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What makes this little island so popular are the friendly brown stingrays that approach when a vessel comes to the island. They love to interact with people, and you will get a chance to snorkel or even swim with them. This hidden gem is located a few yards from the pier, at the end of cruise center beach. It’s less crowded than Margaritaville and other food joints located near the pier.
Getting from Grand Turk International Airport (GDT) to Grand Turk Cruise Port
Carnival Ship Unable to Dock Due to Windy Conditions - Cruise Hive
Carnival Ship Unable to Dock Due to Windy Conditions.
Posted: Sat, 02 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
This beach is located near the historical town, and several tours combine sightseeing in Cockburn Town and snorkeling at the beach, the perfect combination of history and relaxation. The Turks and Caicos National Museum in Cockburn Town is located just a 10-minute drive from the Grand Turk cruise port and will offer you the islands’ history and culture. This captivating museum offers intriguing insights into the history of the Turks & Caicos Islands. Grand Turk cruise port is nestled on the pristine southwestern shores of Grand Turk, the capital island of the Turks and Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory located southeast of the Bahamas. Known for its sun-drenched beaches, vibrant marine life, and the laid-back appeal of island living, Grand Turk is a tropical paradise where unforgettable memories are made. On the west side of the island between the cruise port and Cockburn Town is Governor’s Beach.
Ride a Dune Buggy in Grand Turk
One of the main attractions at the Cruise Center Complex is an immense lagoon-like swimming pool. This pool also features a FlowRider, where people can test their surfing skills on artificial waves. The island is home to Cockburn Town, the capital city and government center of Turks and Caicos. Tropical beaches, a rich history, and all sorts of activities for cruisers are only a few reasons why cruisers Grand Turk. The pre-purchase window for certain products and activities closes between one and three days prior to the sail date. If you missed the purchase window, check with us once you're on board — we'll help you find what you’re looking for.
EXPLORE OFF SHIP
Guests can also enjoy Jerk chicken at Jack’s Shack, the popular spot which was destroyed by Hurricane Irma only a few years ago. Cockburn Town is full of historical significance and a wonderful place to spend a few hours for those wanting to venture further. The 2010-built, 2106-passenger Holland America ship sailed from Port Everglades on December 11 for a 7-day cruise, with the first port of call being Grand Turk on December 13. She was welcomed with open arms by the locals, who were thrilled to offer activities to visitors once again. The first Carnival-owned cruise ships begin returning to the Grand Turk Cruise Center for the first time since suspensions started in 2020. Aside from serving as an important stop for ships traveling between Europe and the Americas, Grand Turk was used as a base by the United States Navy during World War II.
In addition to the beach, the Grand Turk Cruise Center offers visitors the opportunity to explore the island with organized tours onboard the ship. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a popular destination for several major cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, which owns and operates the port. Carnival Cruise Line has a long history with Grand Turk, with the first ship docking at the port in 2006. A recent addition is a beach on the right side of the cruise pier when walking off the ship. This beach offers more shade and trees than the main beach, along with a bar, a beach shop, and facilities. If you like horses, Grand Turk offers horseback tours that include an exciting ride on the beach.
We mentioned some of these above, but in case you missed them, we’ve included them here as well. One of the claims to fame for this area was that it was the spot where astronaut John Glenn splashed down after orbiting the earth. If you’re thinking of a quiet, relaxing time by the pool, that’s not really the case. To be honest, given the small size of Grand Turk there isn’t a ton of variety of things to do like you might find elsewhere. Still, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a day in port without spending a lot of money. In the center area surrounding the plaza are a number of shops, selling everything from t-shirts to an actual Starbucks location.
Be ready to dive in for some underwater adventures when your ship docks in Turks and Caicos. Local scuba diving operators offer boat dives that include wall dives and stunning reefs. While you may sometimes find scuba diving excursions offered by your cruise ship, they are just as likely to only be offered through an independent tour operator. After snorkeling, you’ll head to a secluded beach away from the crowds for some genuine island time. The best part of this Turks and Caicos excursion is that you can find it on a variety of cruise ships, including on Silver Moon and Silver Ray during Silversea’s seasonal sailings in the area.
Shore Excursions, Vendors, and Fun
Turning Air Pollution Into Water Pollution: Carnival Magic Dumps Scrubber Sludge in Grand Turk Waters - Cruise Law News
Turning Air Pollution Into Water Pollution: Carnival Magic Dumps Scrubber Sludge in Grand Turk Waters.
Posted: Thu, 02 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
There are private air-conditioned pool cabanas available to rent through your cruise line. However, there are no towels provided, so be sure to bring your own from the ship. The Grand Turk Cruise Center is easily walkable on foot and wheel chair accessible.
Outside of the Port Area
In February and March, this is also a popular spot for whale watching. Something in common with Carnival Cruise Line destination ports is the horse ride excursion. Enjoy a tour of the island all the way into the shallow waters of the ocean on a horse’s back. The horses are handpicked for you from the ranch according to your preferences, fear, and comfort riding on horses.
Most guests agree that this beach is the best beach on Grand Turk because of its beautiful landscape and shallow waters, perfect for swimming. One unique feature of Royal Caribbean cruise ships is the Flowrider — a never-ending “wave” that you can surf or boogie board. At the Grand Turk port there is a land-based Flowrider that you can ride for a fee (sorry, it’s not free!). If you have kids or teens, it’s definitely something they’ll want to check out. If you’re looking to get out of the port area, one of the popular things to do is to get out on the water.
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 Turk’s airport.
If you’re wanting a souvenir to remember your trip, you’re sure to find something here. The taxi stand is located to the left as you exit the airport terminal. JAGS McCartney International Airport (GDT) is located just over a mile from Grand Turk Cruise Center. It’s a tiny airport with a single runway and a small building with a café, a departure lounge and a couple of check-in counters.
No matter which direction you head, you’ll always be within a few steps of the beach that runs the entire length of the cruise port. And the ship overlooks the entire area making for a one-of-a-kind scene. Just know that some areas of the water have a rockier bottom (more details in the tips section below). The Grand Turk cruise port, which is located on the southern tip of the island, is a destination unto itself. There’s no main building with services and a waiting room with seating. Instead, the Grand Turk Cruise Center -- as it's officially known -- is a huge indoor-outdoor complex with shops, restaurants, a massive freeform pool and a beach lined with loungers.
On your ride back, you will go on the salt industry tour, visiting Salinas like the Red Salina and even make a stop at the Salt House exhibit. Then you will return to the cruise center have a drink, a meal and go enjoy the beach if you have time. Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville at Grand Turk is the largest in all the Caribbean. The famous, Jimmy Buffet’s dining establishment is the main restaurant at the cruise center.
The Grand Turk Cruise Center is a great stop when you arrive or right before you leave because it is right at your ship’s dock. Expect to see a big crowd since it’s one of the most popular areas on the island for shopping. Before you leave Grand Turk, you have to walk away with a gift or souvenir. Jack’s Shack is one of the most popular restaurants on the island because of its proximity to the cruise center port and its authentic Jamaican dishes.
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