Day 7 Amber Cove, Dominican Republic
Sailing into Amber Cove we were treated to views of the rugged coast.
Amber Cove is a new complex that has just opened a few months ago and is close to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. This is on the North side of the island of Hispaniola. Azura was the only cruise ship in the port when we visited.
As well as the usual array of shops, a huge swimming pool with bar and restaurant complex there are cabanas on the hillside as well as over the sea.
We went on a P&O organised tour to Puerto Plata to look at some of the cultural aspects of the city.
In the centre of the town we stopped close by the cathedral and briefly went inside to look at the stained glass. After a short walk we went to an art gallery that sells art to support local charities.
Local schools were putting on themed shows just past the Victorian bandstand in the middle of the square. One of the young singers gave a fantastic rendition of one of Rihanna’s songs. Such an amazing voice. We did manage to congratulate her on her performance before leaving.
The next stop was the famous rum factory called Brugal. We entered the factory for a series of talks about Brugal’s history and about the making of rum. Plus we were able to sample a couple of different types of rum. We didn’t get to see the stills or the warehouses holding the barrels of ageing rum but we did get to glimpse the end of the line where bottles of rum were packed into boxes. Then we were led into the rum shop to purchase our own bottles of rum to take home.
We left the rum factory for the San Felipe fortress above Puerto Plata passing along the Malencon, by the Caribbean. Unfortunately we didn’t stop to see the statue of Neptune presented by Rio or for me to have the opportunity to record some of the street aert along the walls. This is the only ‘grab shot’; I managed.
The fortress was very busy with visiting children’s parties as well as numerous tourist coaches.
Next stop was for lunch which was at an old Victorian house that was now a restaurant, art gallery and flower garden. As well as a light lunch I managed to get a wifi connection and catch up on my emails.
The last stop was at an Amber factory for another opportunity to buy some local produce. I waited outside and watched people ride by on their motorbikes.
Once on board we watched the ship’s officers and crew trying to get a passenger back on board for over 30 mins. What patience they showed.
We went to the Breakers Bar to listen to Jet Set at the sail away party. Departure was delayed as the late passenger left for hospital with partner and luggage.
Dinner for me was the P&O Mixed Grill with more Aussie Red and the evening was rounded off by watching Dean Richardson as Freddie Mercury on the open deck, backed by the excellent house band Jet Set.
