Carnival Corp. created a new Caribbean port of call with the development of the $50 million Grand Turk Cruise Center, located in the Turks & Caicos about 30 miles south of the Bahamas. The splashy terminal, which includes its own beach and swimming pool, as well as stores and restaurants, opened in February 2006. The Island is seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide and is renowned for its inspiring and colorful Bermudian British colonial architecture yet exudes its own quaint Caribbean charm. Grand Turk enjoys a very comfortable climate year round due to a constant trade wind and averages 350 days of sunshine per year.Shore Excursions
Upon disembarking their ships, passengers find tour operators waiting at the end of the pier holding signs with excursion numbers. There is a separate pier for water excursions. Grand Turk is home to the world's third-largest barrier reef. It's 2.5 miles long, making it a longtime favorite of divers and snorkelers.Marine-based tours include snorkeling, diving, self-drive boating, deep sea and flats fishing, helmet diving, semi-submersible tours, snuba and power snorkeling, as well as clear kayaking.
Land-based tours include horseback riding, swimming, bicycle hikes, beach breaks, 4x4 vehicle adventures, island tour to the island’s lighthouse, dune buggy tours and visits to outer islands. In the waters off the lighthouse, tourists might catch a glimpse of humpback whales from December to early April or find conch shells along the beach.
Conveniences: An Internet center and restrooms are located in the cruise center. There is a free locker room near the beach. English is the primary language and the U.S. dollar is the official currency.
Who Goes Here: Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seats and Silversea Cruises.
