Carnival Corporation, a leader in global cruise vacations, is taking a significant step forward in its sustainability efforts with the inauguration of a new solar park at the Amber Cove Cruise Center in the Dominican Republic. This innovative project features over 1,800 solar panels, poised to supply approximately 80% of the port’s energy needs, marking a pivotal moment in the cruise industry’s move towards renewable energy sources.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held this week, saw the attendance of key figures including Joel Santos, the Dominican Republic’s Minister of the Presidency, and Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line. Duffy highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship in tandem with offering guests enriching travel experiences. “With this new solar park in Amber Cove, we are furthering our commitment to sustainability by focusing on renewable energy sources,” she stated, underscoring the initiative’s alignment with the company’s broader environmental goals.
The Dominican Republic’s Minister of the Presidency, Joel Santos, lauded the project as a milestone for the country, designating Amber Cove as the first cruise terminal in the Dominican Republic to undertake a sustainability project of this magnitude. “This project will undoubtedly contribute to the production of clean energy and environmental sustainability in Puerto Plata,” Santos remarked, reflecting on the significant environmental benefits the solar park is expected to bring.
By shifting to renewable solar energy, Amber Cove will significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 1,000 tons annually. This reduction is equivalent to the environmental benefit of planting over 30,000 trees, illustrating the project’s profound impact on mitigating climate change.
Located on the Dominican Republic’s scenic north coast near Puerto Plata, Amber Cove Cruise Center is a key destination within Carnival Corporation’s portfolio of eight port destinations and exclusive islands. The Dominican Republic remains a premier cruise destination, attracting over a million visitors to Amber Cove in 2023 alone, thanks in part to the regular visits by four of Carnival Corporation’s cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, and Princess Cruises.
This solar park initiative not only reinforces Carnival Corporation’s dedication to environmental sustainability but also sets a precedent for the cruise industry’s commitment to renewable energy, showcasing a responsible approach to preserving the destinations they visit.
