La Romana

La Romana sits on the Dominican Republic's southeast coast. The cruise terminal itself has a pool, sun loungers, and a swim-up bar, so you can treat it as a beach club if you want. Beyond the terminal, Altos de Chavón is the main attraction, a reconstructed 16th-century Mediterranean village sitting on a cliff above the Chavón River. It has an amphitheatre, art galleries, and good views. Catalina Island, accessible by boat, has clear water and coral reefs for snorkelling. Bayahibe, a small beach town nearby, is a quieter alternative to the resort complexes. Casa de Campo resort has a marina, golf courses, and restaurants if you want a more upscale afternoon. Dominican cigars and rum make good souvenirs. The peso is the local currency, though US dollars are accepted at most tourist spots. Spanish is the main language, but English is spoken at the terminal and tourist areas.