Busted in Puerto Plata

By clicking my link www.piavpn.com/LaLidoLoca get 83% discount on Private Internet Access! That's just $2.03 a month, and also get 4 extra months completely for free!

Was in the Dominican Republic last summer as one of our cruise excursions off of the NCL Sky. We were bussed (in an open air bus) to an excursion where we were taken on an off road ATV ride through the forests. During the bus ride, you will enjoy the open breezes as you are driven through the island's countryside to the ranch. Upon arriving at the first stop, there were four of us that all fit in one vehicle; though they also had two person vehicles if you were in a smaller group. Then the ATV adventure was followed up with a horseback ride at the same location (this excursion was completely filled, so the group was broken up into two groups for ATV riders first or horseback riders first; then vice versa). The horses really earn their keep as there is a lot of up and downhill traveling in 100 F temps. They gave me one of the larger horses given my weight class (around 210 to 215 lbs, plus dressed weight). Keep in mind, should you be over 250 lbs (fully dressed pack weight), you will not be allowed to ride. My brother was told by the cruise ship excursion coordinators, that he was too heavy and he and his wife had to switch to a different excursion that was less fulfilling (he was not happy about it). The excursion curators take great care of their animals and will not risk their health and safety (though admittedly, I had to tell my brother no one was actually weighed at the site). If you have never ridden a horse before, they will teach you how to guide the animal. Though most of the horses are very familiar with the circular route that you take without your queues from the reins. My horse was rather eager to lead the pack (perhaps because it just wanted to finish up and rest for the day). Both adventures were a fantastic load of fun, and I would definitely recommend trying it. But make sure you wear the mask during the ATV ride; there are a lot of cows that do their business along the route, and well suffice it to say you will want to definitely keep your hands inside the vehicle at all times. You will get splashed by lots of mud, water, and you guessed it, along the bumpy hills and streams you cross. The masks and storage lockers were the only added costs you will pay beyond the cruise line's excursion rate/person, but well worth it as you will have a souvenir when done and the knowledge of knowing all your valuables will remain safe. That same excursion we were then bussed to a resort where we were fed a typical Dominican Republic buffet style meal (jerk chicken and many tasty side dishes) that also had a pool you could indulge in; the food was fantastic and the atmosphere quite relaxing. Fortunately they also had showers there where you could clean up before eating. But the excursion wasn't done there, after the meal and a brief swim in the pool, we were taken to one of Dominican Republic's nicest beaches for the final 2 hours of the excursion (you will be bussed through a very modern, well maintained golf course to reach the beach). So it was a fantastic value for the excursion; my two boys, my brother-in-law, and I truly enjoyed this excursion. One thing my family did take away was this, Dominican Republic has a definite wealthy upper class and an extremely poor lower class. It was a bit shocking to see the stark contrast from those that lead a very wealthy lifestyle and those that live in abject poverty. So we purchased a few souvenirs from those most in need. We bought some gifts from a 10 year old boy who was working very hard during the first leg of the trip (along the ATV ride). It put a huge smile on his young face, while making us feel so much better about being tourists in their country. That being said, the Dominican Republic was a beautiful destination; the people there are very friendly, and eager to showcase their nation. Just keep in mind that your heart might wrench if you should happen to see some of the poorer parts of the island.

As a fluffy cruiser myself I felt that sun and lack of shade and seats. Thanks for roasting for the posting.

We absolutely LOVE the pool at Puerto Plata! Last January my wife and I just hung at the pool getting drinks and listening to music. met some great folks! We'll be checking out the pool in Amber Cove on our cruise next week. We'll be the only ship in port that day which is refershing.

Pro Tip - Always carry a small umbrella for instant free shade in Paradise.

Tony, thanks again for your walking tour... I'm impressed by your mobility without flooding your face, and body, with sweat!

My husband and I HATED that part of Puerto Plata ... just a manufactured place, like you never even left the ship. We booked it through that gauntlet and took a stroll around the actual city. It was hot and when we needed a taxi we went into the hotel and the clerk got us one. We took the taxi to the Teleferrico (funicular) and rode up to the top for about $10 (local's price is $5). It was a great afternoon. Our taxi driver asked us what time we wanted him to return us to the ship and showed up at the prearranged time.

All of the pool and lazy river is FREE!! Best thing ever!!! Sorry, your "free ride" didn't take you all the way to the NCL ship. When I was there a couple weeks ago, it was door-to-door. Best port for a 'free excursion' for sure!!

You have the best port videos. Thanks for taking us along!! Its so much easier to plan cruises when you have an idea of what to expect at ports!

I have been to Puerto Plata several times. It was a beautiful port.

Puerto Plata is a beautiful port! Tie-EE-no Bay is what it’s called.

I think this port is so much better than Costa Maya. We avoid going to Costa Maya it's a rip off. Definitely want to visit that port. Thanks for taking the time to do a port walk in the heat.

Thanks for a lovely tour. I love the lazy river. You do a good job of giving us the highlights. I appreciate the time you take to fill us in even when you are vacationing with your wife. Keep hydrated! ❤

Thank you 😊. Also please thank Jenny B I have enjoyed her appearances.

Thank you so very much Tony...you have completely opened my eyes at the ease of these ports for ahhh the ahh cough cough soon to be mid sixties going on what i wanted to do in my 40's crowd..lol. The shop area at the port with that spa, ..how cool is that!!!!,,,so on non-excurt days...many many when exercised for walking ((which I am in middle of and working on suddenly High BP))...make me so excited...so even if I must be on an inside sometimes...these islands ports you have taken us to this year are each unique and most with uniquely done like 5 star tropical hotel resort shop, entertain and eat areas or often close other close to walk and go things...truly you double the resort see, sit and do areas with the ship and these port areas that are policed a bit,,,they are nice!! All that flagstone and thatched roof..just very nice.

I’m enjoying your “come along with me” videos. I will never be on a cruise but doing it vicariously through you has been wonderful. Thank you

The PUERTO PLATA Cruiseport is the best we have ever been to. Besides everything being free(Pool, Sun Beds, Lazy River) except for souvenirs and food, it is stunningly beautiful. I am sorry you missed the Monkey City where for a very small charge you are in their cage on a very relaxed tour..What fun. A great place to walk around.

Great video! Thanks for showing us around the port! It makes it easier to plan a trip when you know what to expect.

Great video! Loved all the info you gave and showed us in this port!

I really enjoy your videos. Thanks. Have a great time!