Grand Turk - Voted "Best New Port of Call" - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

Cruise Cat · 02-11-2007, 02:48 PM

Newest Caribbean port named best

The cruise industry's newest Caribbean destination, Grand Turk in the Turk and Caicos Islands, has been selected as the "Best New Port of Call" in Porthole Magazine's annual Editor-in-Chief Awards.

What was it based on?

The winners were selected by the publication's editor-in-chief and publisher Bill Panoff, who chose Grand Turk based on these elements: its favorable response from cruise guests, diversity of shore excursion opportunities, and superior facilities at the new $42 million Grand Turk Cruise Center.

"I was utterly impressed when I visited the new Grand Turk Cruise Center," said Mr Panoff. "I'm sure that cruisers will agree that Grand Turk is a rising star in the Caribbean."

The accolade came only a year after the center's grand opening, pointed out Micheal Misick, premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Since its inauguration in February 2006, the Grand Turk Cruise Center has exceeded expectations with 136 cruise ship calls and 295,000 passengers in its first year of operation

The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which can accommodate up to 5,000-passengers per day, includes a 13-acre complex including an expansive recreation area, shops and what is termed the Caribbean's largest "Margaritaville"-themed bar and restaurant.

Twenty shore excursions are offered at the center. Land-based tours include beach horseback riding, bicycling, beach breaks, 4x4 vehicle adventures and marine-based tours including everything from snorkeling to helmet diving. More excursions are scheduled to be introduced during the coming year.

Report by David Wilkening

localady · 02-11-2007, 02:58 PM

I am sure the port is very lovely!!
It should be as CCL has invested into the development and will no doubt reap the profits for that investment.

I do sometimes question the effect that has on the Caribbean. It used to be that when a ship would pull in, generally the local population was bound to benefit financially. But with these new ports like Grand Turk and Costa Maya, I really see the locals profits diminishing in the process. Many of the communities are quite poor and hope that the cruise tourism will be profitable.

Guess my conscience wrestles with it a tad.....

Krazy Kruizers · 02-11-2007, 03:21 PM

We would to go there sometime. A few years ago it was listed on several of HAL's itineraries and we booked those cruises. Then within a few weeks our TA was notified that we wouldn't be going there but would being going to Tortola instead.

Maybe someday we will get there.

Cruise Cat · 02-11-2007, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by localady

I am sure the port is very lovely!!
It should be as CCL has invested into the development and will no doubt reap the profits for that investment.

I do sometimes question the effect that has on the Caribbean. It used to be that when a ship would pull in, generally the local population was bound to benefit financially. But with these new ports like Grand Turk and Costa Maya, I really see the locals profits diminishing in the process. Many of the communities are quite poor and hope that the cruise tourism will be profitable.

Guess my conscience wrestles with it a tad.....

This is why we do not shop at "Del Sol', 'Diamonds International' or any of these places we all know are not locally owned.

In Alaska, I remember a symbol that had to be on merchandise to authenticate it was from Alask. I wonder if these islands have something similar?