; Judy Best Wednesday was our second port in La Romana (Casa de Campo), Dominican Republic. Nothing exists at the port here, except a parking lot and information center for the cruise passengers. To see or do anything, you have to take a ship excursion or a taxi on your own into the area! When we were researching this port online prior to departure, several people had said how great the Saona Beach excursion was. Just before we left, another person did a review of this excursion, describing a swarm of mosquitoes that left guests running for the water and some with as many as 50 bug bites on their body. I am a mosquito-magnet, so we quickly decided not to risk that, but then we had no idea what to do. On our flight into Miami, we sat by a woman named Mary who had spent two weeks at the Casa de Campo resort. She said the Altos de Chavon artist village was a must-see with great art and restaurants. She also recommended the golf courses. Based on Mary’s recommendations, we booked the Altos de Chavon Village and Riverboat tour, and we did not regret that decision! We rode a bus from the pier for a tour of Casa de Campo resort (including Sammy Sosa's home) to the river, and boarded the riverboat. As soon as we pulled away from the bank of the river, three johnboats sped up beside us, selling us local "souvenirs" -- caps, necklaces, etc. -- funny experience. The lower deck of the boat had merinque music and dancing, while the upper deck was quieter and more scenic. We "paddled" (actually motored) up the river and back down, with many beautiful photo shots along the way. Oh, yeah, and did I mention they were pouring the Dominican rum and Pepsi freely! We then reboarded our motorbus and traveled up the bluff to the Altos de Chavon artist village. This was built by a prince for his lover in 1980, but in the style of a Mediterranean artist village from the 1700's. Beautiful! Overlooked the rain forest, river, and a beautiful golf course on Casa de Campo. We browsed through many lovely shops -- lots of art -- and the local Mamajuana (liquid Viagra for women and men -- tasted like cherry root beer!), neat restaurants (no time to eat with the ship excursion), and great photo ops. Then back on the tour bus to the ship! We really enjoyed this port! Other friends were brave enough to take the Saona Beach excursion, had no problem with the mosquitos, and said it was the best excursion they’d ever taken. Other friends took taxis into the city and shopped at Casa de Campo. Those friends suggest that someone in the group know some Spanish!