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Latest News...Holland America Line will expand its presence in Europe with year-round operations for the first time, introducing a winter and early-spring program for the 2027–2028 season. The move positions the line to offer a broader range of itineraries beyond the traditional summer months, with Nieuw Statendam remaining in Europe throughout the winter and Zuiderdam adding two additional seasonal voyages...
Latest News...Princess Cruises has outlined its most extensive Europe program to date, announcing 291 departures across 150 itineraries for the 2028 season. Six ships will operate throughout Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and on transatlantic routes, marking the line’s largest-ever deployment in the region. The 2028 program, now open for booking, spans voyages from seven to 53 days and includes...
Latest News...Carnival Cruise Line has completed a major expansion of RelaxAway, its exclusive destination on Half Moon Cay, adding new beachfront space, upgraded amenities and improved access for guests. The enhancements were formally marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as the line prepares to bring more ships to the private island. The project includes an extended stretch of white-sand beach, additional complimentary...
quote:Cruise port to open in West IndiesFebruary 4, 2006CARNIVAL Corp., the world's largest cruise conglomerate, is opening a terminal in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the West Indies. The first ship will call February 25, and by summer, six cruise lines will have visited it.The terminal is on the southern end of seven-mile-long Grand Turk, a sleepy island with coral reefs and clear waters that draw divers and snorkelers. Optional excursions for arriving cruisers, depending on the line, will include diving, biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing and island bus tours.Besides berths for two vessels, the $45-million project includes a 14,000-square-foot swimming pool, dozens of shops and a restaurant with several hundred seats.The restaurant, Margaritaville, part of the Jimmy Buffett chain, will open as a bar and later add food service, said Giora Israel, Carnival's vice president of strategic planning.The terminal's first visitor will be Holland America's Noordam, sailing from New York on its maiden commercial voyage. Carnival, Discovery World Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Hapag-Lloyd and Princess will also send ships in the next few months, Israel added, with more lines coming later in the year and in 2007.LA Times
CARNIVAL Corp., the world's largest cruise conglomerate, is opening a terminal in the Turks and Caicos Islands in the West Indies. The first ship will call February 25, and by summer, six cruise lines will have visited it.
The terminal is on the southern end of seven-mile-long Grand Turk, a sleepy island with coral reefs and clear waters that draw divers and snorkelers. Optional excursions for arriving cruisers, depending on the line, will include diving, biking, hiking, kayaking, fishing and island bus tours.
Besides berths for two vessels, the $45-million project includes a 14,000-square-foot swimming pool, dozens of shops and a restaurant with several hundred seats.
The restaurant, Margaritaville, part of the Jimmy Buffett chain, will open as a bar and later add food service, said Giora Israel, Carnival's vice president of strategic planning.
The terminal's first visitor will be Holland America's Noordam, sailing from New York on its maiden commercial voyage. Carnival, Discovery World Cruises, Fred. Olsen, Hapag-Lloyd and Princess will also send ships in the next few months, Israel added, with more lines coming later in the year and in 2007.
LA Times
******
Cheers
quote:Grand Turk Cruise Center launches website February 3, 2006 The Grand Turk Cruise Center launched a website at www.grandturkcc.com with port specifications, island information, weather, a schedule of cruise calls and an image gallery. The site is a work in progress and new content is being added frequently. Still to come, for example, are details on shore excursions. The first official call to the Grand Turk Cruise Center will be the Feb. 25 visit by Holland America Line’s Noordam on its maiden roundtrip voyage from New York. Seatrade Insider
The site is a work in progress and new content is being added frequently. Still to come, for example, are details on shore excursions.
The first official call to the Grand Turk Cruise Center will be the Feb. 25 visit by Holland America Line’s Noordam on its maiden roundtrip voyage from New York.
Seatrade Insider
Maybe he will return to update us?
quote:Grand Turk Cruise Center hosts first ship February 26, 2006 Holland America Line's Noordam made the first official call at the Caribbean's newest port facility -- the Grand Turk Cruise Center -- on Saturday. After its naming ceremony in New York City on Wednesday, the new Noordam made a direct sailing for Grand Turk, marking the official opening of the multimillion-dollar facility. Noordam Capt. John Scott said he was ‘proud and honored to be a part of history’ with the inaugural call. He added: ‘Grand Turk offers pristine beaches and magnificent waters and it will be a great destination for cruise ship guests.’ Developed and operated by Carnival Corp. & plc but open to all cruise ships, Grand Turk Cruise Center can accommodate two post-Panamax vessels and offers a 13-acre complex that includes an 800-foot beach, a swimming pool, cabanas, retail shops and the Caribbean's largest Margaritaville-themed bar and restaurant, owned by music star Jimmy Buffet. Nearly two dozen shore excursions are available, including a ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ tour to island attractions, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling and diving. ‘We are proud to establish this association with Carnival Corporation and are deeply grateful that Carnival decided to make this large investment on our island. We look forward to a very successful relationship with Carnival,’ said Floyd Hall, Grand Turk's deputy chief minister of finance. Hall added: ‘Our arms are open to passengers from all cruise lines and visitors who will be coming to our shores in the months and years ahead.’ Seatrade Insider
Holland America Line's Noordam made the first official call at the Caribbean's newest port facility -- the Grand Turk Cruise Center -- on Saturday.
After its naming ceremony in New York City on Wednesday, the new Noordam made a direct sailing for Grand Turk, marking the official opening of the multimillion-dollar facility.
Noordam Capt. John Scott said he was ‘proud and honored to be a part of history’ with the inaugural call. He added: ‘Grand Turk offers pristine beaches and magnificent waters and it will be a great destination for cruise ship guests.’
Developed and operated by Carnival Corp. & plc but open to all cruise ships, Grand Turk Cruise Center can accommodate two post-Panamax vessels and offers a 13-acre complex that includes an 800-foot beach, a swimming pool, cabanas, retail shops and the Caribbean's largest Margaritaville-themed bar and restaurant, owned by music star Jimmy Buffet.
Nearly two dozen shore excursions are available, including a ‘Hop On, Hop Off’ tour to island attractions, horseback riding, kayaking, snorkeling and diving.
‘We are proud to establish this association with Carnival Corporation and are deeply grateful that Carnival decided to make this large investment on our island. We look forward to a very successful relationship with Carnival,’ said Floyd Hall, Grand Turk's deputy chief minister of finance.
Hall added: ‘Our arms are open to passengers from all cruise lines and visitors who will be coming to our shores in the months and years ahead.’
quote:Originally posted by soundsailor:There goes another beautiful island group. How long will it take for Diamond International, MacDonald and other non-local retail companies to land on these beautiful unspoiled shores?
You are so right! Do these companies think that they enhance the beauty of these islands?????
quote:Grand Turk Cruise Center – It’s All in the Design!By Grand Turk Cruise Center news releaseFebruary 27, 2006GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands - From its earliest planning stages, the new Grand Turk Cruise Center has been designed to celebrate the island’s rich history and proud architectural heritage. As cruise passengers disembark from the ship and enter the 10,000-square-foot Grand Turk Cruise Center for the first time, they are greeted by a warm and inviting environment that reflects the myriad influences of Grand Turk as well as the island’s history and architecture.Giora Israel, vice president of strategic planning for Carnival Corporation & plc, president of Grand Turk Cruise Center, hired a well-known design firm with strong regional ties to help create the cruise center’s distinctive look. OBM Design and Engineering, with offices in Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos, was retained to help the cruise center accomplish its unique, memorable design.Settled by Bermudan salt rakers more than three centuries ago, Grand Turk Island contains to this day numerous examples of British colonial and Bermudan-influenced architecture amidst newer, colorful, Caribbean-style local dwellings. Several streets in historic Cockburn Town are lined with turn-of-the-century Bermudan-style architecture reminiscent of the salt-raking era.Throughout the island, for example, it’s easy to spot the “salt houses,” as these structures are typically called. These examples of classic Bermudan architecture feature living quarters on the second floor, salt storage below, and chimneys throughout. Chimneys – a typical design element in Grand Turk homes and other structures –have been used as a constant theme in the new Grand Turk Cruise Center. When cruise passengers disembark from the ship and enter the main building that leads them through the large, expansive terminal, they cannot help but notice the building’s four prominent chimneys. Although none of the chimneys are active, they are an important part of the building design, and reflect this historic island design feature.The selection and use of color was also carefully considered in the design of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, with noted color consultant Denise Israel charged with carefully researching colors and shades currently in vogue in Bermuda and in some of the older homes in Grand Turk. In some cases, layers of paint needed to be peeled off older houses to identify the original color beneath. Through this painstaking process, a palette of more than 30 different colors was traced back to the original Bermudan influences, and have now been used to create a fantastic, multi-hued facility reminiscent of the island’s unique history.For more information, visit www.Grandturkcc.com.Text: CaribseekImages: Grand Turk Cruise Center
GRAND TURK, Turks and Caicos Islands - From its earliest planning stages, the new Grand Turk Cruise Center has been designed to celebrate the island’s rich history and proud architectural heritage.
As cruise passengers disembark from the ship and enter the 10,000-square-foot Grand Turk Cruise Center for the first time, they are greeted by a warm and inviting environment that reflects the myriad influences of Grand Turk as well as the island’s history and architecture.
Giora Israel, vice president of strategic planning for Carnival Corporation & plc, president of Grand Turk Cruise Center, hired a well-known design firm with strong regional ties to help create the cruise center’s distinctive look. OBM Design and Engineering, with offices in Florida, Bermuda, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos, was retained to help the cruise center accomplish its unique, memorable design.
Settled by Bermudan salt rakers more than three centuries ago, Grand Turk Island contains to this day numerous examples of British colonial and Bermudan-influenced architecture amidst newer, colorful, Caribbean-style local dwellings. Several streets in historic Cockburn Town are lined with turn-of-the-century Bermudan-style architecture reminiscent of the salt-raking era.
Throughout the island, for example, it’s easy to spot the “salt houses,” as these structures are typically called. These examples of classic Bermudan architecture feature living quarters on the second floor, salt storage below, and chimneys throughout.
Chimneys – a typical design element in Grand Turk homes and other structures –have been used as a constant theme in the new Grand Turk Cruise Center. When cruise passengers disembark from the ship and enter the main building that leads them through the large, expansive terminal, they cannot help but notice the building’s four prominent chimneys. Although none of the chimneys are active, they are an important part of the building design, and reflect this historic island design feature.
The selection and use of color was also carefully considered in the design of the Grand Turk Cruise Center, with noted color consultant Denise Israel charged with carefully researching colors and shades currently in vogue in Bermuda and in some of the older homes in Grand Turk.
In some cases, layers of paint needed to be peeled off older houses to identify the original color beneath. Through this painstaking process, a palette of more than 30 different colors was traced back to the original Bermudan influences, and have now been used to create a fantastic, multi-hued facility reminiscent of the island’s unique history.
For more information, visit www.Grandturkcc.com.
Text: CaribseekImages: Grand Turk Cruise Center
quote:Turks & Caicos islands cruise into resort spotlightBy Kitty Bean YanceyMarch 23, 2006The Turks & Caicos islands — a hot resort spot near the Bahamas — are launching as a cruise-ship destination.The Grand Turk Cruise Terminal, now welcoming ships and scheduled to officially open in May, enables big liners to dock in the Turks & Caicos for the first time. The terminal on Grand Turk Island includes shopping and a Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Café.There's also direct beach access — rare for a cruise terminal — a pool, massages and changing rooms. The $40 million project, which is expected to up the tourist ante for the Turks, is a collaboration between Carnival Cruises — whose brands include Holland America and Princess — and the island chain's tourist board.Meanwhile, the Turks & Caicos island of Providenciales is a sizzling destination for the platinum-card set. The newest luxury lodging: Amanyara, an oasis of villas and pavilions that opened this month, with spring rates starting at about $1,350 nightly.USA Today
The Turks & Caicos islands — a hot resort spot near the Bahamas — are launching as a cruise-ship destination.
The Grand Turk Cruise Terminal, now welcoming ships and scheduled to officially open in May, enables big liners to dock in the Turks & Caicos for the first time. The terminal on Grand Turk Island includes shopping and a Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Café.
There's also direct beach access — rare for a cruise terminal — a pool, massages and changing rooms. The $40 million project, which is expected to up the tourist ante for the Turks, is a collaboration between Carnival Cruises — whose brands include Holland America and Princess — and the island chain's tourist board.
Meanwhile, the Turks & Caicos island of Providenciales is a sizzling destination for the platinum-card set. The newest luxury lodging: Amanyara, an oasis of villas and pavilions that opened this month, with spring rates starting at about $1,350 nightly.
USA Today
quote:Grand Turk facility marks official openingMay 15, 2006The Grand Turk Cruise Center held its official opening ceremony last week with a reception attended by government officials from the Turks & Caicos Islands and representatives of Carnival Corp. & plc, the operator of the $42m facility.Although the center welcomed its first ship on Feb. 25 when Holland America Line’s Noordam made its inaugural call, the official opening marks the completion of construction. Coinciding with the opening is the launch of a new FM radio station, GT Cruise FM, which offers a mix of Caribbean tunes plus news and information on Grand Turk Island and the cruise center.The grand opening ‘represents the culmination of many years of hard work in developing and constructing this state-of-the-art center which has been met with enthusiastic response from cruise passengers,’ said Deputy Chief Minister Floyd Hall.So far the facility has hosted 15 calls from five lines, bringing a total of more than 25,000 passengers and 11,000 crew. More than 130 calls are booked in 2006. Seatrade Insider
The Grand Turk Cruise Center held its official opening ceremony last week with a reception attended by government officials from the Turks & Caicos Islands and representatives of Carnival Corp. & plc, the operator of the $42m facility.
Although the center welcomed its first ship on Feb. 25 when Holland America Line’s Noordam made its inaugural call, the official opening marks the completion of construction. Coinciding with the opening is the launch of a new FM radio station, GT Cruise FM, which offers a mix of Caribbean tunes plus news and information on Grand Turk Island and the cruise center.
The grand opening ‘represents the culmination of many years of hard work in developing and constructing this state-of-the-art center which has been met with enthusiastic response from cruise passengers,’ said Deputy Chief Minister Floyd Hall.
So far the facility has hosted 15 calls from five lines, bringing a total of more than 25,000 passengers and 11,000 crew. More than 130 calls are booked in 2006.
quote:Cruise Center Launched Radio StationMay 22. 2006In a cruise industry 'first,' the new Grand Turk Cruise Center now has its own FM radio station that began broadcasting on Friday, May 12, 2006, in conjunction with the official opening of the new facility.Located on 97.1 FM, GT Cruise FM will offer a mix of Caribbean music and news and information on Grand Turk and the new $42-million cruise facility.In addition to popular Caribbean tunes, the station will offer weather updates, information on shore excursion opportunities and overview of the rich history of the island.Reception is available through any FM radio and portable headset radios will be available for purchase by cruise guests at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.Operation of the radio station is limited to those times during which cruise ships are in port and the signal is broadcast within the Grand Turk Cruise Center and the surrounding area.Grand Turk Cruise Center
In a cruise industry 'first,' the new Grand Turk Cruise Center now has its own FM radio station that began broadcasting on Friday, May 12, 2006, in conjunction with the official opening of the new facility.
Located on 97.1 FM, GT Cruise FM will offer a mix of Caribbean music and news and information on Grand Turk and the new $42-million cruise facility.
In addition to popular Caribbean tunes, the station will offer weather updates, information on shore excursion opportunities and overview of the rich history of the island.
Reception is available through any FM radio and portable headset radios will be available for purchase by cruise guests at the Grand Turk Cruise Center.
Operation of the radio station is limited to those times during which cruise ships are in port and the signal is broadcast within the Grand Turk Cruise Center and the surrounding area.
Grand Turk Cruise Center
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