Puerto Rico Vs. The Dominican Republic: Which Should You Visit?

Dr Vs. PR Beaches: Relaxing And Maxing The Fun

All beaches are not created equal. These two Caribbean islands cater to sunseeker cruisers looking for lively energy, gorgeous turquoise seas and soft sands perfect for a day of fun with family and friends. Choose from Puerto Rico’s inviting crescents of golden and black sand or DR’s long stretches of white sand, framed by swaying palms and lush tropical foliage.

Plan a “Playa” Date in Puerto Rico

Visit the golden local beaches to try out PR watersports, accessible within a few miles of the port in Old San Juan. Kayak or SUP around the bay off Condado Beach below the shadow of Castillo San Felipe del Morro. When we visit, this expansive stretch of beach is a fave in my family for its great “jumping waves” and soft sand. Try snorkeling at Balneario El Escambrón, a public beach that sits just offshore from the capital's Caribe Hilton, where the piña colada was born. (Order by requesting “original recipe” if treating yourself post-swim for the authentic experience.)

If pre- or post-cruise time in Puerto Rico allows, venture farther afield. Vibrant snorkeling haunt Crash Boat Beach is a popular Aguadilla spot with a pier and lively vibe. Domes Beach in Rincón is a swell spot to hang ten, or head for Playa Buyé in Cabo Rojo for family-friendly shallow, calm waters.

Dominican Republic Serves Up White Sand Siestas

The Dominican Republic boasts a bevy of natural beach beauties — Bavaro and Macao Beach in Punta Cana, Bahía de las Águilas in Cabo Rojo, Playa Rincón in Samaná and Bayahibe in La Romana. Playa Paraiso is another gem along the less-developed southwestern coastline.

For a cruise-convenient classic perfect beach day, hop a 10-20 minute cab or Uber from the port at Taino Bay in Puerto Plata to the gated, sand-soaked playground of Playa Dorada. Clear, calm seas meet a shallow, gradual sloping entry for families with young kids. Loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, with activities like beach horseback riding, watersports and snorkel gear available. Golfers can even get their 18 holes in on the Playa Dorada course. Several restaurants and bars provide refreshments and an on-site shopping mall makes for convenient pickups of forgotten items.

Caribbean Music Vibes: Dr And PR Dance To Their Own Beats

Riveting rhythms are a hallmark of day-and-nightlife in both of these Caribbean cruise favorites. The pulse-pounding toe tappers vary, but the vibe carries the culture into every experience.

Dancing to the DR Drums

In the Dominican Republic, Merengue is a national treasure. Referring to both the music and the dance, the high-energy hip-hugging hold marches to a two-beat blend of tambora drum, accordion and sax. Another DR original — Bachata — is an eight-step bolero blend of intimate slow movement with serious eye contact accompanied by guitars, bongos, maracas and bass. Both UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity art forms create the heart of community celebrations. 

Influenced by Jamaican dancehall, highly popular Dembow evolved in urban Santo Domingo. Its metallic beat and fast uptempo vibes are perfect for the high-energy beach clubs of the Dominican Republic.

Bienvenido to PR Plaza Parties

PR cruises bring visitors to boogie the Bomba — a joyful percussive Afro-Puerto Rican dance of resistance where the drummer is led by improvised steps. Similarly, percussion-led Plena lyrics read like a musical newspaper of timely topics. While DR rocks the beach clubs, the music and dance of the island is the key to street parties and open plaza gatherings in Puerto Rico. Salsa slides street-style footwork into the African-rooted Caribbean rhythms in clubs and festivals, while Reggaeton wraps up hip hop, dancehall, reggae and Spanish lyrics into a melodic melange now appreciated worldwide.

Dr And PR National Forests And Parks: Island Nature To Nurture

Puerto Rico is home to the only tropical rainforest in the United States’ National Forest system, with 29,000 acres of biodiverse flora and fauna to explore. San Juan cruise port is less than an hour's drive to El Yunque. Wear a swimsuit, because you’ll find an 85-foot waterfall, multiple scenic towers with coastline views and family-friendly nature trails leading to natural pools and slide rock water features.

When it comes to wow-worthy nature for cruisers, the Dominican Republic says, “Hold my pier.” El Choco National Park (Puerto Plata) with the 130-170ft El Limón Waterfall, over three miles of pristine untouched white sand beach on Bahía de las Águilas at Jaragua National Park (Cabo Rojo) and the incredible diving in the protected marine reserve of Isla Catalina (La Romana) are stunning options accessible by day trips from multiple DR ports.

Dr Vs. PR Day Trips: Idyllic Islands Off Of Idyllic Islands

Both the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico are islands that offer a rich culture and natural beauty. Many who call these special places home, and the lucky visitors who delve deeper, would argue that both delicious destinations are hiding their best beaches and most unique environments offshore. DR’s Saona and Isla Catalina (a few miles off the port at La Romana) battle for bragging rights for most beautiful beach with calm aqua seas — a fight in which everyone wins. The only clear answer is to visit both. 

Similarly, off Puerto Rico’s lovely main landscape lie Vieques and Culebra. You’ll have unforgettable pre- or post-cruise adventures in a world of impossibly glowing white sand, roaming wild horses, float plane or tiny Cape Air prop plane entry (which feels like an excursion on its own) and a funky local culture.

PR Vs. Dr Activities And Adventures

Adventures in Puerto Rico start with wandering the winding cobblestone streets of Old San Juan and exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro. These quickly take a more natural slant through hiking amongst old-growth tropical forests, zipping along muddy tracks to secluded beaches on an ATV, ziplining in the canopy while birdwatching or paddling in a bioluminescent bay that glows with mystery at every stroke.

The Dominican Republic also dives into nature with coral reefs teeming with sea turtles and colorful fish life for snorkelers, kayaks to glide through a manatee reserve, historic shipwrecks for scuba fans, Monkeyland nature center’s local animal encounters and cable car access to mountaintop trails. It’s such a wonderland for nature that even the humpbacks congregate in the turquoise haven of DR’s bays.

Dr Vs. PR — Pick The Perfect Port For Your Crew

Choosing where to cruise is the first and sometimes most challenging part of planning the perfect vacation. Consider the perks of ports and pick what sends your imagination soaring.

Multi-Gen Families Sail to Serenity From San Juan

Gather your group from grands down to the tots and head to San Juan, Puerto Rico. The colonial charm of Old Town is simple to navigate, with both history and beach fun a short stroll away. 

This is an easy breezy beach break with plentiful direct flights. English is widely spoken, insurance from home is accepted, the U.S. dollar requires no conversion and familiar brands — from fast food to drug stores — blend in with Puerto Rican mom-and-pop authentic eateries and shops for added convenience. Cruises sailing from here also typically visit family-friendly beach islands throughout the Caribbean.

La Romana is Ooh-La-La Romantic for Couples Looking to Reconnect

The Dominican Republic port of La Romana offers an exotic adventure to amp up the romance. Just a few miles from the port lies Isla Catalina. This DR-dreamy day is an exceptional escape from the everyday.

● Secluded, serene beaches.

● Aqua seas to snorkel.

● A historic shipwreck.

● A coral wall perfect for learning to scuba dive together.

● Fresh lobster beach barbecue.

● Sip DR-fave Barceló rum, Mamajuana (rum, red wine, tree bark, honey, spices) or Coco Loco (rum served in a coconut).

● Barefoot dancing on the beach.

Frame Up a Fab Friends Getaway at Punta Cana, DR

It’s time to grab your beach bunch and head to the hotspot of Punta Cana. Watersports from chill to thrill, lively waterfront cafes and tropical bars, silky sand and perfectly blue sea to bob in while catching some rays and sharing laughs make this a spot to do a little or a lot (or some of both!).

Families With Young Children Will Go Loco for Cabo Rojo

When you have little ones in tow, keeping the kids safe and happy makes any day a great day. Cabo Rojo delivers a tailored taste of the Dominican Republic without even leaving the port complex. Access pools, a lazy river, loungers with umbrellas, a carousel and Ferris wheel, shops and cafes with authentic local dishes. Bonus — it’s all within view of your ship for easy trips back for supplies or a mid-afternoon nap (for the kids or parents!).

Foodie Travelers with a Taste of Adventure Pick Puerto Rico

Finding an excellent restaurant often means committing to eateries open only in the evenings. The bonus of cruising from San Juan, Puerto Rico is the pre or post-cruise options to try the most authentic “pernil, mofongo or fried alcapurrias”(even if it is served in a no-frills, locals-packed cafeteria). 

What can you do here? Sip the original piña colada at the seaside bar where it was invented. Take a culinary class walking tour of Old Town and learn the fascinating history of the Bacardi brand and what it means to the island during a tasting tour at the factory. You can even enjoy a scenic ferry ride from the port.

Book the Best When Cruising to the Caribbean

Sailing to either Puerto Rico or the Dominican Republic opens a world of cultural insights, exciting Caribbean adventures and ways to slip into the sea while basking on beautiful beaches. Royal Caribbean sails into both stunning destinations and offers sunseekers, bold bonders and travelers looking for a memory-maxing getaway the best mode to arrive in style.