THE MANAGEMENT TEAM THAT BUILT AMBER COVE A great and dedicated group of people from Carnival Corporation and
The selection of most companies who participated in the project, for
Grupo B&R (JV partners), and a reputable core of renowned design and
either landside or maritime works, was done by way of competitive
construction contractors, engineers, architects and surveyors, have all
bidding process with many international and Dominican companies
pulled together to make this marvelous vision and project a reality.
participating. Selection of other key components of the project such as: landscaping, potable water generation and treatment, exhibits and
Leading the dream of creating this exciting new port destination in
photo opportunities, waste management, power generation and the
the Dominican Republic was Giora Israel, Senior Vice President of
CCTV system were also managed by Armando and Carlos with the
Port Development for Carnival Corporation, and David Candib, Vice
support of Giora, David and Jose Negron, Director of Port Operations for
President of Development & Operations for Carnival Corporation. The
Carnival Corporation. Jose was responsible for planning the operational
company’s interest in developing a cruise port in the Puerto Plata region
start-up of the port and many activities such as local government and
can be traced back to the late 1990’s, when the idea to create a new
community relations, the training and preparations for taxi drivers,
destination that would entice both new and repeat cruise guests was
FF&E purchases, port protocols and guidelines, as well as the hiring of
sparked. It gained momentum during the October 2010 FCCA Annual
employees associated with getting Amber Cove ready for the first call.
Cruise Conference held in Santo Domingo that year, when Giora and
He is now responsible for overseeing the operations of the port as he
David were introduced to Jeffrey Rannik of Grupo B&R, who with his
currently does for the ports of Puerta Maya in Cozumel, Mexico and
support and guidance, became an integral part of the team from day
Mahogany Bay in Roatan, Honduras.
one. Upon much evaluation and several site visits, the team understood the potential of what is now Amber Cove. With the support and shared
Enrique “Rick” Miguez, Deputy General Counsel for Carnival Corporation,
vision of the Dominican government, they developed a world-class
was also a key member of the team from the start. Rick provided
cruise port which now introduces guests to the beautiful Amber Coast.
advice and support for all government, joint venture and commercial agreements, and was part of the team which first visited the port site.
As overall project manager, David Candib led this project, including the
Rick and the development team were supported from the early days
initial discussions and negotiations with the Dominican government.
by the guidance of local counsel representative Luis Pellerano and
Armando Corpas, Director of Project Management at Carnival
associates. Gisella Mazzilli, Director of Accounting in Port Development
Corporation, was also an integral part of the team from the very early
at Carnival Corporation, was responsible for setting up all financial
stages and held responsibility for all the construction and design phases
and accounting systems for the project, working with local banks
through project completion. He was responsible for managing the
and consultants in both the development and operational phases to
numerous third party designers, engineers, consultants and both landside
ensure compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. Gisella was
and maritime contractors. Carlos Rodriguez-Velazquez, Architectural
supported in Miami by Ariana Godoy, who also worked over the last
Project Manager for Carnival Corporation, supported Armando in the
24-months on the screening and payment processes.
design and construction phases of the project, spending countless weeks on-site for over 18 months. Additionally, Carlos’ background and experience provided many architectural highlights and features for the port which all visitors can now enjoy. 28