Guyanese Influencer Remains In ICE Custody In Louisiana

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 19, 2025: Guyana-born, US-based social media influencer, Melissa Ann Atwell, also known as Melissa Ann Holder or “Melly Mel,” is the latest immigrant to be nabbed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. ICE data shows she is now in custody at the Richwood Correctional Center in Louisiana.

Guyana born US-based influencer Melly Mel is now in US ICE custody in Louisiana.

She was recently arrested at her New York home and later transferred to Louisiana. Atwell, who entered the United States on a visitor’s visa and never returned to Guyana, is now facing possible deportation.

According to ICE’s detention tracker, she remains in custody, but details regarding the reason for her arrest have not been publicly disclosed. Reports indicate that she may have an upcoming immigration hearing, though it remains unclear whether she could face additional charges beyond immigration violations.

ICE explained its procedures in such cases, stating: “ICE lodges immigration detainers against certain aliens after federal, state, or local law enforcement agencies have taken them into custody.”

Supporters Launch GoFundMe for Legal Defense
Atwell’s supporters have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover her legal fees, raising over $35,000 of its $100,000 goal so far. The fundraiser, titled “Help Melissa Atwell Defend Democracy,” aims to support her fight against deportation and other legal challenges. Donations can be made at: GoFundMe – Help Melissa Atwell Defend Democracy.

Guyanese Government Reacts
General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the country’s vice president, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has confirmed that Atwell will be welcomed back to Guyana if deported. However, upon her return, she will likely face legal challenges, as multiple Guyanese individuals have filed defamation and slander complaints against her, including multi-million-dollar lawsuits.

As Atwell’s case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether she will be deported or face additional legal consequences in the U.S.

Royalton Chic Barbados Expands the Brand’s Caribbean Footprint

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News Americas, ST. MICHAEL, Barbados, March 19, 2025: Blue Diamond Resorts is set to turn heads and set pulses racing as it redefines all-inclusive hospitality in Barbados. As of today, Royalton CHIC Barbados, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort – Adults Only , is officially open for bookings, gearing up for a spectacular debut in Spring 2026. Nestled along Barbados’ glamorous Gold Coast, this stylish lifestyle resort is designed for trendsetters who crave excitement and sophistication in equal measure. Guests will indulge in electrifying experiences and effortless luxury, where every moment is unforgettable, vibrant, and unapologetically posh.

“The demand for adults-only, all-inclusive modern luxury has never been stronger, with travelers seeking more than just relaxation—they want engaging social experiences joining our collection, we are introducing a bold new era of upscale travel, tailored for those who crave indulgence and energy in equal measure,” said Jordi Pelfort, President of Blue Diamond Resorts. “Barbados has long been a destination of distinction, making it the perfect setting for the Royalton CHIC Resorts experience.”

As Blue Diamond Resorts’ first property in Barbados, this addition reinforces the brand’s expansion into the Caribbean’s most vibrant and sought-after destinations. Coinciding with the company’s 15th anniversary of innovation in all-inclusive hospitality, Royalton CHIC Barbados marks another bold milestone in the company’s continued growth, delivering high-end indulgence infused with an undeniably social spirit. Much like Barbados itself, an island celebrated for its effortless elegance, lively culture, and jet set appeal, the resort is designed as the ultimate adults only escape, offering the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement, all under the signature “Party Your Way” concept.

Designed for spirited, contemporary comfort, Royalton CHIC Barbados will feature 220 stylish suites, offering options such as oceanfront views, swim-out access, and private terraces. Guests seeking an enhanced stay can opt for the Diamond Club suite category, unlocking personalized butler service, exclusive amenities, and private beach and pool areas. The resort’s culinary scene will be just as fabulous, with nine restaurants and three bars blending local flavors with global influences, including a vibrant steakhouse, the dazzling Level 18 Rooftop Cabana Lounge, and an enticing new French-Island-Fusion restaurant that will elevate classic flavors with a Caribbean twist.

Embodying the Royalton CHIC Resorts spirit, the resort will curate a dynamic mix of entertainment, wellness, and social experiences. Guests can unwind at The Royal Spa, join high-energy Royalton FIT classes, or reveal in non-stop entertainment curated by the CHIC Angels. Whether basking in poolside luxury, enjoying the island’s most vibrant nightlife, or indulging in exclusive experiences, every stay will be designed for unapologetic indulgence and unexpected moments.

Following the buzz of last year’s launch of Royalton CHIC Antigua and the recent announcement of Royalton CHIC Jamaica Paradise Cove, this latest addition strengthens Blue Diamond Resorts’ vision of reimagining the adults-only all-inclusive experience. The arrival of Royalton CHIC Barbados marks yet another bold step in its expansion—proving that adults-only luxury has never been more enticing.

Bookings are now open for Spring 2026 stays. For more information or to book your next vacation, visit royaltonchicresorts.com .

About Blue Diamond Resorts

Blue Diamond Resorts encompasses over 80 properties, exceeding 20,000 rooms in eight countries located in the most popular holiday destinations in the Caribbean. Its nine leading hotel brands include the Award-winning, All-In Luxury® Royalton Luxury Resorts , where Everyone is Family . Whether guests come as friends, parents, kids, couples, weddings, corporate or incentive retreats, or solo travelers everyone is family in these properties that feature personalized services and signature amenities including All-In Connectivity, DreamBed, and the Sports Event Guarantee. To refocus on valued relationships and friendships, Hideaway at Royalton offers an adults-only experience with exclusive dining and preferred accommodations to enhance Togetherness among its guests. Party Your Way at Royalton CHIC Resorts , an adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive brand to reveal in the unexpected. Mystique by Royalton is Miles from Ordinary , offering its visitors the chance to connect with their surroundings in a boutique-style resort collection full of endless beauty and hip vibes. In Jamaica, Grand Lido Negril offers guests over the age of 21, a unique and all-inclusive Au Naturel vacation along with a secluded shore for the utmost privacy. Memories Resorts & Spa offers a vacation designed whether you’re planning a family vacation, reuniting with friends, or just having a relaxing moment with your significant other, while Starfish Resorts provides amazing value, breathtaking surroundings, and rich culture and heritage. Planet Hollywood Hotels & Resorts invites guests to Vacation Like A Star with an engaging and interactive experience, plus famous pop culture items from iconic movies, music, and sports while you will Dodge the Paparazzi at Planet Hollywood Adult Scene where your adults-only vacation will be the center of fascination and attention with glam and exclusivity.

To learn more about Blue Diamond Resorts, please visit www.bluediamondresorts.com

About Royalton CHIC Resorts

Royalton CHIC Resorts offer adults-only vibrant and effervescent all-inclusive experiences to Party Your Way and reveal in the unexpected. Located in popular Caribbean destinations such as Punta Cana – Dominican Republic, Cancun – Mexico, and Antigua, this new adults-only generation of all-inclusive concept delivers unprecedented experiences where luxury and fun intersect in each idyllic location. Choose between relaxing and treating yourself or partying and having fun—Party Your Way.

Ideal for couples, groups, singles or friends, including modern rooms and suites featuring All-In Luxury, the premium DreamBed, a variety of culinary offerings, All-In Connectivity and exclusivity through the Diamond Club category. Guests can choose between relaxing and treating themselves in the spa or enjoy the resort’s unique events and theme parties at signature locations.

For more information about Royalton CHIC Resorts, visit www.royaltonchicresorts.com

Four Caribbean Hotels Join The Region’s Luxury Travel Scene

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 18, 2025: Four new Caribbean resorts have entered the spotlight, offering travelers a mix of luxury, adventure, and family-friendly fun across Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic and Curaçao.

Salterra – South Caicos, Turks and Caicos

Marriott has debuted Salterra, a 100-room eco-luxury resort on the untouched shores of South Caicos. Featuring six dining concepts, a salt-inspired spa, and a family-friendly Kids Club, Salterra is now the second Marriott-branded resort in Turks and Caicos. The resort’s signature restaurant, Brine, offers an epicurean dining experience with an extensive wine list. Families will appreciate the Salterra Kids Club, which provides engaging activities like pirate coin hunts and coconut leaf origami for children aged 4-12.

Salterra is now the second Marriott-branded resort in Turks and Caicos, alongside the Ritz-Carlton on Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales. With new nonstop American Airlines flights from Miami, South Caicos is fast becoming a must-visit Caribbean destination. Rooms start at $2,831 per night.

Treasure Beach Village – Beaches Turks and Caicos

The new Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort will offer 101 new multi-bedroom suites, a nearly 15,000-square-foot pool, set amidst a half mile stretch of beach on famed Grace Bay.

Beaches Resorts has expanded its award-winning Turks and Caicos property with the addition of Treasure Beach Village. The $150 million expansion includes 101 new multi-bedroom suites, a 15,000-square-foot pool, and new dining experiences, bringing the resort’s total to 30 specialty restaurants and 16 pools. Now accepting reservations, guests can choose from 101 stunning multi-bedroom concierge and butler suites, including two, three and four-bedroom luxury accommodations. The $150 million dollar expansion will elevate the all-inclusive resort’s overall key count to 858 and marks the sixth village addition to the Beaches Turks and Caicos property.

Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana – Dominican Republic

A 620-room all-inclusive resort has opened in Uvero Alto, Punta Cana, as part of Wyndham and Playa Hotels & Resorts’ growing Caribbean portfolio. Highlights include one of the largest pools in the Dominican Republic, nine restaurants, nine bars, and a soon-to-open water park. It’s one of a number of options in Punta Cana and beyond right now, from the recently-opened Viva Miches by Wyndham (rooms at $304 per night on a spectacular beach in Miches, about an hour and 20 minutes from Punta Cana airport; and one of our Caribbean favorites, the excellent Lopesan Costa Bavaro on the heart of Punta Cana’s best beach. Rooms from $393 per night, all-inclusive.

Art Hotel Curaçao – Curaçao

Slated for a July 1 debut, Art Hotel Curaçao is a 30-room adults-only boutique hotel featuring Piet Boon-designed interiors, an oceanfront pool, and a five-course tasting menu at The Lemon Tree. The 30-rom hotel is now taking bookings for July 1, according to its website. Despite its size, the amenities are robust, from an oceanfront pool to beach access to a Scandinavian fusion restaurant called The Lemon Tree, highlighted by a five-course tasting menu. You can book a “luxury room” with a city view for $220.15 per night right now. For an oceanfront room, the rate goes up to $374.86 per night, not including tax.

With these four new additions, the Caribbean’s luxury hospitality scene continues to expand, catering to families, couples, and adventure-seekers alike.

US Denies Existence of Draft Travel Ban List Amid CARICOM Concerns

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 18, 2025: The United States has denied the existence of a draft travel ban list, following concerns raised by several Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nations over reports suggesting potential travel restrictions.

US Department of State spokesperson Tammy Bruce dismissed the claims, stating, “There is no list. What people have been looking at in recent days is not something that exists here or is being acted on.” She clarified that there is an ongoing review under President Trump’s executive order regarding visa policies and national security.

The New York Times had reported that six Caribbean nations—St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Cuba, and Haiti—were included in a proposed list of countries facing possible travel restrictions. The reported proposal categorized countries into three levels: a “red” list barring entry, an “orange” list imposing restrictions, and a “yellow” list allowing 60 days for compliance.

In response, Antigua and Barbuda formally requested clarification from the US via a diplomatic note, expressing “deep concern” and stating that the government had received no prior notice regarding such a list. Other CARICOM nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, and St. Lucia, have also sought official clarification.

These nations emphasized their commitment to tightening their Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs, working closely with the US to prevent misuse by criminals. Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed that all applicants undergo rigorous screening, including INTERPOL vetting, to uphold the program’s integrity.

Stranded Pygmy Whale Rescued And Released In This CARICOM Nation

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 18, 2025: A stranded pygmy whale found in the rural village of Buxton, East Coast Demerara, in the oil-rich CARICOM, South American nation of Guyana, was successfully rescued and returned to the sea earlier today through a collaborative effort involving the University of Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture, and public-spirited residents.

The young whale was discovered at the Buxton Foreshore, requiring urgent intervention to ensure its survival. Responding swiftly were Chief Fisheries Officer Denzil Roberts; Fisheries Officers Kadeem Jacobs and Phillip Williams; Marine Biologists and Biologists Mark Ram, Eric Stoll, and Rovindra Lakenarine; and Elford Liverpool from the University of Guyana’s Department of Biology and the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD). Local community members also played a critical role in the rescue mission.

The team carefully assessed the whale’s condition, identified its species, and took steps to minimize stress and risk to the animal. They used wet cloths and water to keep the whale stable and hydrated before safely transporting and releasing it via the Demerara River Estuary at the Maritime Administration Department, (MARAD) in Georgetown.

The successful rescue was the result of a coordinated effort among multiple agencies, including the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Police Force, and MARAD. Their swift response not only saved the whale’s life but also highlighted the collective commitment to marine conservation in Guyana.

Trinidadian Roots CNN Anchor To Deliver Eric Williams Memorial Lecture

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 17, 2025: Award-winning journalist and CNN anchor, Abby Phillip, who proudly traces her roots to Trinidad and Tobago, will deliver the 23rd Eric E. Williams Memorial Lecture on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the University of Texas, Austin (UT). The event, hosted at the AT&T Conference Center, will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m. (EST), followed by the lecture at 7:15 p.m., and will be free and open to the public. A live-stream will be available, with post-lecture viewing accessible via the UT Warfield Center’s YouTube channel.

FLASHBACK: Trinidad roots CNN White House correspondent Abby Phillip arrives on stage to moderate the seventh Democratic primary debate of the 2020 presidential campaign season co-hosted by CNN and the Des Moines Register at the Drake University campus in Des Moines, Iowa on January 14, 2020. (Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)

Phillip, the anchor of NewsNight with Abby Phillip on CNN, is known for her sharp, fact-driven approach to journalism. With a background in Washington political reporting, she is recognized for her ability to hold powerful figures accountable and provide nuanced analysis of current affairs.

“As a renowned journalist, Abby Phillip was a natural choice to give the Eric Williams Memorial Lecture,” said Dr. Jennifer Wilks, Director of the John L. Warfield Center for African and African American Studies at UT. “Williams’ legacy includes a series of public lectures in Woodford Square, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, which he called his ‘University.’ Phillip’s commitment to keeping the public informed reflects that same tradition of engagement.”

The lecture, first established in 1999 at Florida International University (FIU) before relocating to UT Austin in 2021, honors Dr. Eric Williams, Trinidad and Tobago’s first Prime Minister and a pioneering historian. His groundbreaking book, Capitalism and Slavery, published in 1944, reshaped the historical understanding of the British Transatlantic Slave Trade and its economic impact on Britain and America. The book, commonly known as The Williams Thesis, argues that the declining profitability of slavery—rather than humanitarianism—led to its abolition. Still widely studied, it has been translated into nine languages, with German and Dutch editions forthcoming.

Williams led Trinidad and Tobago to independence in 1962 and later to Republican status in 1976, serving as the nation’s leader until his passing in 1981. His contributions to Caribbean history, politics, and education remain a defining part of the region’s legacy.

The Eric Williams Memorial Lecture has previously featured distinguished speakers, including:

Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados

Portia Simpson-Miller, former Prime Minister of Jamaica

Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Dr. Angela Davis, activist and scholar

Dr. Carol Anderson, author of White Rage

This year’s event is co-sponsored by UT’s Center for Global Change and Media, LLILAS Caribbean Studies Initiative, and School of Journalism and Media, along with contributions from Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Lashley and Jerry Nagee. It is also supported by The Eric Williams Memorial Collection Research Library, Archives & Museum at The University of the West Indies (UWI, Trinidad and Tobago), which was designated to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 1999.

Books by and about Dr. Eric Williams will be available for purchase at the event.

Caribbean Leaders Slam Back At US

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 14, 2025: Caribbean leaders have firmly rejected U.S. allegations of Cuban labor exploitation following Washington’s recent decision to impose visa restrictions on officials linked to Cuba’s overseas medical program.

Visitors inquire for travel information of Cuba’s booth during the World Tourism Fair in Paris on March 13, 2025. The 2025 World Tourism Fair takes place from March 13 to 16, 2025 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. (Photo by Ludovic MARIN / AFP) (Photo by LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

The U.S. announced the measure late last month, claiming that Cuba’s labor export initiatives, which include a significant number of medical professionals, “enrich the Cuban regime” and involve the “exploitation and forced labor of Cuban workers.”

Cuban authorities dismissed the U.S. stance as a “personal agenda based on falsehoods” by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, asserting that the restrictions could negatively impact millions of people who rely on Cuban healthcare professionals.

Since Cuba’s 1959 revolution, the country has dispatched medical personnel worldwide, assisting with outbreaks such as cholera in Haiti and Ebola in West Africa. These medical missions also serve as a crucial source of revenue for the island, which continues to face economic challenges exacerbated by the long-standing U.S. embargo, widely opposed by the international community.

Caribbean leaders have voiced strong support for Cuban medical personnel. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Keith Rowley, speaking at a hospital event, criticized the U.S. accusations. “Out of the blue now, we have been called human traffickers because we hire technical people whom we pay top dollar,” Rowley said, adding that he was prepared to lose his U.S. visa over the issue.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the vital role of Cuban doctors in his country, where at least 60 people rely on a Cuban-run haemodialysis program for kidney treatment. “If the Cubans are not there, we may not be able to run the service,” he warned, stating that Cuban professionals receive the same pay as their local counterparts. “I would prefer to lose my visa than to have 60 poor and working people die.”

Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith also underscored the importance of Cuban healthcare workers, noting that 400 Cuban doctors, nurses, and medical technicians currently serve in Jamaica. “Their presence here is of importance to our healthcare system,” she said.

Bahamian Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell echoed this sentiment, affirming on social media that his government adheres to “all international best practices in the recruitment of labor.”

The strong regional response signals unwavering Caribbean support for Cuba’s medical missions, even as U.S. pressure mounts.

Messi Makes Caribbean Debut As Inter Miami Defeats Cavalier FC

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. March 14, 2025: Soccer great Lionel Messi made a triumphant return to action for his first Caribbean match Thursday, scoring a late goal as Inter Miami secured a 2-0 victory over Jamaica’s Cavalier FC, Jamaican football club based in the community of Mountain View in Kingston, which currently plays in the Jamaica Premier League, on Thursday to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals.

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF at The Jamaican National Stadium on March 13, 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica. It was Messi’s first time playing in the Caribbean and Jamaica. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Messi, who had been sidelined for three games due to load management, entered the match in the 53rd minute to roaring applause from fans at Kingston’s Independence Park. Making an immediate impact, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sealed the win with a goal just before the final whistle, firing the ball into the opposite corner of the net. The assist came from 18-year-old Santiago Morales, a promising homegrown player for Miami.

General view inside the stadium during the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 Second Leg match between Cavalier SC and Inter Miami CF at The Jamaican National Stadium on March 13, 2025 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

This match marked Messi’s first official game in Jamaica and the Caribbean, a highly anticipated moment for fans. He and his teammates were welcomed upon arrival in Jamaica by Olivia Grange, the country’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport.

Inter Miami, already leading 2-0 from the first leg at home last week, quickly extended their advantage in the first half when Luis Suárez converted a penalty after a foul on Tadeo Allende inside the box.

With the 4-0 aggregate victory, Miami now prepares to take on LAFC in the quarterfinals, after the MLS Western Conference side eliminated the Columbus Crew in their round-of-16 matchup.

Exxon Expands in Guyana As Government Cancels Frontera-CGX Oil License

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News Americas, New York, NY, Fri. March 14, 2025: A consortium led by U.S. energy giant ExxonMobil has unveiled plans for its eighth energy project in Guyana, which is set to produce up to 1.5 billion cubic feet per day (bcfd) of natural gas and 290,000 barrels per day of condensate. The project will utilize a floating production facility with the capacity to export the fuel, according to details submitted to the Guyanese government.

The Longtail Project, which includes the development of the Longtail, Tripletail, and Turbot offshore discoveries, was outlined in the group’s request for environmental authorization, recently published by the Guyanese government and reviewed by Reuters.

The ExxonMobil Guyana offices at 86 Duke Street in Georgetown, Guyana. Photographer: Jose A. Alvarado Jr./Bloomberg via Getty Images

Longtail is expected to become Exxon’s most significant gas development in Guyana to date, aligning with the government’s push to increase gas production to support various industries, including petrochemical plants and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

According to the environmental document, the project will involve the drilling of up to 60 production and injection wells, further expanding Guyana’s rapidly growing energy sector.

In contrast, Guyana’s government has officially pulled the plug on the Frontera-CGX joint venture, canceling its oil prospecting license for the Corentyne Block. This decision, which had been anticipated since February when the government gave the joint venture a 30-day warning, now marks the end of their efforts in the region.

The Corentyne block had been seen as a potential diversification opportunity in Guyana’s oil industry, which is dominated by ExxonMobil’s operations in the Stabroek Block. Despite being an underdog, the Frontera-CGX partnership had hoped to secure a piece of the pie, but they are now out of the race. While both companies have disputed the cancellation, no further details about potential legal challenges or behind-the-scenes negotiations have emerged.

Exxon’s control over Guyana’s offshore oil bonanza has only grown stronger. The company, alongside its partners Hess and CNOOC, is progressing with multiple projects, including the latest Longtail project. Exxon’s ongoing efforts have resulted in over 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil production from several operations in the country. At this pace, Exxon’s presence in Guyana could soon rival that of some OPEC members.

While global oil prices remain volatile, with WTI hovering near $67 and Brent struggling above $70, smaller players like Frontera and CGX have faced a difficult challenge. However, Exxon remains well-positioned to continue its dominance in the region, sending a clear message: if you want to drill in Guyana, you’d better have deep pockets and the patience of a major supermajor.

Dominican Republic To Expand Cruise Tourism With New Port

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News Americas, New York, NY, March 12, 2025: A top Caribbean nation is expanding its cruise tourism sector with the development of a brand-new cruise port in Barahona, located on the country’s scenic southwest coast. This investment by the Dominican Republic aims to boost tourism in the lesser-visited region while enhancing the country’s growing reputation as a premier Caribbean cruise destination.

Aerial view of the “Los Patos” beach, Barahona, in Dominican Republic. (Photo by FEDERICO PARRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Dominican Republic’s Cruise Boom Continues

The Dominican Republic has seen record-breaking growth in cruise tourism, with passenger arrivals skyrocketing from 1.5 million in 2023 to over 2.6 million in 2024. More than 80% of these passengers arrived in Puerto Plata, the country’s leading cruise port on the north coast.

To diversify tourism and distribute economic benefits more evenly, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism has broken ground on the new Barahona cruise terminal. The project is expected to revitalize the local economy and showcase the untouched beauty of the “Pearl of the South.”

What to Expect at the New Barahona Cruise Port

Set for completion in 2026, the Barahona cruise port will feature:
A state-of-the-art cruise ship dock
35 commercial spaces, including restaurants, bars, and retail outlets
An immersive rum-making experience
Access to Barahona’s unspoiled beaches, biodiverse national parks, and world-class coffee farms

Barahona is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery, turquoise waters, and untouched natural reserves, offering ecotourism experiences that set it apart from the Dominican Republic’s more developed cruise destinations like Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo.

Expanding Cruise Options in the Dominican Republic

The Barahona cruise port follows the success of the Cabo Rojo cruise terminal in Pedernales, which welcomed its first cruise ships in 2024. Major cruise lines—including Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line—are increasing calls to Cabo Rojo in 2025 and 2026, with Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Holland America joining the roster. Cabo Rojo is projected to welcome over 100,000 cruise passengers in 2025.

Additionally, the Arroyo Barril port in Samaná is slated for redevelopment to accommodate large cruise ships, transitioning from a tender-only port to a modernized terminal that will attract even more cruise lines.

A Bright Future for Cruise Tourism in the Dominican Republic

With new ports in Barahona and Cabo Rojo and upgrades to existing infrastructure, the Dominican Republic is solidifying its position as a top Caribbean cruise destination. These developments will not only expand tourism but also support local economies and introduce travelers to some of the Caribbean’s most breathtaking and untouched destinations.