Both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are nearly bursting at the seams with unforgettable cultural experiences. Here’s a little about what you can expect from each of these islands.

Vibrant traditions and festivals

When you travel to Puerto Rico, you’re entering the land of salsa and bomba — and mouth watering mofongo made from mashed plantains and delicious fried fritters called alcapurrias. If your cruise is in the third week of January, you can experience the world-famous festival Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián — or SanSe as it’s more locally known. This festival marks the end of the long holiday season and involves street food, dancing on every street corner, live music and a pageant with traditional folk characters. 

Now, when you’re in the Dominican Republic, expect merengue and bachata — and the chance to chow down on sancocho (a rich stew) or la bandera (the national dish made of beans, rice and meat). Traveling in February? Don’t miss the Carnival in La Vega where “diablo cojuelos” (costumed mischievous devils) run the streets and people dress up in elaborate colorful costumes — complete with masks — that can be so complex that they cost thousands of dollars to make.

Art and history

Both Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic were the homes of the native Taíno people that were colonized in the 1500s by Spanish explorers — and were two of the first European settlements in the New World. While they both have similar origins and influences, you can see a few different sites when you visit each. 

In Puerto Rico, you’ll want to head straight to Old San Juan — a 7 to 10 block area that’s nearly 500 years old packed full of Spanish colonial architecture. Stop at El Morro — the oldest Spanish fort in the Americas with stunning coastal views — and Ballaja Barracks that was military housing and now is home to Puerto Rican art and artifacts from its Caribbean history, African heritage and Spanish roots. Check out the Catedral de San Juan Bautista, which is the oldest church on U.S. soil and the second-oldest in the Western Hemisphere. 

Then jump over to the Dominican Republic to visit Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone, the first European settlement in the Americas. Start with the Alcázar de Colón, the first palace built in the Americas and commissioned by Christopher Columbus’s son. It’s now a museum that’s part of the Ciudad Colonial UNESCO World Heritage Tour where you can see Renaissance-style architecture, Caribbean tapestries and medieval art. Or head out to La Isabel, the ruins of the very first European settlement in the Western Hemisphere that Columbus built.

Whale watching, bioluminescence and hidden caves, oh my. When you visit Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, you’re stepping into the paradise of your dreams. Both islands are coated in lush, green rainforests with jaw-dropping beaches on all sides. If you’re looking for a vacation full of natural beauty, look no further than the Caribbean.

Beaches and water activities

Both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are havens for waterlovers around the world. If you’re looking for a beach day, both of these spots are perfect. In Puerto Rico, you won’t want to miss Flamenco Beach — a stretch of pillow-soft white sand with turquoise seas that hide great snorkeling spots. Don’t miss the Tank, a beached reminder of the U.S. Navy’s occupation. Then hit Playa Negra to see a black sand beach and the unbelievable Mosquito Bay that’s a world-famous spot to see bioluminescence at night. The whole ocean in front of you will glow, and each wave will look like a work of art. 

The beaches in the Dominican Republic you won’t want to miss include the area of Punta Cana, one of the longest and whitest coastlines in the Caribbean. You’ll have 30 miles of azure seas and swaying palm trees to explore. You won’t want to miss Playa Rincón, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s nearly 3 miles of undeveloped paradise with perfect Caribbean seas. While you’re in Samaná, try whale watching in the Bay. If you’re there in the winter, it’s humpback breeding season, and you’ll likely see whales popping up all around you.  

Looking for a quiet and relaxing beach day? Head to Amber Cove with Princess for an exclusive day at a resort beach. You get the same stunning beaches and the resort amenities — including salsa dancing classes.

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Vacation isn’t just for relaxing. It’s also a chance to create unforgettable memories and experience the adventure of a lifetime. To scratch your adventure itch in Puerto Rico, start in El Yunque National Forest with stunning views of La Coca Falls, an 85 foot waterfall deep in the rainforest surrounded by ancient ferns and hibiscus flowers bigger than your head. Channel your inner explorer at the Rio Camuy Caves, a natural limestone cave complex with 10 miles of caverns and 220 caves — and that’s probably just the beginning. Experts think there might be another 800 caves hidden underground in the area. 

In the Dominican Republic, you’ll find Mount Isabel de Torres, a stunning peak in the Puerto Plata area. Don’t miss the Christ the Redeemer statue, a regional landmark and take the cable car up to the top for a 2,600 foot view of the surrounding hills. Then lace up your hiking boots and hit Los Haitises National Park. The park’s name means “hilly place” in the Taíno language, and your calves will be feeling that as you hike the trails. Don’t miss the 98-foot high rock formations in the water or the caves that have the most petroglyphs and pictographs in the country.

Both of these destinations sound amazing, right? But how easy are they to access? With Princess, you can easily get to both on the same trip.

Cruise access

Princess sails to both of these islands — often on the same trip. A Southern Caribbean cruise from Princess can sail from different ports, including San Juan, Puerto Rico, Canaveral, Orlando or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with stops in the Dominican Republic. This allows you to start your adventure from a range of departure ports and explore the highlights of your starting location before setting sail to the Dominican Republic. Plus, with Princess, you can easily book shore excursions to explore the beauty of the Dominican Republic.

If you have to choose Puerto Rico or Dominican Republic, consider what your priority is. Puerto Rico for a blend of historic charm and modern energy, accessible without a passport. It’s best for rainforest hikes, unique black sand beaches and glowing bioluminescent bays. The Dominican Republic on the other hand, has older ruins and landmarks and a lively music scene. It’s world-famous for its pristine white sand beaches, so if you’re looking for a relaxing day by azure waters, this could be the destination for you.

Visit both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on your dream vacation with Princess. In one trip, you can explore one of the largest and oldest forts in the New World in Puerto Rico and then visit La Isabel to see the oldest settlement in the Americas. Explore the extensive Rio Camuy Caves and the cave petroglyphs in Los Haitises National Park all in one go with Princess.

Traveling to the Caribbean with the luxury and cultural immersion you can expect from Princess. With beds designed by a sleep specialist, the best food on the seven seas and activities and shows every day. In addition, you get the unforgettable excursions in your dream destinations, like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. 

No matter which destination you choose, cruise with Princess for an unforgettable journey.