Celebrity did very poor planning, over an hour wait to be called for the boat. If my wife hadn't said something to the staff, a lot of people wouldn't be called - no planning! ...
We went ashore on the transport boat to find only a few tents with very aggressive vendors selling cheap trinkets. There was a beach bar and you could pay for a lounge chair. Most passengers mistakenly thought we would be on the main island of the Domincan Republic and that we could explore an actual town. The only nice, clean area on the little island of Samana was off-limits to us--for guests ...
Hammish the Cruise Director stated the night before we arrived that there was not much to see. Plus the Zika virus was in the Dominican Republic. So, we stayed on the ship. ...
We did not go ashore and after hearing other peoples' tender experiences, we knew we had made the right decision. This could be a decent port IF you have an excursion planned and are physically fit. ...
There was a lot of problems with the excursion and not all of them were the dive shop's fault. Very rough seas and bad tender service put us way behind schedule. Being very rushed my party (4) opted out of the second dive and took advantage of the noon meal which was enjoyable. I was disappointed in the dive boat and operation. ...
Don't even get off the ship. Dirty island with people waiting to rip you off. Avoid any excursions at port side because they don't give you what they promised. Dollar is strong here so negotiate everything. ...
Nice places to see, but the social environment is unplaisant. Dress without blink more than anywhere else if you want get less attention from everyone trying to get "a dollar" for anything. ...