Grand Turk Cruise Center Scheduled to Reopen on October 8

The Grand Turk Cruise Center, which is operated by Miami-based Carnival Corp. on the island of Grand Turk, has scheduled an Oct. 8 re-opening date, following the passage of Hurricane Ike. An engineering survey has confirmed that no damage was sustained to the cruise ship pier, which can accommodate up to two ships at one time. Minimal damage occurred to the facility’s retail and restaurant complex.

“We believe we can complete repairs to the cruise center within a 30-day period and bring cruise ships back to Grand Turk,” said Giora Israel, Carnival’s vice president of strategic planning and port development. Israel added that returning cruise ships quickly will provide economic benefits to Grand Turk while the island moves forward with its recovery efforts.

In addition to its existing staff on the island, Carnival Corp. will bring in additional skilled workers who will be housed and fed by the company. Those individuals will repair the cruise center complex, and also assist in the repair of some of the island’s key attractions. “We will be investing millions of dollars in the coming months to help Grand Turk quickly re-build its cruise-focused tourism,” Israel said. “Bringing tourists back to the island as quickly as possible will play a major role in driving the island’s overall recovery.”

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is the largest private employer on the island, and the cruise center staff, combined with shore excursion operators, comprises approximately 80 percent of non-government jobs in Grand Turk. Carnival Corp. will also provide financial and logistical assistance to shore excursion operators to enable them to resume their businesses. Cruise passengers and crew members will be provided the opportunity to participate in volunteer-oriented excursions for those who wish to assist in the island’s recovery effort.