Seasoned cruiser experience

You won't need electrical adaptors in the DR. The plugs are the same as Canada & the USA.

Sound advice. I'm sure that helped make up his mind!

[quote=Johngold]

Well, THAT is my concern. I won't be in a "Protected" resort, like we were in Cancun. I won't have armed guards like we had in Cartegena. Thanks for the information.

We spend half the year in the Dominican Republic (albeit on the north coast) and I wouldn't hesitate to go a few days early and enjoy your departure country. Despite previous comments, my husband and I have never felt unsafe - except for the driving. Do NOT drive yourself in the DR! That said, the country depends on tourism and treats its visitors well. Most in the hospitality industry will speak at least some English. I wouldn't flash my wealth anywhere, and that goes for the DR. Seriously, colonial Santo Domingo Is one of the oldest European settlements in the western world -- dating back to the early 1500s -- and well worth experiencing. If you are still feeling unsure, simply book your airport/hotel transfer through a trusted online source and request your driver speak English. Let me know if you have any further questions. What Is happening in Haití has little to do with daily life in the DR, especially that far east on the island.

Sorry to say In my experience I’d have to agree. Please do a lot of research and stay at a highly rated , expensive (not a place to try and go budget) Hotel . I would probably try to find another cruise if possible.

What is this "hitchhiking" of which you speak? Wasn't that the original ride share?

What is this "hitchhiking" of which you speak? Wasn't that the original ride share?

Yeah, That is one of the concerns I've always had with the "All-Inclusive" aspect of travel.

I'm sure that at one time in my life, many eons ago, I was a bit more adventurous. That is why I enjoy cruise ships. You can choose to get off or have a spa day, you can choose a cruisline excursion or tour the vendors at the port.

Our family has a time share, we use it in the U.S. and Canada for great rates. But we know where we are going and staying. Something like going to Lihue. Nice, safe and quiet small town attitude, and the vendors there are real nice.

I guess gone are the days of spending the year hitchhking accross the world....

Diddling in here has its advantages eh JOHN? I wouldn't spend 10 minutes in a place where i had to look over my shoulder or "pay attention" to where i was going...a thousand years ago in another life some guy with my name got paid to do that...and i was armed, and everybody around me was...you know the drill....and...you want to take your family?? riiiiiiight...............

Well, THAT is my concern. I won't be in a "Protected" resort, like we were in Cancun. I won't have armed guards like we had in Cartegena. Thanks for the information.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/dominican-republic-travel-advisory.html

With all the best of intentions, nobody has specifically addressed where YOU'RE going...I don't know how experiences in Europe's international airports have anything to do with one of our nearby banana republics..I strongly advise thinking hard about it..theres lots of places to go that aren't on a travel advisory list...the other side of the island is even worse, and for all practical purposes theres no border. I wouldn't go to DR unless I was part of an armored invasion force...and then I'd try to weasel out of it....