I did my 1st solo cruise in November 2021 and Amber Cove was one of the stops. I loved it. I took the "best of" excursion because I wanted to see more than just the pier and resort. The tour bus drove us into Puerto Plata and we were among local Dominicans. I loved this excursion because we were able to see where and how the people actually live. We stopped at a beach for pictures also but not a touristy beach that most people go to like near the pier to swim with dolphins or whatever. We were amongst local Dominicans.
Thanks for sharing your awesome experience, Bridget! I’ll definitely have to keep that excursion in mind for the next time I’m in Amber Cove, it sounds epic! Thanks for watching. 😊
Just returned from Mardi Gras cruise to Nassau, Bahamas/ amber cove DR/ grand turk. Amber cove was my favorite. The bus took us through the country side and we got to see local farmland where people had cows. Saw farmers riding donkeys into town. Passed a few houses on the way and there were people sleeping on the floor. No front doors on their houses. They took us to a very secluded beach with unlimited free drinks. We drank mamajuana and had a buffet. The experience was amazing.
Totally agree! Love experiencing the local culture and feeling like I’ve traveled somewhere. That’s why I need to take an excursion next time and see more of the DR!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan , there is local tours company’s ( bit cheaper then the cruise line tours) we always do research - reviews on local tour companies in port of calls
The 1 time I was in amber cove I did the waterfall excursion and it was awesome. It was unique and adventurous getting to jump off and swim around the waterfalls. I only did the partial, but you can do all 27 of them if you book 3rd party.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan You definitely should it was a blast and we seem to be about the same age so the adventurous stuff is still fun. It’s really not super adventurous, but jumping off the 10ft or so waterfall was the highlight. Ive did pretty much all the fancy excursions in my 20+ cruises and it stuck out bc you can’t do if any other port. I really want to do all 27 of them. I would rate it 10 out of 10.
"Diamond international, what would a port be without...." 😉 I will definitely be spending more time at Amber Cove. Even though I live near a beautiful beach I never go because I always feel I have other more pressing stuff to do and I can't relax. But if I'm on a cruise I can let what hair I don't have down and finally relax. I abhor the sun but there seems to be plenty of shade. Love that landscaping and the mountains as a back drop. I'll be ziplining like crazy too! I'll be Western Caribbean on my MG cruise but hopefully will be at Amber Cove on Elation.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Probably should've clarified. I meant just laying in a lounger in the shade relatively near some form of water, doing absolutely nothing for hours on end. But I am going to look at some sort of extremely short tour of the community so I can feel that I've actually set foot in the DR and not just a cookie cutter resort. 69 days till Elation!
Yes do that! I guess that was my point. It feels like the pool at the Motel 6 unless you actually get outside the pool area. I’m going on an excursion when I’m there in a few weeks!
Those stairs are patched up now. There were alot of unsupervised kids on the ship running around breaking stuff when I was on board. Not to mention the people who were hitting their limit on their drink pass everyday. It was still very fun though.
This video really gave me an idea of what this port is like . I will make sure to eat a heavy breakfast and maybe pack some snacks. I have been to DR twice so I have experienced the local flavor before.. I am okay just hanging out by the free pool. Hopefully the weather will be warm
Emeril's is wonderful and cost worthy for the quality. Worth every bit of effort to be patient on the first cruise. The outcome I experienced was great all around on this ship!
I was patient on the first cruise, just never made it back to try the items I went there for. There were so many food options on the ship, I literally had a a schedule for where I would eat each meal.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan we just got off Mardi Gras (1st time cruiser) and planning our next trip on the Mardi Gras...It was AWESOME!! Went to Emeril's several times and tried lots of stuff..Poached eggs and the fixin's were really good, they had beignets on our cruise (fabulous), creole omelette, latte, shrimp and grits, natchitoches meat pie, boudin balls, jambalaya, bbq shrimp (pretty good), breakfast poboy (was just ok). My husband and I would order different things and try each others, that is why so many are listed. The only thing that we noticed was there was not a lot of spice added, so ask for hot sauce...LOL! Someone we met was saying they ordered the lobster, and the oysters (they were market price) and wasn't impressed! Market price was expensive, especially when you could go through and get small bites. When we go back...we will still go to Emerils (really enjoyed them), go back to Chef's Table, Steakhouse, Carnival Kitchen, ChiBang, maybe Cucina del Capitano (husband loved it). I preferred ChiBang (chinese side) and the drink (Red Dragon) was fabulous. Liked Rudi's but probably won't go back, the stuffed lobster and crab cake had to much mayo for our liking, and I bet I pulled 10 shells out of my mouth from the stuffed lobster (not something you want to have to do at a nice restaurant). We did really enjoy the bisque, the beef tartar (compliments of the chef), mussels, lobster mac and cheese was good but a little runny for my taste, bread was really good, didn't make it to dessert because we were stuffed!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan oh okay. You didn’t show it so I thought maybe it wasn’t open. Just read other comments and realized you just don’t like it.. got it
I'm confused you liked pig and anchor or you didn't in your food review you ranked it low you said the prime rib wasn't worth it in this one you said the prime rib was worth it and you enjoyed your meal. Just a little 🤔. Great video though maybe I misunderstood something you said and the other video
Pig & Anchor for free is fine. Not worth the additional cost they charge for things like the prime rib that are just not great. The first night I went I couldn’t even get waited on. This second night was trying again with a little better experience.
What more do you need free pool and it is very big and if you walk pass the pool you will see a sign staff shop go there you can get a beer for $2.00 and bottle of pop for only $1.00 we had a great day been there lots of times just go back on the ship for lunch and go back and shop use your brain ,
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Ha ha ha- you're right there's not much there- basically a pool (which, okay but we have pools like that here at home) and shopping and food, kinda just like on the ship. I doubt I'd bother getting off there. I'd just lay around the pool on the boat. The stop reminds me of Honduras but I do like the little beach area in Honduras, it at least has that going for it.
I did my 1st solo cruise in November 2021 and Amber Cove was one of the stops. I loved it. I took the "best of" excursion because I wanted to see more than just the pier and resort. The tour bus drove us into Puerto Plata and we were among local Dominicans. I loved this excursion because we were able to see where and how the people actually live. We stopped at a beach for pictures also but not a touristy beach that most people go to like near the pier to swim with dolphins or whatever. We were amongst local Dominicans.
Thanks for sharing your awesome experience, Bridget! I’ll definitely have to keep that excursion in mind for the next time I’m in Amber Cove, it sounds epic! Thanks for watching. 😊
Just returned from Mardi Gras cruise to Nassau, Bahamas/ amber cove DR/ grand turk. Amber cove was my favorite. The bus took us through the country side and we got to see local farmland where people had cows. Saw farmers riding donkeys into town. Passed a few houses on the way and there were people sleeping on the floor. No front doors on their houses. They took us to a very secluded beach with unlimited free drinks. We drank mamajuana and had a buffet. The experience was amazing.
So glad you had a great time!
Glad you got to try dinner at P&A. Amber Cove looks beautiful. I look forward to seeing it again in your September videos.
I'd rather go to an actual port, than resort stop. I always like getting a local lunch or dinner and local shopping, rather than tourist stops...
Totally agree! Love experiencing the local culture and feeling like I’ve traveled somewhere. That’s why I need to take an excursion next time and see more of the DR!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan , there is local tours company’s ( bit cheaper then the cruise line tours) we always do research - reviews on local tour companies in port of calls
You gotta get outside of the port area, there is plenty to do and see in Puerto Plata
The 1 time I was in amber cove I did the waterfall excursion and it was awesome. It was unique and adventurous getting to jump off and swim around the waterfalls. I only did the partial, but you can do all 27 of them if you book 3rd party.
That’s what I wanna do the next time I make it to Amber Cove!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan You definitely should it was a blast and we seem to be about the same age so the adventurous stuff is still fun. It’s really not super adventurous, but jumping off the 10ft or so waterfall was the highlight. Ive did pretty much all the fancy excursions in my 20+ cruises and it stuck out bc you can’t do if any other port. I really want to do all 27 of them. I would rate it 10 out of 10.
We visited the DR for a few nights and we did the waterfall thing as well! My wife and I still talk about that. It was SO fun!
@@SteveBoyer10 same here I’m def doing it again
Amber Cove does look pretty. For my first time, I think I’d like it. Love the local craft shops. Thanks for the great video!
Thanks for watching!
"Diamond international, what would a port be without...." 😉
I will definitely be spending more time at Amber Cove. Even though I live near a beautiful beach I never go because I always feel I have other more pressing stuff to do and I can't relax. But if I'm on a cruise I can let what hair I don't have down and finally relax. I abhor the sun but there seems to be plenty of shade. Love that landscaping and the mountains as a back drop. I'll be ziplining like crazy too! I'll be Western Caribbean on my MG cruise but hopefully will be at Amber Cove on Elation.
Definitely try and book an excursion if you can. Unless you don’t mind going all the way there for a pool. There is no beach in the Carnival port. 😂
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Probably should've clarified. I meant just laying in a lounger in the shade relatively near some form of water, doing absolutely nothing for hours on end. But I am going to look at some sort of extremely short tour of the community so I can feel that I've actually set foot in the DR and not just a cookie cutter resort. 69 days till Elation!
Yes do that! I guess that was my point. It feels like the pool at the Motel 6 unless you actually get outside the pool area. I’m going on an excursion when I’m there in a few weeks!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Can't wait to hear about the Horizon. Can't believe I've skipped the whole Vista Class. I need to remedy that!
Lol I was in your video lmao
Those stairs are patched up now. There were alot of unsupervised kids on the ship running around breaking stuff when I was on board. Not to mention the people who were hitting their limit on their drink pass everyday. It was still very fun though.
So much fun! Glad you enjoyed. 🛳
This video really gave me an idea of what this port is like . I will make sure to eat a heavy breakfast and maybe pack some snacks. I have been to DR twice so I have experienced the local flavor before.. I am okay just hanging out by the free pool. Hopefully the weather will be warm
I hope it is warm for you when you visit and that you enjoy! Thanks for watching!
I have been watching your vlogs enjoying them thank you
I’m very glad to hear that - thank you for watching, Dianne! 😃
New subbie here! Enjoying your series on the Mardi Gras! We sail on her on Saturday!
Hey thank you! I appreciate you watching. You’re gonna love the Mardi Gras and I hope you have a great time! 🛳
We went to Amber Cove and spent the day at an all inclusive resort. It was great.
Hi I go to amber cove in march. I've been looking for something to do. Which resort did you go to?
Emeril's is wonderful and cost worthy for the quality. Worth every bit of effort to be patient on the first cruise. The outcome I experienced was great all around on this ship!
I was patient on the first cruise, just never made it back to try the items I went there for. There were so many food options on the ship, I literally had a a schedule for where I would eat each meal.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan we just got off Mardi Gras (1st time cruiser) and planning our next trip on the Mardi Gras...It was AWESOME!! Went to Emeril's several times and tried lots of stuff..Poached eggs and the fixin's were really good, they had beignets on our cruise (fabulous), creole omelette, latte, shrimp and grits, natchitoches meat pie, boudin balls, jambalaya, bbq shrimp (pretty good), breakfast poboy (was just ok). My husband and I would order different things and try each others, that is why so many are listed. The only thing that we noticed was there was not a lot of spice added, so ask for hot sauce...LOL! Someone we met was saying they ordered the lobster, and the oysters (they were market price) and wasn't impressed! Market price was expensive, especially when you could go through and get small bites.
When we go back...we will still go to Emerils (really enjoyed them), go back to Chef's Table, Steakhouse, Carnival Kitchen, ChiBang, maybe Cucina del Capitano (husband loved it). I preferred ChiBang (chinese side) and the drink (Red Dragon) was fabulous. Liked Rudi's but probably won't go back, the stuffed lobster and crab cake had to much mayo for our liking, and I bet I pulled 10 shells out of my mouth from the stuffed lobster (not something you want to have to do at a nice restaurant). We did really enjoy the bisque, the beef tartar (compliments of the chef), mussels, lobster mac and cheese was good but a little runny for my taste, bread was really good, didn't make it to dessert because we were stuffed!
Will be there next week for my cruise
Have a great time!
So is the pool /water park area with the zip line and basketball court not open right now?? It was just a short walk from the shopping area
Hi Trish, it is open right now!
@@ZachtheTravelingMan oh okay. You didn’t show it so I thought maybe it wasn’t open. Just read other comments and realized you just don’t like it.. got it
I show the pool and zip line beginning at 6:32. I highlighted all of the port area in this video.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan my bad.. someone distracted me during that part of the video. I went back and rewatched it
The pirates of the Caribbean 😆
😂 😂 😂
I'm confused you liked pig and anchor or you didn't in your food review you ranked it low you said the prime rib wasn't worth it in this one you said the prime rib was worth it and you enjoyed your meal. Just a little 🤔. Great video though maybe I misunderstood something you said and the other video
Pig & Anchor for free is fine. Not worth the additional cost they charge for things like the prime rib that are just not great. The first night I went I couldn’t even get waited on. This second night was trying again with a little better experience.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan got it
Those warning signs are on all ships to keep people away causing troouble
Scheduled for the September 11th sailing from Port Canaveral.
I hope you have a great time!
So is this Carnival’s private island?
It’s their private port area. Only Carnival Corporation ships dock here.
Does all the regular coffee cost extra?
The coffee at JavaBlue is all extra cost. They do have regular coffee on Lido and in all the restaurants that is free.
You had to wear your mask outside while at Amber Cove?
Yes, masks were required in most all the ports we visited on this cruise.
Being there in 2019
I don't think carnival own the port...xxx
People waste food. They smaller portions and you can order more of your still hungry.
I'm Sailing On The Horizon Sept.4th. I Hope To Meet Ya
See you soon! Make sure to say hello. 🛳
Most Definitely 🤛🏾
Hello, I notice everyone wearing masks. Do you have to?
Yes, currently masks are required onboard and in most ports (but in port protocols vary among the ports).
Good grief man, the music bumpers are horrendous.
What about unvaccinated guests on the cruise like minor children? Are they allowed in the port area?
I believe that depends on the port and if they’re allowing unvaccinated guests.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan it looked like minors were in your video. We are travelling there in November with our minor under 12.
Yeah I assume they’ll be fine. I don’t think protocols have gotten any more strict since I visited.
Damn, the Mardi Gras already has broken stairs? Yikes. Carnival can’t seem to ever take care of their ships.
What more do you need free pool and it is very big and if you walk pass the pool you will see a sign staff shop go there you can get a beer for $2.00 and bottle of pop for only $1.00 we had a great day been there lots of times just go back on the ship for lunch and go back and shop use your brain ,
Thanks, Pat! I’ll turn my brain on next time I’m there and see if that helps me like the big pool any better.
@@ZachtheTravelingMan Ha ha ha- you're right there's not much there- basically a pool (which, okay but we have pools like that here at home) and shopping and food, kinda just like on the ship. I doubt I'd bother getting off there. I'd just lay around the pool on the boat. The stop reminds me of Honduras but I do like the little beach area in Honduras, it at least has that going for it.