Grand Turk Cruise Center hosts first ship!

[M.S JAZO]

Grand Turk Cruise Center hosts first ship

26/2/2006

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.’