Relax At The Grand Turk Cruise Center
If you dont want to wander away from the cruise ship, or plan on making a lot of trips to and from the ship, then just relax at the cruise port center. Carnival spent $50 Million, creating a cruise port for its cruisers. The cruise port is located in the southernmost part of the island. It is a large complex of approximately 30 acres and features the largest Margaritaville in the Caribbean.
The cruise port is designed to be a little center of luxury for your port day. There are amenities such as restaurants, spas, and if you love shopping, there are gift shops and local jewelry stores on the port.
At the cruise center, you will find a big beautiful swimming pool. Book a poolside cabana and enjoy private time away from the crowds and a dedicated waiter. Here you can swim and hang out with other shipmates, enjoying the tropical magic that is Grand Turk.
Purchase your cruise accessories for your vacation right here.
In front of the complex is the cruise center beach known as the SunRay Beach. It has nice warm, clear waters and a white sandy beach. There are plenty of sun loungers on this beach, grab one and enjoy the beach for free.
To enjoy more of the island, head to the northern direction from cruise center beach and enjoy beaches in a less populated area. To get to the best beach on the island, you will need to take a taxi to Governors beach.
Significant Historical Occurrences On The Island
In 1962 John Glenn splash landed off the west coast shores of the Grand Turk. He did so in his Friendship 7 Mercury spacecraft after being on a mission orbiting the earth. There is a replica of the spacecraft near the entrance of Grand Turks airport.
You will learn everything on this historical event at the Friendship 7 space program exhibition located at the cruise center. It was built in 2012 to commemorate 50 years since the splashdown. There are beautiful monuments and murals erected at the exhibition.
The island also is among the three islands believed to have been Christopher Columbus landfall sites in the new world. Therefore, in order to honor this great event, if it actually happened on Grand Turk, the island has a national park called Columbus national park reserve.
Most of the western to southernmost parts of the island are found under this reserve including the cruise port and Cockburn town.
Food And Drinks / Entertainment
Food is an important feature of most peoples port day itinerary. Grab common American and Mexican cuisines at the Margaritaville that includes burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, salads, and drinks. When at the SunRay beach/Cruise Center Beach, you can head over to Jacks Shack and get some of their famous grilled burgers.
For a beautiful meal with a view of the ocean, head on over to the southernmost end of the Old Cockburn Town to the Bird Cage Restaurant and enjoy Jamaican cuisines like the popular conch cuisines, which mostly include fried conch fritters and conch salads.
Other restaurants like the Sandbar restaurant and Salt Raker Inn offer seafood and continental cuisines. So, if you are hungry, just grab a cool pina colada, cold beer or a strawberry margarita and enjoy delicious barbeque chicken on the beach.
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Culture And Food Tour
Are you ready for a day of tastings that will give you all the best flavors of Grand Turk? Then, the Culture and Food Tour is the right choice for you and your appetite. This tour will take three hours and takes you to three different stops along the way where you will get to try the local catches, dishes, and signature cocktails.
With three stops, you can get a different dish at each local eatery and try a new tropical drink. Along the trip, your tour guide will tell you about the history and culture of Grand Turk as you pass by historical buildings and sights. Plus, with pick up and drop off service offered, you will be able to leave right from the cruise center and be dropped off right back after the tour is done.
Have An Inland Adventure
Besides all that water fun, there are also several amazing activities to do on land. Perhaps an obvious one is sunbathing on one of Grand Turks epic tropical beaches.
If you dont feel like going on an excursion, you can soak up some rays at at least eight phenomenal beaches. The beach at the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the most accessible one, but more private beaches like Pillory Beach and Governors Beach, often regarded as the islands most beautiful beach, are a fantastic alternative.
Other land-based activities at Grand Turk you can do on a Turks and Caicos cruise range from horseback riding to biking and ATV off-road tours.
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Why Cruise To Turks And Caicos
The islands of Turks and Caicos have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, offering divers and snorkeling enthusiasts remarkable views under the surface of the pristine waters.
You can also find the only conch farm in the world at Grand Turk.
When astronaut John Glenn returned from space he landed in waters near Turks and Caicos and was brought to shore at Grand Turk.
Several celebrities have made these tropical islands home, at least for a short time. Ben Affleck, Bruce Willis, Dick Clark, and Eva Longoria have all lived on the islands.
One of my favorite things to do on Grand Turk is rent a car and explore the island on my own. That way I can stop at all the beautiful beaches listed above, see the historic lighthouse at the northernmost part of the island, visit some shops downtown, and really get a feel for island time.
Map Of Grand Turk Cruise Center
This aerial view map provided by the Grand Turk Cruise Center gives a nice overview of the cruise port and all it offers. You can see the amazing pool on the left side of the map, the duty free shopping center in the middle, and plenty of lounge chairs all along the beach. If you want to explore the island go to #23 and rent a car or grab a taxi.
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Grand Turk Island Tours Shore Excursions Hotels
City Tours and Shore Excursions
Next are listed the most popular Carnival Cruise Lines tours on Grand Turk, with USD prices per adult:
- jeep safari
- sport fishing
- combo tours – biking-snorkeling , catamaran-snorkeling , bot-snorkeling
Port Grand Turk Island cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port’s schedule lists all ships with cruises going to or leaving from Grand Turk Island, Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos. To see the full itineraries and their lowest rates just follow the corresponding ship-link.
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Meet Stingrays At Gibbs Cay
Quite possibly the most popular destination on Grand Turk among people on a cruise to Turks and Caicos, Gibbs Cay is a small uninhabited island off the west coast of Grand Turk. It boasts beautiful sand beaches and shallow waters that are home to friendly stingrays. Its a super-popular place for snorkeling.
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Cruise Critic Quick Chat With Carnival Ceo Arnold Donald
In late June Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a law that the election results. Since then, city officials have been looking at other ways to set limits, reported the Miami Herald.
Grand Turk, a popular port where Carnival Cruise Line has its own private beach resort, remains closed to cruise ships.
Carnival made its inaugural call at Bimini on July 23 with the visiting the islands new port, Resorts World Bimini Cruise Port, which is owned by Genting Group, owner of Crystal Cruises. The port includes a beach resort, hotel, lagoon-style swimming polls and casino.
Snorkeling And Scuba Diving
Grand Turk is a haven for divers, located along the third-largest barrier reefs the island has some great diving spots off the west coast on the Columbus Landfall National Park.
The coral walls which range from 30 feet to more than 7000 feet deep are just a hundred yards out on the water. Explore the colorful burst of marine life in some of the best diving spots in the world.
Most diving and snorkel equipment shops are located at Cockburn Town, and if you head out for more secluded beaches like the pillory beach on the west coast, visitors can rent out water gear at the Boho Dive resort.
Since some of the best snorkeling and diving areas are off the coast and it is difficult to swim out there, take a snorkel boat ride to access the best sites. Book a snorkel and dive excursion with your cruise to enjoy this fun excursion. Some of the best scuba dive excursions are only a ten-minute boat ride away from the cruise ships dock.
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What Youneed To Know
- Port Name & Location
- EST UTC/GMT-4
- LanguageThe language spoken in the Turks & Caicos Islands is English.
- Currency & ShoppingThe U.S. Dollar is the currency used in Grand Turk.Shopping stalls selling a range of goods line Front Street in Cockburn Town and are good place to browse for souvenirs.
- Famous ForGrand Turk is known for its pristine beaches, clear warm waters and its historic charm.
- ImportantTheres no public transportation on the island, so if you decide to explore on your own, youll need to hire a taxi or rent a scooter or car.
- Fun Fact #1The 19th century Grand Turk Lighthouse is the island’s most famous landmark. Though the lighthouse isn’t open to the public, you can explore the grounds and walk along the nearby cliffs that offer sweeping views and where you might see wild horses and donkeys roaming the area.
- Fun Fact: FoodiesConch is considered a delicacy in The Caribbean and is a must-try, whether you prefer it fried or mixed into a chowder or salad.
Visit The Turks & Caicos National Museum
Grand Turks only museum, the Turks and Caicos National Museum is housed in the Guinep House in Cockburn Town, one of the oldest stone buildings on the island. The museum chronicles the history of Grand Turk Island from about 700 AD through modern times.
Its exhibits include the prehistoric Lucayan culture, the Turks and Caicos colonial era and the slave trade. Arguably its main treasure, however, is the Molasses Reef Wreck, a Spanish ship dating from 1505 and considered the oldest shipwreck in the Americas. Excavated artifacts from the wreck on display range from crossbows and cannons to personal belongings of the crew, and the rigging and hull.
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Grand Turk Island Cruises
Grand Turk Island is an island in the Turks and Caicos Islands. As you sail into port you will be greeted by a beautiful setting, with a warm welcoming and laid back atmosphere. Grand Turk Island boasts an untouched island with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. During your time on Grand Turk Island you can go on a diving tour, discover the rich history of the island at the Turks & Caicos National Museum or simply just unwind on the islands white sand beaches. No matter what you choose, you are sure to love your time here in the Grand Turk Islands.
Shopping is limited on this intimate island but there is the opportunity to purchase souvenirs such as t-shirts, straw trinket boxes and handmade gifts.
The currency in Grand Turk Island is the US Dollar. Grand Turk Island is 5 hours behind Greenwich meantime .
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.Visit theforeign travel advicesite for the latest travel updates.
Carnival Cruise Line Drops Key West Grand Turk From Upcoming Itineraries
Carnival Cruise Line notified travel agents this week that it has made changes to itineraries on several ships for September, including eliminating port calls at Key West and Grand Turk.
The cruise line told booked guests in a letter that destination requirements are continuing to evolve, necessitating the changes. Instead, Carnival has added a call at the Bahamian island of Bimini.
Carnival did not disclose the exact reasons for the itinerary change.
Key West may be off the list due to its recent efforts at limiting the majority of cruise ship traffic it sees. Pre-pandemic, Carnival was visiting Key West as many as three times a week. Last November city voters overwhelming approved three ballot initiatives to curb cruise traffic.
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Things To Know Before You Go
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Although Grand Turk is close to many Caribbean destinations, its actually located in the Atlantic Ocean.
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Access to the pool, beach, and stores is free of charge for cruise passengers.
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Visitors can rent a private poolside cabana for extra cost.
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The cruise center is wheelchair accessible.
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A tourist information desk is located near the tour and taxi departure point.
Grand Turk Turks And Caicos Islands
To see discounted cruises that visit or depart from this port, use the Find a Bargain box on the left.
Turquoise waters and white-sand shorefronts welcome you to Grand Turk, the largest island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Beach excursions abound, allowing you escape to a secluded resort, indulge on a lobster lunch, challenge the waves on a paddleboard and sip beer in a lounger as palm trees sway overhead. The snorkeling here is outstanding, whether you’re swimming among nurse sharks, barracudas, Nassau groupers and other fish at Coral Gardens Reef, or exploring the “Amazing Wall,” a collection of coral shelves that attracts manta rays and sea turtles. For additional marine life encounters, wade into shallow waters for a guided interaction with stingrays, keep your camera poised during a winter whale-watching expedition or cast your reel off a catamaran on a private fishing cruise. After visiting the island’s lighthouse, built in 1852, take a stroll on the nearby coastal path that meanders along limestone cliffs.
Language:English
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Do You Need A Passport To Go To Puerto Rico
Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents who travel directly between parts of the United States, which includes Guam, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands , without touching at a foreign port or place, are not required to
Grand Turk Cruiseimage Gallery
- Encounter sea turtles and other marine life while snorkelling.
- Enjoy snorkelling with colourful tropical fish.
- Grand Turks pristine waters are ideal for water sports.
- Visit the historic St. Marys Anglican Church.
- Splash into the calm turquoise waters of Grand Turk.
- Discover your own slice of paradise in Grand Turk.
- Dive into peaceful island living in Grand Turk.
- Scenic Sapodilla Bay is located in Chalk Sound.
- Discover colourful conch shells in local shops.
- Soak up paradise at Grace Bay.
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Enjoy A Variety Of Water Sports
A tropical island surrounded by glorious blue waters, Grand Turk is prime location for various water sports. Scuba diving and snorkeling are extremely popular things to do here, particularly in Columbus Landfall National ParkColumbus is thought to have landed here on his first voyage to the New World 1492.
Other water sports you can enjoy around Grand Turk include stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking , boating and fishing.
Additionally, if your cruise to Turks and Caicos happens to be between January and April, you can also go on humpback whale watching excursions.
Princess Cruises: Caribbean Grand Adventure
The 20-day itinerary of the Caribbean Grand Adventure with Princess Cruises , a round trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, features 12 island destinations as well as an additional day in Fort Lauderdale. During the first leg of the cruise, visit Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, St. Thomas and Grand Turk. In Grand Turk, sightseeing options include the historic colonial architecture of Cockburn Town, a 150-year-old lighthouse, the national museum, the unspoiled beaches of Gibb’s Cay and the Columbus Landfall National Park. During the second leg, explore the Bahamas’ Princess Cays, St. Thomas, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba.
References
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Itineraries Changed On Six Ships
The updated itineraries have Carnival’s newest ship, , dropping Grand Turk and instead sailing on its seven-day eastern Caribbean itinerary on September 11 and 25 and October 9 and 23 to San Juan, Amber Cove and Nassau.
will return in September with four- and five-night sailings from Miami that drop Key West. The four-night sailings will call at Half Moon Cay, Carnival Corporations private Bahamas island, and Nassau. The five-night sailings will stop in Bimini and Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
will sail from Galveston to Freeport, Half Moon Cay and Nassau in the Bahamas on its eight-night sailing embarking September 25. A planned stop in Key West has been dropped.
An adjusted itinerary for Carnival Horizon from Miami calls at Bimini, Amber Cove and Half Moon Cay, on six-night sailings on September 12 and 26. The seven-night itinerary from New Orleans has been adjusted to visit Bimini, Freeport and Nassau on sailings on September 5 and 19.
From Galveston, will do Western Caribbean itineraries embarking September 4 and 18 and October 12, 16 and 20, that will call at Mahogany Bay , Belize and Cozumel. The original itineraries included Montego Bay and Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman is closed to cruise ships this year.
Other itineraries remain as scheduled at this time. Cruise Critic will update this article with more information as it becomes available.