We also enjoyed St. Thomas were we went to Coki Beach for snorkeling and Coral World (coralworldvi.com). The taxi was $10 per person each way, and a 20-30 minute drive, depending on traffic. Coki has primo snorkeling, and depending on the number of ships, the beach will be more or less crowded. It was not too crowded when we went. Coral World is an “island version” of Sea World. They have dolphins, sea turtles, small sharks, provide rescue services, science studies, and the like. They also have an underwater observatory. Surprisingly NCL does not offer this as an excursion.

The new Dominican Republic, Taino Bay is very posh, where you can find shopping, pools, bars and restaurants (porttainobay.com). You can also walk to downtown Puerto Plata, which is a 15 - 20 minute walk from the port.

We really enjoyed the Great Stirrup Cay, NCLs Private Island. We had to tender to the dock, which took maybe 30 minutes to include waiting on the ship. We were the only ship so there was plenty of seating combing the beach. Having perfect weather did help. Be sure to bring plenty of sun block, since there is not much sun protection. We nestled up next to the gear rental building to optimize our shade until early afternoon. All food and drinks on the Island are covered. For alcoholic drinks, they had Patron and Bacardi shacks. There was a Fish Taco shack, where you make your own. They also had a building with grilled meats, BBQ, and a variety of other dishes. Snorkeling on Great Stirrup Cay was quite good. I saw a stingray, and a variety of tropical fish. At the far back end of the cove they had an underwater Sculpture Garden, where there was a “Gorilla King” and other figures for the fish to swim around. The water was fairly clear and calm. This is definitely a nice island.