Guys,
Just got off of the 4/13 Paradise Eastern trip two weeks ago.
Being such a new stop, there is not much out there to learn about the Casa del Campo stop, but here's the poop.
Living in Miami, and with lots of family in Puerto Rico, I luckily had several friends and relatives who had been to Casa del Campo many times, so I was able to get the heads-up.
First of all, about the port. You will dock in the middle of NOWHERE, next to the town of La Romana. Don't expect this to be a "Let's just walk around somewhere" port, IT IS NOT, I REPEAT, IT IS NOT.
Casa del Campo is a large resort about 15 minutes drive away, and there are different tours offered over there. The tours offered by the line are $$$ as usual, but there are some fun ones for those who like skeet shooting, horseback riding, high-speed power boating, and other activities. DON'T count on getting a taxi ride to a beach like in most Caribbean ports, as this portion of the coast is VERY rocky (but beautiful).
However, for a family wishing for a quiet scenic-lets walk a bit-do a bit of shopping-and see some sights, there IS a GORGEOUS place to go for a CHEAP taxi ride. It is a little town inside Casa del Campo, called "Altos de Chavon". This town was built in 1980 as a 17th century replica village, all beautiful stone and cobblestone, and consists of quaint little stores, restaurants, art galleries, a great little museum, and a beautiful church, all perched on the banks of a beautiful canyon, looking down on the Chavon River, which is where some of Apocalypse Now was filmed. This gem was the saver for us, as we would have been REAL disappointed if this wasn't there. A taxi ride there costs $20 round-trip for up to 5 people including a 1-hour waiting-around time while you stroll. It took us about 1 1/2 hours, taking our time, but this was no problem as they will wait longer for you for $10 per additional hour. On the way out, we made two side trips to the Casa del Campo Marina (Cute, but no big whoop- a few limited & expensive shops and Italian restaurants, no local cuisine), and downtown La Romana (SKIP IT, especially if you are not used to seeing the way of life in urban Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico, it can be very intimidating)
But Altos de Chavon was a true gem, relaxing, serene, and fun, and for those looking for this kind of experience, you will love it. There will probably be a guy or two walking around with donkeys to give the kids a ride and take a few pictures (for a few bucks tip), and my 5 year old loved it!
Rick
They come very highly rated by others.