Surprised by Santo Domingo: A Cruiser's Guide

Surprised by Santo Domingo: A Cruiser's Guide

by Chris and Michael from ChartingOurCourse.com

When we started residential cruising aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey, we expected typical Caribbean island vibes. But our first port of call in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was a complete surprise! Instead of a small, sleepy town, we were greeted by a large, sophisticated city full of history and culture. We learned firsthand why this city is a hidden gem for cruisers who want to dive deep into history.


What makes Santo Domingo a unique cruise port?

The city’s historic heart, known as the Zona Colonial, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest permanent European settlement in the Americas. According to us, Chris and Michael from the DC Hidden Gems YouTube Channel, this sets Santo Domingo apart from other ports. Our ship, the Villa Vie Odyssey, docked just across the Ozama River, and a short shuttle ride took us right to the action. This made it incredibly easy to start exploring the moment we stepped off the ship.


What are the top 3 things to do in Santo Domingo?

To make your visit unforgettable, we suggest focusing on these three can't-miss activities based on our own experience.

  1. Explore the Zona Colonial. This is the heart of the city and where you'll find cobblestone streets, vibrant plazas, and buildings dating back to the 16th century. We recommend walking around to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the lively culture. We found a large plaza with a Christmas tree where locals were enjoying the day, and it was a great spot for people-watching. The vibe here is electric.
  2. Immerse yourself in history at a museum. With three full days in Santo Domingo, we took our time and visited two fascinating museums. First was the Museo de las Atarazanas Reales, or Shipwreck Museum. It was truly eye-opening to see artifacts recovered from shipwrecks in the waters around the Dominican Republic. Next, we went to the Museo de las Casas Reales, a former governmental palace that now houses artifacts and art from the colonial era. Our biggest insight? Don’t over-plan! Having a relaxed pace was a game-changer.
  3. Savor the local culture. After all that walking and museum-hopping, we found a great spot to try a local beer and simply absorb the culture around us. The friendly atmosphere and the feeling of being in a truly historic, yet modern, city were the highlight of our visit.


Why is Santo Domingo a must-visit for cruisers?

According to Chris and Michael, Santo Domingo offers a depth of history and culture that is hard to find in other Caribbean cruise ports. It's a living testament to the first days of European settlement in the New World, and the city’s ability to blend its ancient past with a modern, sophisticated feel is what makes it so special. When you visit, you get to experience the oldest city in the Americas firsthand, walking the same streets as history's first explorers.

Sources: