That Was Quick! Turks & Caicos Cruise Port Scheduled Reopening

Carnival Corporation today announced the expected date to reopen the Turks & Caicos Cruise Port, with the first cruise ship call scheduled for October 8 with the Carnival Destiny.

This quick a reopening isn't unprecidented, as Cozumel re-opened in approximately the same amount of time after Category 5 Wilma slammed over the island 3 years ago. And I expect the reason for the quick reopening is for the same reason - the island desperately needs the income cruisers bring.

"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. In addition to its existing staff on the island, Carnival Corp. & plc will bring in a number of additional skilled workers who will not only repair the cruise center complex, but 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 rebuild its cruise-focused tourism. Bringing tourists back to the island as quickly as possible will play a major role in driving the island's overall recovery," said Israel.

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% of non-government jobs in Grand Turk.

Carnival Corporation & plc will also be providing 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.