"Carnival Corp. is turning its sights on the Dominican Republic. The cruise company confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding to finance a $65 million port facility and retail/restaurant/recreation complex geared towards cruise passengers just west of Puerto Plata on the country's north coast.
Carnival is partnering with the Rannik family - which has shipping operations in the DR - on the project, which includes a docking facility at Maimon Bay that will be able to accommodate two post-Panamax (over 1,000-feet) ships.
In addition to retail and recreation, the space will also include a transportation hub, Carnival said. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2013.
Carnival Corp. already has a long-term deal with the Dominican government to rent a small island, Catalina, about five miles off La Romana, which serves as a private island for its Costa Cruises (and where topless sunbathing is allowed on some quiet beaches).
The company did not say which ships or brands – which also include Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line,
Princess Cruises, Cunard and Seabourn – might visit the new Puerto Plata facility.
Additional details will be announced at a later time, a spokeswoman said."
http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2011/08/carnival-corp-dominican-republic-port-complex/415176/1
