La Romana, Dominican Republic Port Reviews

Not a great port area itself and feels kind of unsafe for exploring on your own as well. However, the taxi stand was well organized and very efficient and I thoroughly enjoyed a private excursion to Saona Island even though it was a long cab ride and boat ride to get there. Great with a well organized excursion, not so great without one. Do an excursion or stay onboard unless you're adventurous enough to brave nearby Bahayibe Beach with aggressive sales people.

Visited: Oct 23, 2021

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Don't waste your money or time, go to Santo Domingo and leave this made up city to the factory that bought it. La Romana, Dominican Republic, was our LEAST favorite. If we had to do it all over again, we'd simply, jump a cab straight to Santo Domingo, the oldest European city in the western hemisphere. Rather than belabor the point, we'll say this: La Romana is not ready for prime time tourism, the people do not know how to make you welcome and secure, they don't know how to accommodate your needs and they don't present the best face (unless you go to a resort). Altos de Chavon is NOT a place we recommend at all. It is like a very sorry Disneyland--only worse. There was nothing there that really said, "you're in the Dominican Republic." Even the locals were scarce.

Visited: Dec 13, 2008

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Quite a hike to get to the main terminal and a bit uphill for those who have challenges walking or who are in wheelchairs. But all in all it was nice. We purchased larimar rings from a store (2 for $10) and I specifically asked the lady for a receipt. She said she doesn't give receipts. This is too bad because my friend's ring actually broke and the cheap metal is just hanging and we can't even look at a receipt to name the store. I'd advise people not to shop there!

Visited: Jan 25, 2020

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We took the bus into town and were dropped off at the craft market. Most of the vendors have very similar jewelry or crafts to sell, they are very competitive and expect you to bargain and bundle your purchases. We bought most of our gifts for home here since the prices were great. A necklace priced at $100 would bargain to about $25. The vendors can be a little pushy but security was good and we had no problems.

Visited: Dec 02, 2017

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Wasn't much to do in my opinion. We did go to Casa de campo and the Alto de Chavon church. We wanted to go down town but we were told by another couple NOT TO GO DOWN TOWN. There were police officers posted in several places in the area especially in the small market area where the tour bus takes you and the natives are very aggressive in trying to sell you things. There was also a little old man, (bless his heart) I over heard him asking about the Casa de campo and Alto de Chavon tour, asking if that tour was safe and were we Americans welcome there, and were we gonna be harmed if we went there because his down town experience made him feel unsafe seeing all the police posted with guns. Friends of ours, who we cruised with said, she and her cousin took their kids walking downtown and a native woman came out her house and told them "No Phones, they will take them." So, they put their phones away and turned around and went back to the ship.

Visited: Dec 16, 2017

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should allow for more time to spend at DR

Visited: Dec 13, 2008

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This was very nice. Nice shops. Food in town was good. Never been before so nice getting to see the island. Very pretty scenery. People in town are nice.

Don’t let the fact the port is largely industrial with virtually no commercial deter you. Take an excursion and get out to see the island. The people are friendly, and it is quite lovely..away from the port.

Nothing special

Visited: Nov 02, 2019

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not much there

Visited: Oct 05, 2019

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