Oand...I guess it depends on what kind of a cruiser you are. It is certainly as hurricane safe in Luperon as anywhere North of Trinidad. I don't think they have ever had anything more than a tropical strom. Note this does NOT apply to Puerto Plata. Luperon is the only safe hurricane hole.
The harbor is the sewer for the town. It is most unsanitary and fresh food and water cannot be relied on. Bottled water only. NO fresh meat should be tried. Wash vegetables in bottled water only. Several friends on different boats got very sick while we were there. Officials are corrupt. Hookers walk the streets...but generally a safe place during the day. Some thieves in the harbor...not natives.
On the other hand some people love it because once you pay your entrance fees, no one bothers you and it is VERY cheap to live at
anchor. No need for pumpouts either!
Personally I couldn't wait to get out of there but some stay happily for years.
For hurricane season we opted to head down to Grenada instead and got pasted by Ivan a couple of years ago...but that was the only storm in 55 years there. Trinidad is only 80 miles further south and has lots of cruisers, good boat yards and has never had a hurricane. If I were staying on the boat for the season...I would once again go to Grenada as it is a nicer place...but i would pick up
anchor and head to Trinidad overnite if there was any storm track that threatened.
You can make it from the DR to Grenada in 2 weeks even with a few stops if you push...then after hurricane season you can do the rest of the islands on the way back up with the wind at your back.
Hope this is somewhat helpful as I have rambled a bit. Let me know if you have any other questions.
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