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We are proud to share that Port Samana is moving toward the opening of a new chapter for cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic, with an agenda featuring major milestones between the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027.
During a visit to Z101 Digital this Saturday, our CEO, Mauricio Hamui, joined by the Dominican Republic’s Minister of Tourism, David Collado, shared details about the upcoming events that will mark the beginning of the port’s operations.
According to current projections, Port Samana expects to close 2026 with approximately 10,000 passengers, considering the arrivals scheduled for November and December. This figure represents the beginning of a new dynamic for the destination.
Connecting Port Samana with the Community
As part of the preparations for its opening, on November 22, Port Samana will open its doors to 500 members of the local community, who will have the opportunity to tour its facilities.
This event will bring the project closer to the local community and give residents the chance to discover a space that will become a new point of connection between the province and cruise travelers from around the world.
Two days later, on November 24, Port Samana will officially begin operations with the arrival of the MSC Opera, which has a capacity of more than 2,600 passengers.
A Strong Start to 2027
Expectations for Port Samana also extend into the coming year. On January 7, 2027, the port will welcome the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, with an approximate capacity of 7,600 passengers.
Its arrival will be one of the major events on Port Samana’s initial calendar and will provide an important boost to the destination as the new year begins.
The arrival of high-capacity cruise ships is part of a broader vision focused on strengthening Samaná’s position on the international cruise map.
First Official Tour of Port Samana
As part of the agenda held this Saturday, an official tour of Port Samana also took place, attended by our CEO, Mauricio Hamui; David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic; Teodora Mullix, Governor of Samana Province; and Emelyne Arrieta, our VP of Construction and Development.
The tour showcased the progress and spaces that make up this new infrastructure, while also highlighting the role the port will play in transforming the cruise experience in the destination.
Samana Faces a New Opportunity for Growth
The coming months will be critical for the project:
- November 22: Opening of the terminal to 500 members of the local community.
- November 24: Official start of operations with the arrival of the MSC Opera.
- January 7, 2027: Arrival of the Legend of the Seas, carrying approximately 7,600 passengers.
With a vision focused on growth, community connection, and the development of new experiences for visitors, Port Samana is preparing to write a new chapter in the history of cruise tourism in the Dominican Republic.
