Royal Caribbean has confirmed that Samaná, Dominican Republic will return as a port of call in its 2027–2028 Caribbean season.
Samaná isn’t a party port or a mega-resort hub. It’s greener, quieter, and far more focused on nature, with rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife, and uncrowded beaches being the main highlights ashore.
Starting in late 2027, Royal Caribbean will include Samaná on multiple Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Florida.
So what does that mean for you as a cruiser — and why does Samaná matter?
Let’s walk through it.
Royal Caribbean Is Expanding in the Dominican Republic
Royal Caribbean is expanding its presence in the Dominican Republic for the 2027–2028 season, with three ports playing a role in the lineup.
Samaná will return as a port of call starting in November 2027, Puerto Plata will continue to feature on Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, and Cabo Rojo in the province of Pedernales will be added on select Southern Caribbean routes.
Ships visiting these ports include:
- Star of the Seas: sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Port Canaveral and visiting Samaná
- Allure of the Seas: adding Samaná to 7-night Caribbean sailings
- Explorer of the Seas: calling on Puerto Plata on 6–8 night itineraries
- Legend of the Seas: visiting Cabo Rojo on 6- and 8-night routes
Departures will run from Port Canaveral, PortMiami, and Tampa, which is great news for travelers who like flexible flight options or shorter drives to the port.
And yes — these sailings are already open for booking, with early access offered to Crown & Anchor loyalty members before general release.
Why Samaná Is the Port Everyone’s Talking About
Samaná is a small coastal town on the northeastern tip of the Dominican Republic. It’s not a purpose-built cruise destination, and it doesn’t have the kind of shopping districts or resort complexes that many cruise ports are built around.
Instead, it serves as a starting point for exploring the surrounding region — rainforests, waterfalls, national parks, quiet beaches, and the waters of Samaná Bay. Most people who visit don’t spend their day walking around the port itself, but heading out on excursions into the landscape around it.
That’s what gives a day in Samaná a different feel from most Caribbean stops.
It’s One of the Best Whale-Watching Spots in the Caribbean
Between mid-January and March, more than 1,500 humpback whales migrate into Samaná Bay to mate, give birth, and nurse their calves.
That’s not a side activity — it’s one of the main reasons people travel to this region at all.
From a cruiser’s perspective, that’s huge. It means your shore day can include a genuinely rare wildlife experience that you can’t easily replicate elsewhere in the Caribbean.
It’s Built Around Nature, Not Shopping
Samaná’s top experiences aren’t built around souvenir shops or shopping streets — they’re built around the landscape. Most shore days here are about getting out into nature rather than wandering through commercial areas near the port.
Popular excursions include trips to El Limón Waterfall, a 130-foot (40 m) cascade deep in the rainforest reached by hike or horseback ride, and visits to Los Haitises National Park, known for its mangroves, limestone cliffs, caves, and petroglyphs.
Boat tours through Samaná Bay explore hidden coves and snorkeling spots, and in season, areas where humpback whales gather. Beaches like Playa Rincón and Playa Frontón offer wide stretches of sand that feel far less crowded and developed than most cruise-port beaches.
You Get Cultural Experiences, Not Just Coastal Views
Samaná is also known for its coffee and cacao farms, where visitors can see how beans are harvested, roasted, and turned into local drinks and chocolate.
That adds a layer of cultural connection that many cruise ports simply don’t offer. It’s not staged entertainment — it’s a real look into local life, food, and traditions.
The Ships Calling on Samaná
Royal Caribbean is sending some of its newest and largest ships to Samaná.
One of them is Star of the Seas, the cruise line’s next Icon-class ship and one of the largest cruise ships in the world at more than 250,000 gross tons.
The ship carries around 5,600 passengers and features a large onboard waterpark, more than 40 dining venues, multiple entertainment areas, surf simulators, skywalks, and a wide range of staterooms for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Read more: Why Star of the Seas’ Early Launch Has Cruisers Seriously on Edge
Why This Matters for Cruisers
Royal Caribbean’s return to Samaná is notable because it adds a different kind of destination to Caribbean itineraries — one that’s less built around shopping and beach clubs and more focused on nature, wildlife, and local culture.
It won’t appeal to everyone. If you enjoy large resort-style ports with nightlife, shopping promenades, and heavily developed cruise infrastructure, Samaná may feel quieter than what you’re used to.
But for travelers who prefer scenic landscapes, outdoor excursions, and places that feel less commercial, Samaná offers something genuinely different from most cruise stops. It adds variety to the region and gives repeat cruisers a reason to experience the Caribbean in a slightly different way.
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