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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. 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). Grand Turk is the capital of the Turks and Caicos 40-island chain.
Where to Shop in Grand Turk
There are also plenty of little shops you can check out at the cruise center and they even have a Starbucks. The two-berth dock at the Grand Turk Cruise Center is the primary port for cruise ships. The Cruise Center was designed by Carnival Cruise Lines in 2006 to be a full-service destination.
Visiting the Gorgeous Cruise Port of Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos
In the center area surrounding the plaza are a number of shops, selling everything from t-shirts to an actual Starbucks location. If you’re wanting a souvenir to remember your trip, you’re sure to find something here. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the world’s most stunning sunsets on the spectacular beaches of Grand Turk Island. Settle comfortably on Governor’s Beach and witness the magical transformation of the scenery before your eyes.
Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Grand Turk?
While I loved exploring Grand Turk by Golf Cart, if you are looking to stay at sea there are plenty of other excursions. You can see them everywhere while you’re driving around the island. You can even find vendors on the side of the road that will sell you carrots to feed them. Chef Leroy cooks up a mean jerk chicken on the grill, plus local conch dishes and fried fish. You can even print out a coupon from their website to get a free shot of locally-produced rum. The local spices of Grand Turk have a kick, so don’t be surprised if you get some heat with your dinner!
How Much Cruise Lines Spend on Food (Less Than You Think?)
Your kayaking guide will take you on a 3hr long kayaking journey. The FlowRider designed in a slope like water slide structure, jets waves of water that create ocean-like waves, but on a smaller scale. Always book early for this fun adventure as it’s always a busy activity and you will be on it with probably 1 or 2 more people. The town maintains houses that have beautiful 1800’s British architecture with the Victorian era designs. Every once in a while, you will meet with a wild donkey or horse which were used as transport animals in the salt industry era. While at the museum also visit the gift shop which sells amazing souvenirs to remember the place by.
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.
Located steps from the Grand Turk Cruise Center, Margaritaville is convenient for cruise passengers. This chain restaurant offers a familiar menu with various burgers, salads, and its famous (and pricey) margaritas. It’s a fun, laid-back place to enjoy a meal, with a large pool, swim-up bar, a DJ, and a lounging area for guests to relax.
Grand Turk Cruise Port and Terminal Information - Cruise Critic
Grand Turk Cruise Port and Terminal Information.
Posted: Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The distance from the docking pier to the terminal is approx 120 m (390 ft). 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.
How to Explore Grand Turk by Golf Cart
What would a list of shore excursions in Grand Turk be without mentioning the local cuisine? This Turks and Caicos excursion takes you on a tour of the island that includes local historical sites, plus a restaurant stop where you learn about the seasonings and flavors of this island nation. When we say that the beaches in Turks and Caicos are all stunning, we mean it.
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Miami to Grand Turk (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Miami to Grand Turk (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:03:24 GMT [source]
When you dock here, you are steps away from a gorgeous public beach, a free swimming pool, and numerous restaurants, bars, and excellent duty-free shopping. Cruise ships dock at the Grand Turk cruise port, perfectly situated on the island’s southwestern coastline, right next to the breathtaking white sandy beach. There is one pier with two berths that can accommodate two large-sized vessels at the same time. On the left side (north) of the Cruise Center, the traveler will find a very large Margaritaville bar, restaurant, with a huge pool and its signature retail shop - the Trading Post. Next to Margaritaville, you will find the Flow Rider surfing attraction that is exclusively offered as a shore excursion through the cruise lines.
This port is technically a pier, located south of Cockburn Town and next to a stunning beach spanning nearly 780,000 square feet. You’ll see locales and tourists sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing as you walk off the ship. The Grand Turk Wall is a popular destination for cruise shore excursions because it offers a unique and exciting opportunity to experience the underwater world.
From freshly caught seafood to traditional Caribbean dishes infused with exotic spices, dining in Grand Turk is an experience in itself. Given the ongoing changes in travel guidelines due to COVID-19, it’s crucial to check the latest travel advisories and cruise line policies regarding testing, vaccinations, and on-board protocols. This includes a passport valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and any visas required for your itinerary.
Also, check if your cruise line requires health documents, such as vaccination certificates. Let’s delve deeper into what makes Grand Turk Cruise Port a must-visit on your Caribbean cruise itinerary. If you don’t want to do a sightseeing tour, you can catch a cab straight to Cockburn Town Beach, about a 10-minute ride from the Cruise Center. The power snorkel is a lightweight, underwater propulsion device that helps you to cover greater distances, get past rougher currents, and view more underwater creatures. If you purchase something at Jack’s you can use their free wi-fi. They also have beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent if you want to relax on this beach.
Dive deeper into this history at the Salt House Shop or Grand Quay Salt Mine Company. And take the chance to capture stunning photos of the salt-drying pans (Salinas) at Red or Hawkes Nest Salinas, conveniently located near the cruise port. For the adventurous ones seeking a unique experience, Salt Cay is your destination, and it’s just a short flight away from the Grand Turk. Salt Cay is the smallest of the main inhabited islands in the Turks and Caicos and it’s a place where time seems to stand still. Cockburn Town stretches along the coastline for about one mile/1.6 km and as you stroll through the town’s colorful streets, you’ll discover history and charm.
We’ve covered the basics -- many of which are similar to other Caribbean ports of call -- let’s check out the shore excursions you will struggle to find anywhere else aside from Turks and Caicos. The Grand Turk Cruise Center features a purpose-built, two-berth cruise ship pier. The most popular at-sea attraction at Grand Turk is the private island of Gibbs Cay which is popular for its friendly stingrays and snorkeling. Cruisers can do the Snorkeling & Stingray Adventure where they will enjoy snorkeling the reefs and interacting with the friendly sting rays at Gibbs Beach. Besides seeing the island from the water, there are plenty of tours to see the island from land.
The Grand Turk retail outlet also hosts many items from local artisans, including handmade baskets, sailboats, and more. Of course there’s good ol’ Margaritaville back at the Cruise Center. Great for those less adventurous or prefer to stay close to the cruise port. Jack’s Shack has become the afternoon escape from the hub-bub and tackiness of Margaritaville at the Cruise Center. Located just a short walk from the cruise dock, Jack’s Shack is only 540 yards north of the Cruise Center. Pillory Beach is one of the quieter beaches located north of Cockburn Town.
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