Grand Turk Question

[Krazy Kruizers]

For a few cruises, we missed Grand Turk because of winds -- there is just a small opening in the reef for ships to get through to the docks.

We have done a couple of tours there.

The area is very nice with ordinary shops. But the pool area is nice.

We have been there when another ship was there. We have been fortunate to arrive there a few hours before the other ship and it was nice to be able to roam around without a crowd. But once the other ship arrived, we went back to our ship.

[Krazy Kruizers]

On our recent cruise, HAL had 2 tables set up on the pier with towels. They took cabin numbers. First time we have ever had to do this on a HAL ship.

The cost for not returning beach towels -- $20 per towel.

[Thebes]

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.

 

Thanks for explaining. This indeed helps making the decision.

[CRUZBUDS]

Here is a shot of the Zuiderdam from the beach in front of Jack's Shack

 

 

 

Here is the Jerk Chicken --- it was fantastic!

 

[startwin]

Here is a shot of the Zuiderdam from the beach in front of Jack's Shack

 

 

 

Here is the Jerk Chicken --- it was fantastic!

 

 

 

And the great thing about Jack's Shack is you can pick up the free wifi from the deck of the ship, or from your balcony.:D

[sail7seas]

I've tried to get a signal on our balcony and never succeed. I know other people have connected but I haven't been lucky.

 

The photos are nice...... thanks for sharing. :)

[zackiedawg]

If you're willing to be a little more 'left field', I'd encourage you to just take a walk up to Cockburn Town. Admittedly there isn't much on the island touristy to see...but the island is very safe, very low population, very small, basically impossible to get lost, and there are some nice hidden gems to see - very neat bird life, nice beaches, some neat atmospheric little huts and houses, the inner salt ponds...it's a peaceful and safe island to walk on...and for me, great to get as far away from the manufactured cruise port area. I was just there for the second time a few weeks ago, and I just got off the ship, got out of the port building, turned left on the main road, and walked the 4 miles or so to town. Along the way, I saw flamingoes, ruddy turnstones, kingfishers, swallows, grosbeaks, reddish herons, great blue herons, egrets, stilts, white-cheeked pintails, and sandpipers. I found 5 or 6 different beach access trails onto Governor's Beach a few miles from any tourists, or in fact from anyone at all - the beach was completely to myself. I walked through some nice quiet neighborhoods, greeted and handfed wild horses, and finally ended up in town which is very small, with just a few shops and bars - and if you're not up for the long walk back, $5 taxis back to the port.

 

Just for a slightly different, off the beaten path, tour of the island:

 

 

 

 

[Thebes]

Thanks zackiedawg. I enjoyed you pics.

[shrimp56]

Great thread as we hope to be there in December.

[headhunterke]

I hope you get there. On our last cruise, last November, Grand Turk was cancelled because of high winds. According to one of the officers, there's a narrow passage for entering Grand Turk, and the port is cancelled regularly during winter. But if you make it there, it's a wonderful place.

[shrimp56]

We made it to Grand Turk on the Zuiderdam Christmas cruise. The only other ship in town was Maasdam. It is set up for tourists for sure! And they do a nice job of keeping you happy and safe.