres”). Later performers on this stage included Sting, Julio Iglesias, Andrea Bocelli, and Juan Luis Guerra. 🎤
🔹 At the center of the square stands St. Stanislaus Church, consecrated in 1979: it received a relic of Poland's patron saint by personal order of Pope John Paul II. Today it is one of the most popular wedding venues in the Caribbean. ⛪
🔹 The village is home to the Altos de Chavón School of Design, formally affiliated with New York's Parsons School of Design — a rare case of a tourist attraction that is also a working educational institution.
🔹 The Regional Archaeological Museum holds more than 3,000 artifacts of the island's indigenous people; part of the collection has been exhibited at New York's Museo del Barrio and Paris's Petit Palais.
🔹 The village sits about 90 m (295 ft) above the Chavón River — offering one of the finest views in the region.
📜 History:
The idea belonged to American industrialist Charles Bluhdorn, owner of the Gulf + Western conglomerate, which in the 1970s also owned La Romana's sugar mill. The project was designed by Italian architect Roberto Coppa and Dominican architect José Antonio Caro: they laid out streets, squares, and buildings as if the village had existed for centuries, and realized the vision in local coral stone. Construction ran from 1976 to 1982, after which Altos de Chavón became the cultural centerpiece of the Casa de Campo resort — a symbolic “bridge” between La Romana's industrial past and its tourism-driven future.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi: 15–20 minutes, approximately 20–25 USD one way (official port taxis have no meters, so it's worth confirming the fare in advance)
• Tour operator transfer/shuttle: often included in the price of an organized shore excursion
• Address: Casa de Campo resort grounds, La Romana
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Village admission: a token fee of about 25 DOP (under 1 USD) per person; free for Casa de Campo resort guests
• Opening hours: daily, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Archaeological Museum: Tuesday–Sunday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
• Recommended visiting time: 1.5–2 hours
⚠️ Important: entering the resort grounds as an independent visitor may require registering at the Casa de Campo gate — taxi drivers usually handle this on the spot.
⛳ 2. Casa de Campo Resort and the “Teeth of the Dog” Golf Course
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Casa de Campo is one of the largest and best-known resort complexes in the Caribbean and, in effect, the company that shaped La Romana — transforming it from an industrial sugar town into the tourism capital of the country's southeast.
🔹 The resort's star attraction is the Teeth of the Dog golf course, opened in 1971 and designed by legendary architect Pete Dye. Seven of its eighteen holes run right along the Caribbean Sea — a unique feature in world golf. Dye himself joked: “I built eleven holes, and God built seven.” 🏌️
🔹 According to Golf Magazine's Top 100 (2011), the course ranked 47th in the world and is still considered the best in the Caribbean.
🔹 Besides Teeth of the Dog, the resort has two more Pete Dye courses — Dye Fore (overlooking the Chavón canyon) and The Links.
🔹 The resort has its own marina, the La Terraza equestrian club with a polo field, a shooting range, and numerous restaurants.
📜 History:
The resort opened in 1974, becoming the first major project to diversify La Romana's economy beyond the sugar industry. Over the following half-century, Casa de Campo hosted presidents, movie stars, and royalty, and together with Altos de Chavón turned the former “sugar town” into one of the most prestigious resort destinations in the Caribbean.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi: 5–10 minutes, approximately 15 USD one way — the resort sits practically next to the port
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Day pass to the resort (non-guests): approximately 99–199 USD depending on the package (beach, pools, spa)
• A round of golf at Teeth of the Dog: rates provided on request at the pro shop; booking in advance is recommended
⚠️ Tip: if golf and a beach day aren't on the agenda, you can still admire the most scenic seaside holes and the marina for free from the open viewing areas and the boardwalk.
🏝️ 3. Saona Island — the Jewel of Cotubanamá National Park
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Saona Island is the main reason millions of tourists have ever heard of La Romana. It is the most postcard-perfect spot in the Dominican Republic's southeast: 110 km² (42 sq mi) of white sand, coconut palms, and turquoise shallows.
🔹 The Taíno people called the island “Adamanay” — “Island of Refuge.” Its current name was given by Christopher Columbus in May 1494, during his second voyage to the Americas, in honor of his companion Michele da Cuneo, a native of the Italian town of Savona. The city of Savona and the island still maintain a friendly sister-city bond.
🔹 The island has only two permanent settlements and around 300 residents in total — mostly in the fishing village of Mano Juan, with its colorful wooden houses set right on sandy streets.
🔹 The entire island is part of Cotubanamá National Park (formerly known as the East National Park) — all new construction is prohibited, and the local wildlife includes sea turtles, manatees, and dozens of bird species.
🔹 The most popular stop on most excursions is the natural pool (piscina natural) in the middle of the shallows, where you can swim among starfish in the open water. ⭐
📜 History:
Before the arrival of Europeans, the island was an important Taíno settlement, where cassava was grown and supplied as far as Santo Domingo. After colonization, the island remained largely uninhabited for a long time — the only modern settlement, Mano Juan, emerged as a permanent fishing community only in the mid-20th century, during the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo. The island gained national park status and environmental protections in the second half of the 20th century, which is what has kept it nearly untouched.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Organized excursion (speedboat or catamaran): departs from Bayahíbe, a 30–45-minute boat ride; transfer from the port to Bayahíbe is included in most packages
• Transfer from the port to the Bayahíbe dock: approximately 15 USD round trip as part of an organized tour
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Standard full-day excursion (boat/catamaran, natural pool, beach time, lunch, drinks): approximately 90–110 USD per adult, 55–65 USD per child
• Tour length: typically 6–7 hours “door to door”
⚠️ Important: given its length, the Saona excursion usually takes up most of your day in port — plan for this island if it doesn't compete with other priorities for this stop.
⚓ 4. Bayahíbe — a Historic Fishing Town
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Bayahíbe is the Dominican Republic as it was before mass tourism: quiet narrow streets, colorful wooden houses, and fishing boats resting right on the sand. Most boats to Saona and Catalina depart from here, so the town is worth a visit even on its own, separate from the island excursions.
🔹 The community's spiritual center is the small Divina Pastora Church (Our Lady, Shepherdess), patron saint of local fishermen, with its characteristic white walls and wooden details right by the waterfront.
🔹 Nearby lies Dominicus Beach (Playa Dominicus) — wider and more “resort-style” than Bayahíbe's own beach, with loungers, beach bars, and soft sand.
🔹 Within Cotubanamá National Park, not far from town, are the Padre Nuestro and Chicho caves with Taíno petroglyphs — a lesser-known but authentic option for archaeology lovers. 🦎
📜 History:
Bayahíbe began in the 19th century as an ordinary fishing settlement on the Caribbean coast and lived for a long time solely off the sea. Its proximity to crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, along with its role as the “gateway” to Saona and Cotubanamá National Park, gradually turned the town into a tourism hub — though its historic center still keeps the feel of a genuine fishing village.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi: 25–30 minutes, approximately 35–45 USD one way with an official port taxi
• Tour operator transfer/shuttle: approximately 15 USD round trip per person
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Strolling the town and waterfront: free
• Admission to Dominicus Beach: free (only loungers and umbrellas are paid, approximately 5–10 USD per set)
• Padre Nuestro/Chicho caves: usually visited as part of a guided organized tour
🐠 5. Catalina Island (Isla Catalina)
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Catalina is Saona's smaller, quieter “cousin,” located just a couple of kilometers (about a mile) off the coast of La Romana. The island covers under 4 km² (1.5 sq mi), has no permanent residents, and the entire island holds protected-area status.
🔹 The most popular dive and snorkel spots are the aptly named reefs “The Wall” and “The Aquarium,” home to sergeant majors, squirrelfish, and stingrays among the coral.
🔹 Thanks to its small size and lack of infrastructure, Catalina stays noticeably less crowded than Saona — a good choice for those seeking a calmer island day. 🤿
📜 History:
For a long time the island was used only by fishermen as a temporary stop; active tourism development began only with the growth of cruise shipping in the region in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, when catamarans from La Romana and Bayahíbe began regularly bringing visitors here for snorkeling and beach time.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Catamaran from La Romana harbor: 30–40 minutes by sea, departing right from the port area
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Standard excursion (catamaran, snorkeling stop, lunch, beach time): approximately 60 USD per person from La Romana/Bayahíbe
• Diving tour: from 150 USD per person
• Combined “Catalina + Altos de Chavón” tour: approximately from 100 USD per person
🕳️ 6. Cueva de las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders)
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Cueva de las Maravillas is one of the most accessible and best-equipped karst caves in the Caribbean, located roughly halfway between La Romana and San Pedro de Macorís.
🔹 Inside are more than 500 Taíno rock art paintings spread across nearly 800 m (2,600 ft) of underground galleries — depicting human figures, owls, snakes, iguanas, and ritual scenes.
🔹 The main visual highlights are the artificial “Water Mirror,” a small lake that perfectly reflects the cave's ceiling, and the “Grand Panel,” which holds the highest concentration of petroglyphs.
🔹 Unlike most karst caves, this one is fitted with sturdy walkways, ramps, and even an elevator, making it accessible to visitors with limited mobility. Photography, filming, and touching the walls are prohibited to help preserve the artwork.
📜 History:
The Taíno people used the cave as a ritual and, likely, burial site long before Europeans arrived. The site was equipped for mass tourism relatively recently, preserving the authentic petroglyphs and the natural look of the underground chambers under a modern lighting system.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi: about 30 minutes, approximately 40–50 USD one way
• Organized excursion: the most convenient option — transfer is usually included in the tour price
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Guided admission ticket: approximately 300 DOP (about 5 USD) per adult
• Visit length: around 45 minutes
⚠️ Tip: it's cool and damp inside — bring a light sweater, and choose non-slip footwear.
🛶 7. Río Chavón — a Tropical “Hollywood” Boat Trip
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
The Chavón River flows right beneath the cliffs of Altos de Chavón and stretches about 86 km (53 mi) long. Its narrow canyon, with sheer limestone walls and dense jungle along the banks, has made this stretch of river a popular film location.
🔹 The banks of the Chavón appeared in the cult classic “Apocalypse Now” (1979) — scenes familiar to millions of moviegoers were filmed right here, among the tropical cliffs.
🔹 Sightseeing boats cruise along the river's most scenic stretch, past overhanging cliffs and lush greenery — a popular, more relaxed alternative way to experience the region's nature without a sea crossing to an island.
📜 History:
For centuries the river served as a transport artery for the indigenous population and later for colonists, and it gained its modern “cinematic” fame in the late 1970s, when the scenic canyon was chosen for the filming of a Hollywood classic. Today, boat rides on the Chavón are one of the most popular “relaxed” excursion formats for visitors to La Romana.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi to the river dock (near Casa de Campo): approximately 8 USD round trip per person as part of a tour
• Boat departures: from the Casa de Campo marina or a dedicated dock near Altos de Chavón
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• River boat ride (about 45 minutes) is usually included in combined “Chavón + jungle + lunch” excursions; the approximate price for such a package starts at 45 USD per person
⛪ 8. Historic Center of La Romana — Central Park and Santa Rosa de Lima Church
💡 Fun Facts and Background:
Unlike the resort area, the real “urban” heart of La Romana is a compact historic center around Central Park and the city's main church, rarely reached by mass excursions — making it possible to experience the authentic, non-touristy rhythm of a small Dominican city.
🔹 Central Park (locally known as “Parque Duarte”) was laid out in 1929, and by the following year, 1930, it already had electric street lighting — installed at the same time as the electrification of the city's streets.
🔹 The park features a characteristic gazebo at its center and sculptural compositions along shaded walkways — a layout typical of a main town square in the Dominican Republic.
🔹 Directly across from the park stand the municipal building and Santa Rosa de Lima Church — the city's main Catholic church.
📜 History:
La Romana was officially founded in 1897 as a trading port for timber exports; according to legend, the city's name comes from the large Roman-style scales (Spanish: la romana) once used to weigh goods at the local port. The decisive year for the city was 1917, when the massive Central Romana sugar mill began operations — turning the modest port settlement into a regional industrial center with hospitals, schools, and developed infrastructure. In 1967, the American corporation Gulf + Western acquired the sugar assets, and with the opening of Casa de Campo (1974) and Altos de Chavón (1976–1982), the city entered a second, tourism-driven stage of its development.
🚢 How to get there from the cruise terminal:
• Taxi: 10–15 minutes, approximately 10–15 USD one way
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Strolling the park and city center: free, accessible around the clock
• Santa Rosa de Lima Church: open to visitors during services, usually morning and evening
🎨 9. Other Places Worth Your Time
• ⛵ Casa de Campo Marina — the resort's yacht harbor with restaurants and boutiques right on the waterfront; a pleasant spot for an evening stroll before heading back to the ship.
• 🐴 La Terraza Equestrian Club — a riding school and polo field on the Casa de Campo grounds; riding lessons and match viewing are available in season.
• 🎯 Casa de Campo Shooting Center — a sporting clay-shooting range on the resort grounds, popular with guests.
• 🏖️ Dominicus Beach (Playa Dominicus) — a wide stretch of sand near Bayahíbe, a convenient alternative to the island excursions for those who just want beach time.
• 🦎 Padre Nuestro and Chicho Caves — less touristy caves with Taíno petroglyphs within Cotubanamá National Park, not far from Bayahíbe.
• 🎣 Deep-sea fishing — trips for marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi depart from the Casa de Campo marina.
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Around La Romana in 8–9 Hours
A cruise call in La Romana usually lasts 8–10 hours. Unlike large cities, here it's more realistic to devote your day to either one memorable island experience or a calmer combination of 2–3 locations near the port. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.
🥉 Route 1. Budget — Cultural La Romana Without an Island
⏱️ Total time: 8 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 60–80 USD + food
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the cruise terminal, taxi to Altos de Chavón
15–20 minutes on the road, approximately 20–25 USD.
🕘 9:30–11:30 a.m. — Altos de Chavón
Stroll the cobblestone streets, St. Stanislaus Church, the amphitheater, artisan workshops, and views of the Chavón canyon from the lookout point.
🕚 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Taxi to La Romana's historic center
10–15 minutes, approximately 10–15 USD.
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m. — Central Park and Santa Rosa de Lima Church
A free stroll through the real city center, away from the tour crowds.
🕐 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Lunch at a local restaurant
A set lunch (dish + drink) — approximately 10–15 USD.
🕝 2:00–3:00 p.m. — Casa de Campo Marina
Taxi, 5–10 minutes (approximately 15 USD); a walk along the waterfront, coffee with a view of the yachts.
🕞 3:00–3:30 p.m. — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxis (several short trips): 45–55 USD
• Altos de Chavón admission: about 1 USD
• Lunch: 10–15 USD
💸 TOTAL: approximately 60–80 USD per person
🥈 Route 2. Best Value — Saona Island in a Day
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 105–125 USD + incidentals
🕗 8:00 a.m. — Leave the port, transfer to Bayahíbe
Organized transfer, 25–30 minutes.
🕣 8:30 a.m. — Depart by speedboat/catamaran for Saona Island
30–45 minutes by sea along the coast of Cotubanamá National Park.
🕘 9:15 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — Saona Island
A stop at the natural pool among the starfish, time on the white-sand beach, lunch with drinks, and optional snorkeling at the reef.
🕑 2:00 p.m. — Return by boat to Bayahíbe
🕝 2:30–3:15 p.m. — Transfer back to the port
If time allows — a short stop on the Bayahíbe waterfront.
🕞 3:15–3:45 p.m. — Arrival back on board
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Saona excursion (boat, lunch, drinks, park fee): 90–110 USD
• Port–Bayahíbe–port transfer: 15 USD
💸 TOTAL: approximately 105–125 USD per person
💡 Most operators offer a reduced rate for children ages 2–11 — approximately 55–65 USD.
🥇 Route 3. Premium — Private Guided Excursion
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: from 300 USD per group + tickets
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ A private driver holding a sign, meeting you right at the ship's gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car/minivan for the entire day
• ✅ A professional English- or Ukrainian-speaking licensed guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line entry to Altos de Chavón and Cueva de las Maravillas
• ✅ A private boat ride on the Chavón River
• ✅ Lunch at a restaurant on the Casa de Campo grounds or in Altos de Chavón
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go
You can book through your cruise manager, or get in touch with us using whichever method is convenient:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Email us
🕘 8:30 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Altos de Chavón with your guide (skip-the-line)
Private tour, the story of the village's construction, St. Stanislaus Church, artisan workshops.
🕥 10:45–11:30 a.m. — Private boat ride on the Chavón River
Drive to the dock (10 min), a 45-minute ride through the scenic canyon familiar from “Apocalypse Now.”
🕚 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m. — Lunch on the Casa de Campo grounds
A table at a resort restaurant overlooking the marina or a golf course; reservations handled by your guide.
🕜 1:30–2:30 p.m. — Cueva de las Maravillas with your guide
Drive (25–30 min), a private, line-free look at the Taíno petroglyphs.
🕞 2:45–3:45 p.m. — Historic center of La Romana
Central Park, Santa Rosa de Lima Church, a brief stop at the local market for souvenirs.
🕟 4:00 p.m. — Return to the port in comfort
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (8 hrs): from 150 USD
• Driver with car (8 hrs): from 100 USD
• Skip-the-line tickets (Altos de Chavón + Cueva de las Maravillas) and the Chavón River boat ride: from 60 USD per person
• Lunch at a resort restaurant: from 25 USD per person
💸 TOTAL: from 300 USD for a group of up to 4 (plus individual costs for lunch and tickets)
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions around La Romana with licensed guides, gangway pickup, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in La Romana will be perfectly tailored to your taste. 🛳️✨
⚠️ Good to Know Before You Go Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: you must be back on board 60 minutes before departure. If you're late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card — you'll need them both to enter Casa de Campo and during island trips.
💵 Cash: US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, but it's worth carrying some Dominican pesos (DOP) in cash for small purchases and the local market.
👟 Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes for Altos de Chavón's cobblestones and the cave's damp walkways; a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen are essential for island excursions.
☀️ Sun protection: the tropical climate means intense sun year-round, with temperatures reaching +30…+33 °C (86–91 °F). A hat, sunglasses, and water-resistant sunscreen are essential, especially on the water.
🦟 Insects: bring mosquito repellent for jungle tours and the Chavón River excursion.
🔐 Safety: use only official port taxis or vetted tour operators; always wear a life jacket on boat tours when one is provided.
📱 Connectivity: mobile internet outside the port and resort areas can be unreliable — download an offline map in advance.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals