Carnival Reroutes Select 2025 Sailings to Amber Cove Instead of Grand Turk

Carnival Cruise Line has announced changes to select 2025 itineraries on its Carnival Venezia and Mardi Gras vessels, replacing scheduled visits to Grand Turk in the Turks and Caicos with calls at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. The affected sailings include the May 11, May 26, and June 9, 2025, departures of Carnival Venezia, as well as Mardi Gras on June 7, 2025. Along with swapping port calls, some sailings will see minor adjustments to port days and timings.

Port Changes and Passenger Compensation

These itinerary revisions affect a range of Caribbean voyages departing from New York City and Port Canaveral. Carnival Venezia’s altered schedules include longer nine to eleven-night sailings, along with its repositioning cruise from Port Canaveral, while Mardi Gras’s modified route retains its original stops in Oranjestad, Aruba, and Willemstad, Curaçao.

In a statement sent to booked passengers, Carnival acknowledged the late changes and extended a 50 US dollar per stateroom onboard credit as compensation. Guests with pre-purchased shore excursions for Grand Turk will receive automatic refunds, and existing excursions will be adapted for Amber Cove.

Amber Cove: A New Destination for Relaxation and Exploration

Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic is a popular private cruise port known for its wide variety of amenities. Visitors can enjoy a scenic pool area with a swim-up bar and nearby activities such as zip-lining. Traditional Dominican cuisine, along with local craft and duty-free shopping, adds to the port’s appeal.

Beyond the port complex, travelers can explore the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua or discover Puerto Plata’s colonial architecture and historical offerings. Carnival underscores these attractions as suitable alternatives for those disappointed by missing Grand Turk.

Speculations and Broader Context

Carnival has not disclosed a specific reason for removing Grand Turk from these itineraries, but observers point to possible factors like safety advisories, port congestion, or operational considerations. Cruise lines commonly modify schedules based on weather, logistics, or refining the onboard experience.

These new adjustments follow similar route changes with other Carnival ships, such as Carnival Vista, potentially signaling a broader operational strategy. While the last-minute nature of these decisions can unsettle travelers, Carnival maintains that the revised ports will continue to offer fulfilling excursions and experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Carnival replacing Grand Turk with Amber Cove on select itineraries?

Carnival has not offered an official explanation. Industry speculation cites factors like safety reviews, port congestion, or overall logistical changes.

What compensation is Carnival offering to affected passengers?

The cruise line provides a 50 US dollar onboard credit per stateroom, automatically refunds canceled shore excursions, and adjusts pre-purchased tours for Amber Cove.

What activities are available at Amber Cove?

Amber Cove features a large pool area, swim-up bar, local shopping, zip-lining, and easy access to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, as well as Puerto Plata’s historic district.

Will further itinerary changes be announced for Carnival’s ships?

No additional changes have been publicized so far. Carnival monitors factors like weather, safety, and guest satisfaction, so modifications could be made in the future.

As Carnival refines its offerings, these adjustments illustrate the flexibility required in cruise planning, where multiple variables can alter final routes. Despite the changes, Amber Cove’s numerous attractions may continue to satisfy passengers, and the port swap is not expected to diminish Carnival’s leading position in the regional cruise market.