Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Travel writers should be shot on sight. I've lost track of the number of times I visited "an iconic sight" to see a polished turd.
The writer who wrote the Lonely Planet Guide for one of the South American countries admitted that he had never been there once people proved it.
The cruise passengers are going to be underwhelmed by a lot of the DR and probably miss some of the best places since Carnival did not get a big slice of the action.
I'll stick to my own research and let the travel guides rot on the shelves.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
minkyboodle
I flew back on 9/2 and sat with two travel writers who had been flown in with a large group from carnival. They were very impressed sounds like Carnival and the North Coast are really pushing with all they have on this. They spoke of guided tours etc sounds like there will be very protected excursions.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
I agree that relying on "travel writers" is folly. I was more just interested in their impressions of the dog and pony show they had been given. Seemed like they were happy don't know whats thats worth though....
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
minkyboodle
I flew back on 9/2 and sat with two travel writers who had been flown in with a large group from carnival. They were very impressed sounds like Carnival and the North Coast are really pushing with all they have on this. They spoke of guided tours etc sounds like there will be very protected excursions. These people were very insulated from the goings on around them. They were very impressed. I can't remember the number of dollars they mentioned carnival is gambling on this but it was very very large. Talking to them made me a bit more optimistic for the people of the North Coast but as before, I don't see it impacting Sosua much. Can't remember all the details I was wiped from my trip, but they are definitely pushing publicity for the October opening.
85 million - holy crap I didnt think it was that much.
Here is new article I just found on USA Today....
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel...cove/71699378/
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hunter
There is no way on this earth this is an 85 million dollar investment. Maybe 85 million pesos.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MrHappy
There is no way on this earth this is an 85 million dollar investment. Maybe 85 million pesos.
That is a Carnival Corp press release stating that amount. They are a public company so they cant really lie about things like that.
I agree though where did all that money get spent - 85 million USD damn....
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
85 million dollars invested with kick backs, bribes and overruns
85 millions pesos of actual work
That would add up.....:rofl::rofl:
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MrHappy
There is no way on this earth this is an 85 million dollar investment. Maybe 85 million pesos.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hunter
Looks like it is just an exclusive beach. Do you know where Lighthouse mountain is? Go on a recon mission Cam :lol:
Visit the private Coconut Cove Beach property for an authentic beach experience. Experience the un-spoiled natural beauty of one of Puerto Plata’s hidden beaches. Enjoy the view of the beautiful blue ocean and white capped waves while lounging on the beach or take a dip in the warm Caribbean Sea,an indescribable feeling of total relaxation. Explore the rest of the property; take a short trek to the lighthouse mountain for a breathtaking pano-ramic view of the land, sea and the island’s coast line. Amenities include: beach cabana's, beach bar, waiter service, beach chairs, volleyball court, bathrooms, lockers, bar and covered seating area. Adjacent to the bluff, there will be hanging chairs and hammocks for guests to relax.
Make that the Atlantic Ocean, Santo Domingo is on the Caribbean Sea. Does not sound so exotic in a travel brochure.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Just wondering if anyone has heard anything on the ground about this, the possibility of the bulldozing and building of the beach Plaza and Parking. Personally, I love Sosua Beach just the way it is, but it seems to cruise port seems to be bringing these plans to the head. I really have no idea of facts on the ground, just what I see online though...
Sosua Doesn't Meet the Standard Yet (Sosua News)
[Excerpt]
But the president of ADSS, Mr. Andrés Pastoriza indicated that 95% of the differences have been resolved and that a solution soon will be found. Within two weeks, President Danilo Medina will visit the region and a complete plan for the modernization of Sosúa will be ready. The Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia has pledged that 300 million pesos has been made available to realize these plans for the establishment of the two shop plazas on the beach and a parking area.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
minkyboodle
Just wondering if anyone has heard anything on the ground about this, the possibility of the bulldozing and building of the beach Plaza and Parking. Personally, I love Sosua Beach just the way it is, but it seems to cruise port seems to be bringing these plans to the head. I really have no idea of facts on the ground, just what I see online though...
Sosua Doesn't Meet the Standard Yet (Sosua News)
[Excerpt]
But the president of ADSS, Mr. Andrés Pastoriza indicated that 95% of the differences have been resolved and that a solution soon will be found. Within two weeks, President Danilo Medina will visit the region and a complete plan for the modernization of Sosúa will be ready. The Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia has pledged that 300 million pesos has been made available to realize these plans for the establishment of the two shop plazas on the beach and a parking area.
This is the same plan they had over a year ago.
Heck they said they had the bulldozers all ready to go a year ago September but than the beach vendors put up a stink and it all fizzled away for awhile.
I showed the same article to my friend who has a bar on the beach last week and they were not aware of any kind of agreement or differences being resolved.
So again it is more than likely sosusanews blowing hot air.
As with every project in the DR I will believe it when I see it.
But there were some tourism officials in town touring the beach right before the cruise ship arrival on October 6
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
j_d66
This is the same plan they had over a year ago.
Heck they said they had the bulldozers all ready to go a year ago September but than the beach vendors put up a stink and it all fizzled away for awhile.
I showed the same article to my friend who has a bar on the beach last week and they were not aware of any kind of agreement or differences being resolved.
So again it is more than likely sosusanews blowing hot air.
As with every project in the DR I will believe it when I see it.
But there were some tourism officials in town touring the beach right before the cruise ship arrival on October 6
I'd be willing to bet that one day, all the "renters" will be given a notice....... they have X amount of days to clear their stuff out (and it probably won't be very much time), and they'll just bulldoze it when they're damn well ready to. The renters can put up as much of a stink as they want, there is serious money behind this, and that's all that matters!
They'll do it quick without much notice to keep trouble down.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Playa Alicia is being used for private beaching for all cruise passengers. Last Tuesday, Sosua was graced with 15 total passengers that enjoyed an exclusive Sosua beach experience at Pl. Alicia. I was told that 2 or 3 tourist decided to head to Sosua beach on their own via a port taxi. They were met at Sosua Beach by several Cestar police and given the VIP treatment. I can't imagine how much this day out In DR cost these tourist, but I'm sure the taxi guy was smiling from ear to ear. Now I know the numbers will increase as more and more cruises arrive in Amber Cove, but it will still need a ship to be in port for more then 8 hours for Sosua or Cabarete to really feel the impact.
http://sosuanews.com/mobi.php?id=4220&article=1
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
TNT72
I'd be willing to bet that one day, all the "renters" will be given a notice....... they have X amount of days to clear their stuff out (and it probably won't be very much time), and they'll just bulldoze it when they're damn well ready to. The renters can put up as much of a stink as they want, there is serious money behind this, and that's all that matters!
They'll do it quick without much notice to keep trouble down.
Oh i think your right about that one
whats really sad if the numbers are true spending 300 million rd on a project for what ultimately will amount to benefiting a pretty limited number of tourists
seems like the 300 million could be spent in a much better manner that would benefit the quality of life for alot of dominican people but maybe they would waste it to
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
j_d66
Oh i think your right about that one whats really sad if the numbers are true spending 300 million rd on a project for what ultimately will amount to benefiting a pretty limited number of tourists
seems like the 300 million could be spent in a much better manner that would benefit the quality of life for a lot of Dominican people but maybe they would waste it to
They have been promising this 300 mil for years now, just like the funds that were put aside for a major Sosua public hospital 4 yrs ago. If you know the way things work around here, 100 mil was already spent on road work, etc for the city. 200 mil for the greedy assholes that were elected, which leaves nothing in the coffers for future development. No es mi culpa:rolleyes:
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
uncle ruckus
Some notes on the excursions:
1. "Paradise Island" is Cayo Arena. Cayo Arena is absolutely stunning. Everyone should try to go there once before it disappears within 5-10 years due to global warming
2. It sucks that Lifestyles whored itself out for day passes for cruisers. I might cancel my membership if every time I want to go I have to deal with a shipload of gringos
3. I hope they rehabilitated the Fortaleza. Last time I was there it was a complete wreck
4. I'm interested in the reaction of the Punta Rucia landowners to all their new visitors. There's lots of very rich people that bought very nice oceanfront homes on Punta Rucia very specifically because not that many people go to it. If there are suddenly busloads of tourists going to the beach, there's going to be some upset, powerful Dominicans.
5. What the fuck is Coconut Cove? What's the actual name of that resort?
6. There's an excursion to Sosua. That should be interesting!
http://www.carnival.com/shore-excurs...h-lunch-445008
I see you getting your hustle on Mano.... Lunch with Santiago Insider...Jajaja. 60 dollars isnt a bad price for a ride to STI. lunch and a trip to the cigar factory...
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MrHappy
There is no way on this earth this is an 85 million dollar investment. Maybe 85 million pesos.
Usually I agree with Mr. Happy but I would have to disagree this time.
As you know somebody always has their hand out... I would probably say its spread out between print and media promotion, buying the land, clearing the debris, so the ships can dock, the road work, a few new ships and of course " the normal facilitating payments".
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
The first cruise ship has arrived
With great interest of many government officials, tourist and traffic police and the military, Tuesday October 6th the first cruise ship 'Victory' arrived at the cruise port of Maimón (Amber Cove). There were dozens of buses of the Metro company ready to take passengers to various destinations. Sosúa is also hopefully awaiting for this cruise ship passengers. Ilana Neumann, according to our source, has made Playa Alicia available for this purpose. This beach is located next to the park Mirador. Waterfront restaurant will create additional parking space for the buses.
http://sosuanews.com/news_pictures/2...10-07_ship.jpg Carnival Victory
The beach will not be accessible during the visit of the cruise ship visitors to other bathers. Of course, the cruise ship guests will be received with top service and all respect.
Damn they are gonna close the beach off just for the Cruise Ship passengers.. Looks like the touts and chicas gonna be ass out.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
hugrad95a
The first cruise ship has arrived
With great interest of many government officials, tourist and traffic police and the military, Tuesday October 6th the first cruise ship 'Victory' arrived at the cruise port of Maimón (Amber Cove). There were dozens of buses of the Metro company ready to take passengers to various destinations. Sosúa is also hopefully awaiting for this cruise ship passengers. Ilana Neumann, according to our source, has made Playa Alicia available for this purpose. This beach is located next to the park Mirador. Waterfront restaurant will create additional parking space for the buses.
Click to see pic Carnival Victory
The beach will not be accessible during the visit of the cruise ship visitors to other bathers. Of course, the cruise ship guests will be received with top service and all respect.
Damn they are gonna close the beach off just for the Cruise Ship passengers.. Looks like the touts and chicas gonna be ass out.
I hope the locals as well as the regular tourists raise a stink about this.
That is a public beach and as such should always be available to everyone
It's amazing what kind of whores the public officials become when chasing a dream.
More proof that doing things to benefit the local people and the tourists that have been supporting the town for many years is often only lip service.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
j_d66
I hope the locals as well as the regular tourists raise a stink about this.
That is a public beach and as such should always be available to everyone
It's amazing what kind of whores the public officials become when chasing a dream.
More proof that doing things to benefit the local people and the tourists that have been supporting the town for many years is often only lip service.
I'm okay with them using playa alicia for the cruise ship people. Maybe they will decide that is a better and cheaper option than razing everything on Sosua beach to build those tourist plazas. It would leave more money for them to pocket while leaving the beach I enjoy so much alone.
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Seville
I'm okay with them using playa alicia for the cruise ship people. Maybe they will decide that is a better and cheaper option than razing everything on Sosua beach to build those tourist plazas. It would leave more money for them to pocket while leaving the beach I enjoy so much alone.
Exactly !!!!×
Re: 12/2014 - Amber Cove ??? How long will this last ???
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Seville
I'm okay with them using playa alicia for the cruise ship people. Maybe they will decide that is a better and cheaper option than razing everything on Sosua beach to build those tourist plazas. It would leave more money for them to pocket while leaving the beach I enjoy so much alone.
I am ok with them using it to but not ok with them making it a private beach just for the cruise ship people who are only here for a few short hours a couple times a week if that while everyone else is there many more days.
Their dollar should be no more valuable than mine. Sure they might drop a little dinero in the few hours they are there but I spend much more in the course of 7-10 days than they ever will
There will never be enough of them cruisers come to matter but the Dominican officials seem to be masters in stupidity sometimes
For some reason they must have some great fear that the passengers need to be protected from everyone else.
I like the way the current Sosua beach is.
There is charm there and it would be all gone with a newly rebuilt structure plus the vendors would have to increase prices so much it would not be worth going there to spend the afternoon any longer.