The port of Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos Islands will reopen to cruise ships in early December 2021. For the first time since Hurricane Irma, passengers can experience a taste of what it’s like to sail through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
The when will grand turk open for cruise ships is a question that many people have been asking. It has been announced that the port of Grand Turk will reopen to cruise ships in early December 2021.
Grand Turk, in the Turks & Caicos Islands, has announced that cruise ships will begin to dock there in early December 2021. It comes as the government and the Carnival Corporation sign a deal to expand the dock facilities and enhance the welcome facility.
Grand Turk is Returning!
After a hiatus of 21 months with no cruise ships stopping at Grand Turk, the cruise terminal will reopen in early December 2021. After recently announcing that an agreement would come with certain investments, the Government of Turks and Caicos and Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald announced the return to the famous cruise resort.
It’s especially excellent news for island inhabitants who have been missing the revenue generated by cruise passengers.
Beach on Grand Turk and Welcome Sign (Photo Copyright: Cruise Hive)
Over 1,450 people were working in cruise tourism on the island in March 2020, just as the worldwide cruise bans were being imposed, with an annual pay income of $26.8 million.
The cruise business in Grand Turk was expected to continue to expand, with 1.2 million cruise passengers expected to visit each year.
“We are extremely thrilled to be returning to Turks and Caicos later this year as part of our overall relaunch efforts, and to once again be able to treat our passengers to the beauty and magic that surrounds our home in Grand Turk,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We are grateful for our long-standing relationship with Turks and Caicos, and we look forward to collaborating on the expansion of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, which will bring more guests to one of our most popular destinations while continuing to benefit the people of Turks and Caicos and the communities in which they live.”
Carnival is putting $25 million towards the project.
Grand Turk is a major port of call for Carnival Corp, particularly Carnival Cruise Line, which had many ships visit before the epidemic, as well as Princess Cruises and Holland America Line ships. The government and Carnival Corp have agreed to spend $24 million in each other.
Cruise Hive (c) Cruise Hive (c) Cruise Hive (c) Cruise Hive
The deal involves an expansion of the port to handle bigger cruise ships. The Grand Turk Cruise Center’s reception facilities will also be upgraded, presumably to accommodate future increases in passenger numbers.
Hon. “As a community, we welcome the long-awaited return of cruising in Turks and Caicos, and we are pleased to be working closely with Carnival Corporation to continue to invest in the Grand Turk Cruise Center’s future,” Premier Misick said. We look forward to long-term strategic alliances and joint initiatives with partners that will help the Turks and Caicos Islands grow economically, creating opportunities for households throughout the country, allowing individual workers and entrepreneurs to earn more and achieve a higher standard of living, and allowing businesses to thrive and grow.”
Also see: Things to Do in Grand Turk While on a Cruise
Since Hon. Premier Misick took office on February 2021, talks with Carnival have intensified. It also came when the administration became aware of the island’s predicament as a result of the lack of cruise ships visiting the island. Local taxi and transportation companies, shore excursions, restaurants, local craft sellers, tourist stores, and other businesses have been affected by the ship suspensions.
The grand turk closed to cruise ships is a closure that has been present for a while. The closure will be opening up in early December 2021.
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