Grand Turk

Set in nearly 14 acres of landscaped grounds, Grand Turk Cruise Center is a first-class facility with direct beach access. Its location and the island's geography allow vessels a safe year-round approach and berth. The approximately 390 feet walk between berthed ships and the cruise center makes embarking and debarking easy at leisure. Carnival Corp. owns and operates the facility.

At the cruise center, visitors can browse a 45,000 sq. ft. shopping center: a 10,000 sq. ft. Dufry duty-free shop, 35,000 sq. ft. of high-end jewelry stores, various distinctive and world-renowned apparel and t-shirt stores, locally made souvenirs and gifts, plus food and beverage facilities.

The more than 14 acres of Grand Turk Cruise Center can host up to 7,000 passengers per day. It includes a private beach, swimming pool and an extensive recreation area with a FlowRider® surfing adventure and the Caribbean's largest "Margaritaville"-themed bar and restaurant.

Cockburn Town, capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, is approximately 2 miles (about 3.2 kilometers) from the cruise terminal. It is a short taxi ride away, or a pleasant walk for those exploring on foot.

A printable map is available to take along.

Grand Turk Island belongs to the Turks & Caicos Islands, a British Overseas Territory of 40 islands and cays (pronounced keyes). This beach paradise has crystal-clear turquoise water and smooth powder-white beaches. Grand Turk is seven miles long and 1.5 miles wide, and has been the territory's government seat and the British Governor's base since 1766. It is known for colourful British-Bermudian colonial architecture and its own quaint Caribbean charm, approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami and 30 miles south of the Bahamas...

Grand Turk has some of the Caribbean's most compelling dive and snorkel sites and beaches. Water and land excursions include trips to nearby islands and cays, some inhabited by stingrays and the endangered Turks & Caicos rock iguana. The shallow banks around the Turks islands are a winter calving ground for humpback whales. Horseback ride and swim, horse and buggy trips, and world class sport fishing are also offered.

On land, highlights include a historic lighthouse and natural salt basins inhabited by various wading birds. Historic Cockburn Town has homes from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, the national museum, an old prison, Columbus' alleged landing site and pristine beaches including Governor's Beach.

New: FlowRider is open to passengers leaving ships at this increasingly popular Atlantic Cruise Port. The surf simulator makes a "wave" by pushing a constant water stream over a cushioned surface, forming a layer of agua to glide or "surf" across. You may ride prone, a la boogie boarding (anyone can do it), or stand in the traditional surfing style if you have the balance.

Splashdown Grand Turk is a 3,500-square-foot attraction celebrating the American spaceflight mission and its significance in Grand Turk's history, through interactive exhibits and authentic spacecraft replicas.

Turks & Caicos National Museum occupies Guinep House, a grand 1800’s home on Front Street. Its second-floor balcony overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is an excellent place for whale watching during February and March!

If more than one cruise ship is docked, the area can become very hectic.

A taxi journey across the island costs about 10 USD.

To hire a golf cart, book at least 2 months before your cruise starts. It is a fun way to explore the island.

Grand Turk has no public transport.

Grand Turk Lighthouse is the country's only lighthouse. This attractive, if not very large, structure is the island's principal historic attraction. Follow the scenic coastal path along the cliffs north of the lighthouse, but note that entry inside is not allowed.

A duty-free mall sits at the cruise-ship center, with usual upscale outlets including Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the world's largest Margaritaville, and Piranha Joe’s. Cockburn Town has shops too.

The U.S. dollar is the official currency, and several island banks have ATMs.

English is the island's first language, although you will hear phrases, unique proverbs and terms that depart from English and give speech a distinctly Turks & Caicos flavour.