Welcome and Happy New Year from the Dominican Republic!

Hello friends!

We have already survived the fourth day of the new year 2019. After a relaxed and at the same time celebratory New Year's Eve, we slid into the new year. On board our Kissing Mouth Ship, the pool deck was transformed into a huge party location, there was a laser show and many other highlights for guests and crew alike. Somewhere in the midst of the Caribbean Sea, we sailed towards the Dominican Republic, where we were supposed to anchor the next day. Until late at night, we celebrated in one of the most popular bars - the Anytime Bar. On the morning of New Year's Day, we welcomed the first guests at 9 o'clock at the meeting point for various excursions.

One of the most famous day tours took us by boat to the island of Cayo Levantado. The crossing lasted less than 15 minutes, so a quick arrival on the bathing island was foreseeable. If it weren't for the waves, the wind, and especially the open sea. Despite the cautious driving of the respective captain, it rocked like a ride on a nutshell. On site, there was an exclusive beach with fresh pineapple cocktails or coconuts that could be enjoyed with a view of the sea. We were mainly assigned to accompany the guests on site and coordinate the boat crossings. A beautiful nature to admire around the island.

The next day we went to Amber Cove. This cruise terminal was founded by the company Carnival and built independently of a location in the midst of the greenery. There you can find the typical tourist shops and a pool area with bars, etc. I especially appreciate the great surroundings here, the extraordinarily friendly people, and the impressive destinations in the Dominican hinterland. During a ride from the Seahorse Ranch in Sosua along the beaches, I was able to let my thoughts wander. Light rain accompanied us as well as rays of sunshine before we made a swimming stop at a natural beach. There are still so many great impressions that I was able to collect on the last trips.

At the waterfalls of Damajagua, I learned about myself and went beyond myself. From different heights, we jumped, slid, or swam between the rock fissures and climbed the individual stations of canyoning. Around us only rainforest, silence, and adventure right in front of us. I was really impressed by the dynamics of our group, which was very inspiring for everyone and also motivated us to jump from 3 to 7 meters high into the cool water.

The visit to the chocolate factory Chokal in Altamira was also a highlight for me. A village community consisting of approximately 30 employees is dedicated to sustainable production of chocolate from self-grown cocoa beans, which are planted on a small field and later processed. We went through the factory from sorting, roasting the cocoa beans and cocoa nibs, to processing the liquid chocolate into pralines. Very interesting information and above all, the tasting of hot chocolate will definitely stay in my mind! In the local shop, you could take cocoa powder or cocoa wine home as souvenirs.

The country, which is located on the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola next to Haiti, is considered a real insider tip on our journey in the midst of the Caribbean.