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There are days that feel significant from the moment they begin. Today was one of those days for Port Taino Bay, ITM Group, and the Dominican Republic. Port Taino Bay welcomed the Disney Dream, marking Disney Cruise Line’s first arrival in the country.
Announced in April 2026, the arrival of the Disney Dream represents the launch of a new route and an opportunity for the Dominican Republic to continue positioning itself as an emerging destination for cruise tourism.
On this very special day, the celebration brought together our CEO, Mauricio Hamui; the Minister of Tourism, David Collado; the Minister of the Presidency of the Dominican Republic, José Ignacio Paliza; the Executive Director of the Dominican Port Authority, Alejandro Campos; as well as officials from ITM Group and representatives from the radio station Z101 Digital.
About Disney Dream
Since its maiden voyage in 2011, with Jennifer Hudson as its godmother, the Disney Dream has welcomed thousands of guests aboard for unforgettable Disney experiences at sea. With a capacity of approximately 4,000 passengers, the ship combines Disney’s signature magic with immersive entertainment, themed spaces, and experiences designed for the whole family.
The Disney Dream departed from Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades), Florida, on Friday, October 2, 2026. As part of its itinerary, the ship arrived today in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The journey will also include stops at Lookout Cay in the Bahamas, San Juan in Puerto Rico, and Castaway Cay in the Bahamas, before returning to Fort Lauderdale.
Port Taino Bay experience
As another milestone for the port and Puerto Plata, we knew we had to make this visit a magical occasion for the 3,200 passengers on the Disney Dream.
On this very special day, the cruise passengers were greeted by Taimascaros and a surprise carnival, showcasing the destination’s rich culture.
Music and fun were in full swing with poolside shows, special activities, and live music that set the perfect atmosphere for a family celebration.
Inside the port, there was also a space for the little ones to embark on their own adventure. One of the experiences they enjoyed most was the interactive tour of our aviary, where they could get up close to the birds and receive stickers and special passports to identify them along the way.
One of the day’s most special moments was the plaque-exchange ceremony, attended by Captain Jozo Glavic, and invited officials. This ceremony symbolized the arrival of the Disney Dream at Port Taino Bay and the beginning of this new chapter for Disney Cruise Line in the Dominican Republic.
Looking ahead
The arrival of the Disney Dream at Port Taino Bay marks the beginning of a new chapter for Puerto Plata, for ITM Group, and for the Dominican Republic. It’s a moment that reminds us that, when new routes open, we also continue showing the world everything that makes this destination special.
And this is just the beginning. On October 22, we look forward to welcoming Disney Destiny and continuing to write, together with Disney Cruise Line, the next chapters of this story.
At Port Taino Bay, we are proud to be part of this important moment for Caribbean cruise tourism. Every ship that arrives brings with it new stories, new connections, and the opportunity to create experiences that visitors will remember forever.
