Further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability, Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, has opened a new solar park at Amber Cove, the first of its kind in the cruise industry. The more than 1,800 solar panels at the cruise center will supply more than 80 percent of the port’s energy as well as reduce pollution which will help preserve the beauty of the region.
Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony which was held on March 8, 2024, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said, “As we bring guests to enjoy the beauty and rich culture of the Dominican Republic, we also take our environmental stewardship here and everywhere we visit very seriously. With this new solar park in Amber Cove, we are furthering our commitment to sustainability at our destinations by focusing on renewable energy sources to power the vast majority of the port’s needs.”
The ceremony was also attended by other government, industry and community leaders which included the ministry of the presidency of the Dominican Republic, Joel Santos who stated, “On behalf of the Government, we celebrate this achievement, which makes Amber Cove the first cruise terminal in the country with a project of this scale. This project will undoubtedly contribute to the production of clean energy and environmental sustainability in Puerto Plata, the first tourist destination in the Dominican Republic.”
This shift to renewable solar energy will reduce the port’s reliance on fossil fuels which will then reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 1,000 tons per year. This is the equivalent to planting over 30,000 trees.
Amber Cove is located just outside of Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. The cruise center is one of eight exclusive islands owned and operated by Carnival Cruise Line. Guests will find restaurants, shops, bars, pools, shore excursions and more fun and entertainment at the 25-acre port. With four of the company’s cruise lines–Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises–regularly visiting the cruise port, it is easy to see why Amber Cove brought more than half of all cruise guests to the Dominican Republic in 2023.