GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos

Part of the Turks and Caicos Islands, cruise ships arrive right at the southern tip of Grand Turk, at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.

This is a purpose-built cruise facility, opened by Carnival Cruise Line in 2006. During the operational pause of the cruise industry in 2020-21, the port underwent extensive dredging and renovations, re-opening in December 2021.

This can be one of the most simple and relaxing days on a Caribbean cruise itinerary. After guests make their way down to the end of the pier, they make their way through a large facility filled with souvenir shops and restaurants, including a large Margaritaville with a large, lagoon-style swimming pool.

All along the beach there are complimentary beach chairs, with the cruise ships in full visibility, as seen in the images below. This makes it one of the few cruise ports in the region where a beach can be enjoyed essentially right next to the docking berths.

For those looking to see more than the immediate port area, popular options include Governor’s Beach to the north, the more developed Cockburn Town, or for the stingray experiences at Gibbs Bay.

For those guests not on organized tours, taxis are available at the port, as well as private rental vehicles being available.