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If you are up for an active excursion, book paddle boarding, and kayaking excursions and explore the clear waters of the peaceful north creek. The kayaks have a clear bottom that lets you view the action under the water. The best thing about excursions on Grand Turk whether provided by cruise lines or local tour operator is the guides who are very professional and put your safety first. Other shopping areas are located at the cruise center, where you can get t-shirts, alcohol, jewelry, and trinkets. Located on the west coast of Grand Turk, north of the cruise center, Cockburn town is the capital of Turks and Caicos. Visit the 18th-century prison and explore how prisoners used to be treated in the ancient days.
Catamaran Boat Rides
You can do a guided tour or you can explore the island on your own. You can also find a lot of gifts on Front Street in Cockburn Town. There are a few permanent shops, but when tourism is at its high point, you’ll see many vendors pop up a tent to sell their handmade items. It’s basically the same menu at all of Jimmy Buffet’s restaurants, but if you plan to go back and forth to the ship all day, it’s convenient. Of course there’s good ol’ Margaritaville back at the Cruise Center.
Other Popular Grand Turk Excursions
Inside its walls, a large collection of exhibits brings life to the region’s history and culture. The museum promises a captivating journey through time, from tales of the Lucayans, the islands’ indigenous people, to intriguing stories of pirates and their daring adventures. The lighthouse itself stands tall as a symbol of the island’s rich history and maritime heritage.
Margaritaville at Grand Turk
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. Snorkeling equipment can be hired from the beach rentals stand at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. The standard beach loungers are free-to-use, although the density of loungers fronting the Cruise Center is quite high. Snorkel masks, fins, and vests, floats and toys, and covered shade beach cabanas can be rented from the Cruise Center beach rentals shack. The Cruise Center Beach is located on the leeward side of Grand Turk, so ocean conditions are typically excellent.
The area south of the pier sees smaller crowds, but you’ll also want some water shoes if you venture out into the water. There are also rentals available for everything from snorkel gear to clamshell chairs to give you a little shade. The first thing that you’ll notice when you visit the Grand Turk port is that your ship is close to the beach… as in real close. The dock sits out only about 400 feet from shore, meaning the ship towers over the port area. By embracing these cultural insights, visitors can enjoy a more meaningful and respectful experience in Grand Turk.
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There are also locally crafted souvenirs and gifts available to purchase as well as 10,000 square feet of duty-free shopping. There are a few eBike rental companies right outside of the Cruise Center terminal. Because the island of Grand Turk is so small, an eBike is an ideal way to enjoy the sunshine and fresh ocean air as you see the sights. On the left side of the pier, the first section of blue chairs is free to use.
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The dock is located at the southern end of Grand Turk, just to help you get your bearings. Margaritaville has a small gift shop with T-shirts, towels, magnets, and other trinkets with stand-alone kiosks and stands offering souvenirs and other items. Grand Turk is a beautiful and scenic destination with lots to do outside of the port area, but remember that when you are off Carnival’s property, you are not under the eye of port security. There are also loungers for guests to relax and soak up the warm Caribbean. Since then, Carnival Cruise Line has brought millions of passengers to the Grand Turk, making it one of the most popular private destinations in cruising. Did you know that Margaritaville offers a staggering 52 types of margaritas?
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]
If you’d like something very authentic to Grand Turk, try heading to the National Museum Gift Shop. Here you’ll find books, postcards, and gifts related to the island. The Grand Turk retail outlet also hosts many items from local artisans, including handmade baskets, sailboats, and more. 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.
Restaurants
Head as far down the path as you can go and you’ll find a large group of loungers (near the whale sculpture) with hardly any other people — even on busy days in port. If you just can’t live without your Starbucks, then Grand Turk is the spot for you. While many cruise ships offer Starbucks beverages on board, finding them in port is usually another story. But the port area features a full-fledged Starbucks (painted a very noticeable pink). That’s in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, about 200 miles away.
The massive duty-free shop at Grand Turk’s cruise port is only one of dozens of stores available within a short walk of the pier. Other restaurants and shops can be found a short drive away in Cockburn Town. With so much to do on-site, some passengers choose to spend their entire time on the island right at Grand Turk’s cruise port.
Almost all of the Grand Turk's residents are in the waterfront capital Cockburn Town. This small settlement features traditional Indian wood-with-shutters and stucco-style buildings. The 1840s-built Guinep Lodge houses the Turks and Caicos National Museum, displaying the Molasses Reef Wreck (Europe's oldest ship found in the New World).
It was built in 2012 to commemorate 50 years since the splashdown. There are beautiful monuments and murals erected at the exhibition. It has been open to Carnival and its subsidiary cruise lines like Princess and Holland America ever since. There are excursions offered to other beaches from the cruise line. You can also catch a cab to other beaches around the island, which will be less crowded. The area north of the pier (to the left as you enter) features a sandier bottom that’s more forgiving on your feet.
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. 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 (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Grand Turk Island, Cockburn Town, Turks and Caicos. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.
The Grand Turk Cruise Center is easily walkable on foot and wheel chair accessible. If you decide to explore beyond the center, it is not recommended that you explore Grand Turk island on foot. The lack of sidewalks and spotty signage makes the island difficult (and dangerous) to walk.
Grand Turk is the largest of the Turks Islands that make up Turks and Caicos. The island is small, measuring only 6.9 square miles, however it has both historic and natural wonders that cruise passengers will enjoy exploring. There are many shops, restaurants, and bars located within the Cruise Center boundaries, including the largest Margaritaville in the world. On a cruise to Grand Turk, you'll discover that these islands are best known for conch (pronounced conk). Visitors will find this shellfish in all forms — curried, fried, stewed or in a salad — and at nearly every island eatery.
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