The Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) is introducing new public access guidelines starting on August 15, 2024.

According to a press release, the new policy was created to reflect the shared desire for residents to continue to enjoy the facilities as well as provide a safe and secure environment for cruise guests, GTCC employees and the Grand Turk community.

The new guidelines were jointly created by the Turks & Caicos Islands Government, the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC) and Carnival Corporation, the statement added.

“We greatly appreciate the collaborative spirit of partnership from government and cruise center leaders to provide an added layer of security at the Grand Turk Cruise Center facilities, while also allowing residents all opportunities to enjoy the beach, shopping and restaurants,” said Juan Fernandez, vice president of Carnival Corporation’s destination operations.

These guidelines aim to provide a “family-friendly atmosphere,” while maintaining the popularity of Grand Turk with cruise guests, the GTCC said.

The policy will also support local businesses and foster a welcoming and business-friendly environment for food, beverage, shore excursion, and retail partners, it added.

“The Government’s role is to ensure that those with access to the facilities at the Grand Turk Cruise Center – be they cruise passengers, tour operators, vendors, and visitors to the port – have an enjoyable experience,” said Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands.

“The Government is committed to working with the Grand Turk Cruise Center to improve service delivery so that the destination remains competitive, while ensuring safety and providing sustainable economic opportunities,” he added.

Visitors from the community will be asked to follow new guidelines and procedures to access the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC):

• During operating hours (when a ship is in port), public access to the GTCC will only be granted to individuals who obtain a one-day identification (ID) badge.
• Free of charge access will be provided via the main entrance.
• An ID badge will be issued to each individual at the GTCC’s main entrance guard gate.
• Individuals 18 years and older must present a valid form of government ID.
• Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid form of government ID.
• The ID badge will be issued by officers of the GTCC at the main entrance. Individuals who have violated the code of conduct of the GTCC will be denied entry.
• Any individual on the GTCC premises without an ID badge will be asked to leave immediately and will be referred to law enforcement.

Each individual seeking entrance must acknowledge and adhere to the Code of Conduct while at the GTCC:

• Visitors to the GTCC shall not engage in any business activities within the port. No sales or solicitation of any kind is permitted. Only tour operators approved by the GTCC, and with official tours sold by the cruise lines, can conduct business on port premises.
• No illegal activity will take place at the port. This includes but is not limited to narcotics sales or use, theft or attempted theft, assault or threats of assault.
• Visitors to the GTCC shall not interfere with work-related activities of GTCC employees or licensed tour operators in good standing with GTCC.
• Visitors to the GTCC shall not pose a public nuisance that interferes with GTCC employees, guests, or licensed tour operators. A public nuisance is defined but not limited to the obstruction of the public right of way of pedestrian passage, or any act that endangers the morals, comfort level of the public, or obstructs the enjoyment of rights common to all.
• No weapons of any kind are allowed, including but not limited to firearms or knives.
• No use of abusive, offensive, threatening language or behaviors.

Any violations of the above will result in removal from the GTCC property and revocation of the ID badge by GTCC officers, the press release explained.

Violators will also lose the ability to obtain an ID badge for a minimum of three months or longer depending on the severity of the violation.