Grand Turk Question

[CherryG]

We leave this weekend for our first HA cruise. The first stop is on Grand Turk and from what I see on the internet, it looks like a great relaxing place to spend some time in the sun. My question for those that have been there before is this - my husband will be diving that morning, so I'm on my own. I'm a little worried about getting off a ship on a strange island and being alone for most of the time we're there. Am I being silly, or what? Normally I'm pretty self sufficient, but I'm a little apprehensive this time. Comments?? Thanks.:confused:

[kazu]

We leave this weekend for our first HA cruise. The first stop is on Grand Turk and from what I see on the internet, it looks like a great relaxing place to spend some time in the sun. My question for those that have been there before is this - my husband will be diving that morning, so I'm on my own. I'm a little worried about getting off a ship on a strange island and being alone for most of the time we're there. Am I being silly, or what? Normally I'm pretty self sufficient, but I'm a little apprehensive this time. Comments?? Thanks.:confused:

 

No worries at all - if you like the sun - there is beach right next to the dock and just a few steps away Margueritiville. It's basically a Carnival made spot so very safe and you will be fine.

 

Nice pool and chairs if you are so inclined. your husband can find you there or you can meet him back on the ship. You will be fine - honest.:D

[sallycruiser06]

We leave this weekend for our first HA cruise. The first stop is on Grand Turk and from what I see on the internet, it looks like a great relaxing place to spend some time in the sun. My question for those that have been there before is this - my husband will be diving that morning, so I'm on my own. I'm a little worried about getting off a ship on a strange island and being alone for most of the time we're there. Am I being silly, or what? Normally I'm pretty self sufficient, but I'm a little apprehensive this time. Comments?? Thanks.:confused:

 

Do not think you should be concerned. There is a nice area at the port...with a pool ,shops and a nice beach area with loungers. Not much to see on the island unless you are diving or snorkeling. I would just stay at the port and enjoy the sun. The port is secure so it is very safe.

[sapper1]

We leave this weekend for our first HA cruise. The first stop is on Grand Turk and from what I see on the internet, it looks like a great relaxing place to spend some time in the sun. My question for those that have been there before is this - my husband will be diving that morning, so I'm on my own. I'm a little worried about getting off a ship on a strange island and being alone for most of the time we're there. Am I being silly, or what? Normally I'm pretty self sufficient, but I'm a little apprehensive this time. Comments?? Thanks.:confused:

 

No problem. The cruise centre at Grand Turk is tailor made for you. There is a beautiful beach right beside the pier, a shopping village and there is a Margarittaville just off the pier behind the beach. It has a beautiful pool which is free for cruise ship passengers to use. This area was purpose built by Carnival and is very safe.

[sail7seas]

You will be absolutely safe leaving the ship, walking down the dock and being immediately in the Carnival, cruise line created, shopping/pool area. Browse the shops in complete safety and stroll the few steps to the pool area. You are never out of very close sight/reach of the ship. There is no charge to use any of the lounges, staff on the island will bring you drinks (for which there is a charge) and they roam the pool area asking if you want food or drink.

 

When ready, you are a short, easy stroll back to the ship.

Remember to bring a towel from the gangway as there are none on the island.

[Thebes]

Do not think you should be concerned. There is a nice area at the port...with a pool ,shops and a nice beach area with loungers. Not much to see on the island unless you are diving or snorkeling. I would just stay at the port and enjoy the sun. The port is secure so it is very safe.

 

How about taking a ship shorex ?

What does everyone think of the 2 hr ATV excursion to see the island ?

[aliaschief]

Directly off the dock is very commercial stores and Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville.

 

Down the beach; go left is the infamous Jack's Shack for drinks and jerk chicken .

 

Or there is a tram type tour that takes you around the lighthouse, ex military facilities etc.

 

Basically, the island is so small no matter where you go you will be surrounded by fellow cruisers. Just stay in the main stream and enjoy.

[OCruisers]

Totally safe place. Some people like to rent golf carts and drive around on their own.

 

LuLu

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[richwmn]

It looks like you might be on either the Westerdam (leaving Saturday) or the Eurodam (leaving Sunday). Both have roll calls going. If you post to the roll call you might find someone to accompany you on Grand Turk.

 

Westerdam Roll Call -

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1790760

 

Eurodam Roll Call -

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1792919

(has a Meet & Greet Scheduled)

[superoma]

We were there last February, never felt unsafe or out of place. You will be fine.

[innlady1]

We leave this weekend for our first HA cruise. The first stop is on Grand Turk and from what I see on the internet, it looks like a great relaxing place to spend some time in the sun. My question for those that have been there before is this - my husband will be diving that morning, so I'm on my own. I'm a little worried about getting off a ship on a strange island and being alone for most of the time we're there. Am I being silly, or what? Normally I'm pretty self sufficient, but I'm a little apprehensive this time. Comments?? Thanks.:confused:

 

Jacqui's correct...you will be absolutely fine. The port area is an area built just for the cruise ships...very protected. All you need to do is walk off the ship and head to the beach directly in front of it. There are beach chairs to enjoy...and if you want a drink or something to eat...Margaritaville is right there, too. As are the port shops.

[SparklingBlonde]

No worries at all. I did the exact same thing at Grand Turk a few years ago. My husband got off early to go diving. I had never been there before so I didn't know what to expect either. Now it's my fav place and can't wait to go back there in a few weeks!

 

All you have to do is get off the ship. Right there is some shopping (very tourist friendly) and Jimmy Buffetts Margaritaville. I just enjoyed the sun from a beach lounge chair right there in front of the ship and they will bring you food and drinks as you wish (for a fee of course). The water there is beautiful and I felt very safe. Have fun!

[sunnygidget]

Maybe silly, but here's a link for free rum at Jack's Shack:

http://www.jacksshack.tc/Rum-Tasting-Grand-Turk.php

We printed off extra's for new friends to use.

 

We also rented a golf cart with another couple we met on our roll call, never knew before and had a wonderful time. Try the roll call.

[kjw869]

Maybe silly, but here's a link for free rum at Jack's Shack:

http://www.jacksshack.tc/Rum-Tasting-Grand-Turk.php

We printed off extra's for new friends to use.

 

We also rented a golf cart with another couple we met on our roll call, never knew before and had a wonderful time. Try the roll call.

 

Jack's Shack is always loaded with cruise passengers because of their drinks and free Internet--wonderful place.

 

We always rent a car at Grand Turk at the cruise terminal. We have been all over the island and met a couple from Great Britain who work for the Turk and Caicos government on our first visit, and have seen visited them since. We feel very safe anywhere on the island.

[headhunterke]

Please skip the overrated Margaritaville and go down the beach 'the left side' when you look at Grand Turk from the ship. On that left side, you got Jack's Shack. A cool place with delish jerk chicken. If you go to the website before you sail, you might even grab a coupon ;-)

If you fancy a restaurant a little off the path, you might consider the Sandbar restaurant, next to the Manta House. It's a short cab drive away to Duke Street. You can get some pretty good food there. I haven't been there myself (was on the schedule, but Grand Turk was cancelled last cruise due to bad weather) but a friend of mine said price-quality is better than both MV & Jack's Shack.

[the2ofus]

I was just there at Grand Turk on Nov. 17th., and had also been there on another cruise. The beach area to the left of the dock as you leave the ship, is clean, easily reached by going left after you pass through the Dufry shop. Just find a vacant lounge chair, either in shade or sun as you prefer. The water is clear, the beach is clean and it was not too crowded with only Noordam in port. The beach to the right of the dock was less populated but looked like it had a lot of seaweed on it. The young woman who did my massage said she had gone there and it was quite rocky.

 

One other nice thing about the beach and shop area, you will find foot-washing stations so you don't have to walk back to the ship with sand between your toes or in your shoes. They have them at HMC also.

Edited November 27, 2013 by the2ofus
added info

[SparklingBlonde]

The left side (ships side) of the beach is nice and perfect for swimming. The right side of the beach is rocky and great for snorkeling. Last time we were there we were on a back to back with the same itinerary so we stopped there 2 times in 2 weeks. My husband did the diving the first stop and the second stop he just went to the other side of the dock and snorkeled. He said he saw more while snorkeling just on the other side of the dock than he did while diving. I remember him seeing a 6 ft nurse shock during his snorkel.

[Hlitner]

The complex off the ship is actually only operated for cruise ship passengers (it is closed when there are no ships). It is very safe, nobody will hassle you, and you can have a relaxing beach day while your hubby is off diving.

 

Hank

[Thebes]

Maybe silly, but here's a link for free rum at Jack's Shack:

http://www.jacksshack.tc/Rum-Tasting-Grand-Turk.php

We printed off extra's for new friends to use.

 

We also rented a golf cart with another couple we met on our roll call, never knew before and had a wonderful time. Try the roll call.

 

Can I ask how much did you pay for your golf cart and for how long ? We looked at the ATV excursion with the ship for 2 hrs but is a little overpriced IMO. About $80 some. And not even sure if we should keep it ( it includes a guide of course).

Edited November 27, 2013 by Thebes

[sparky-elpaso]

Nice complex of shops, etc. and very pretty beach.

 

 

Margueritaville

 

 

Turn right at the end of the dock and there's a rocky beach with some nice views.

 

[grantwilma]

We did the Segway tour a year ago. One of the highlights of our trip.

[sapper1]

Thanks for the pictures of the Margaritaville pool, Sparky. I love that place and will be returning next December. Their cabanas are a so much better all around deal than the ones at HMC. The day after they become available online we will be booked into one again for the third time.

[VioletHorse]

Can I ask how much did you pay for your golf cart and for how long ? We looked at the ATV excursion with the ship for 2 hrs but is a little overpriced IMO. About $80 some. And not even sure if we should keep it ( it includes a guide of course).

 

We did the ATV excursion several years ago, and had lots of fun.

 

The major distinction between renting golf carts independently and the ATV excursion is that the ATVs allow you some spectacular off-road beach access and views where golf carts can't go. The golf carts have to stay on paved roads. The ATV excursion is escorted which is a major plus since the tour leader showed us specific areas of interest. The ATVs go much faster than the golf carts so you can cover the entire island more quickly. The golf carts are a more laid-back experience, so it really depends on what you are looking for in terms of excitement.

[Typhoon1]

One of the best dock areas in the cruise industry. You'll dock directly next to the cruise canter which consists of beach, shops, restaurants and friendly people.

 

One of our favorite stops in the Caribbean.

[RK88]

You either love this port or you hate it,

Last week when we were there, a large carnival ship was docked next to us.

This resulted in a overcrowded beach, pool, cruise center and shops.

After 1 hour we went back to the ship.

 

If your ship is the only one in port, it could be great.