Last month Jeff and I flew to Miami and boarded the Carnival Vista for an eight-night Caribbean cruise in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. This trip was our May stop in the “12 trips in 12 months” series.
We visited some stunning destinations — Turks & Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and Aruba. One of my favorite stops was Catalina Island, a short boat ride from La Romana in the Dominican Republic. The island exceeded my expectations: colorful houses, powdery white sand, and clear turquoise water made it a picture-perfect tropical escape.
I had never been to the Dominican Republic before and wasn’t sure what to expect. After a recommendation from my friend Michael of Inspired by Charm, who sailed on the same cruise earlier this year, we booked a shore excursion to Catalina Island through the cruise line. The trip was gorgeous and I took lots of photos to remember it by.
How to get there
From the port at La Romana we took a brief bus transfer to the boat, and the ride to Catalina Island took about 30 to 40 minutes. The boat ride offered a nice view of the La Romana coastline, which looks very different from Catalina Island’s pristine beaches and shallow reefs.
When we arrived at our beach on Catalina Island we were the only people there for a while, so I was able to take photos with almost no one in them. We sipped welcome cocktails, enjoyed a relaxed lunch, browsed the small row of beachfront shops, and spent the rest of the day swimming and soaking up the sun. It felt peaceful and uncrowded — a real island paradise.
Of the many beaches we’ve visited, Catalina Island ranks among the top five. Its clear water and soft sand make it an ideal spot for a day of snorkeling, swimming, or simply unwinding. If you’re craving a tropical getaway, consider a Caribbean cruise that includes a stop in La Romana; Catalina Island is a memorable shore excursion.
Where is your ideal tropical vacation?
Is your perfect getaway somewhere in the Caribbean, or do you picture a different destination? I’d love to hear your favorite tropical spots and why they stand out to you.
—
This post was created in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep Paper & Stitch running.