Cruise itinerary changes can happen for a number of reasons — from poor weather conditions and safety concerns to port scheduling conflicts and construction work.
But no matter what the reason, itinerary changes are usually disappointing news for passengers, especially for those who book a certain cruise specifically for the ports the ship will visit.
Related: US updates serious travel warning for frequent cruise destination
When a cruise port is removed from an itinerary without any explanation, it can also lead to unfounded rumors and speculations about the port’s safety for travelers.
Carnival Cruise Line just caused this kind of stir among cruisers when it removed one sought-after Caribbean destination from multiple cruise itineraries without providing a reason for the change. The impacted cruises include several sailings between now and June aboard three ships — Carnival Vista, Carnival Venezia, and Carnival Mardi Gras.
On each of the cruises, Carnival has replaced Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos with Amber Cove, Carnival’s private destination located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic near Puerto Plata.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise.
Amber Cove is a 25-acre cruise port on the Dominican Republic’s Bay of Maimón.
Image source: Carnival Corp.
Carnival cancels upcoming visits to Grand Turk for operational reasons
The decision to divert these ships from Grand Turk to Amber Cove was made for operational reasons, according to Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald, who received a number of questions about the port cancellations on his popular Facebook page.
“I really don’t want people to think there is anything that they should be concerned about,” Heald replied to one passenger who wrote to him about the change. “It’s just operational, but [what] I can definitely say is the [fun is] waiting for you, the crew will give you the best of times and Amber Cove really is a fabulous place.”
Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares blunt words on controversial practice
One thing that does concern some travelers about visiting Grand Turk is the U.S. State Department’s recently updated Level 2 travel advisory for Turks and Caicos, which alerts travelers to exercise increased caution in the popular Caribbean islands.
Turks and Caicos strictly enforces its firearm regulations, which outlaw firearms and ammunition, including single bullets brought by mistake in carry-on bags through cruise port security checkpoints. Last year, one Royal Caribbean passenger was detained for weeks for unknowingly bringing ammunition to Grand Turk.
To be clear, Carnival is not canceling all stops at Grand Turk, only certain calls due to operational reasons that are unrelated to the country’s travel warning.
Carnival promises passengers an enjoyable time in Amber Cove
As some Carnival cruisers consider how losing a visit to Grand Turk will change their vacation experiences, they have questions about Amber Cove. One passenger wrote to the cruise line’s brand ambassador with concerns that popular excursions in Amber Cove might already be booked for the soon-approaching date of their visit.
“Hi John, we are cruising on the Venezia on May 11. I know that Grand Turk is changed to Amber Cove. I’m wondering if any excursions will become available,” Linda Martin-Ellinwood wrote. “We are extremely disappointed because we had reserved a cabana by the pool and now with Mardi Gras already scheduled for Amber Cove for months, I am assuming excursions like cabanas are not available.”
More Carnival cruise news:
Carnival Cruise Line embraces poolside entertainment change ideaCarnival Cruise Line shares key passport news travelers needCarnival Cruise Line shares strict ban passengers must follow
Heald assured the concerned cruiser that Amber Cove add-on activities would soon be available for passengers to book.
“Thank you, they will become available very soon, so starting early next week, please check and you should see them there,” Heald replied. “Thank you, I do understand your disappointment. I really do. However, Amber Cove is beautiful. I’m sure you’re going to love it and I’m absolutely positive you are going to have a wonderful cruise.”
Carnival Cruise Line is providing passengers booked on the impacted cruises with an onboard credit for $50 per stateroom in appreciation for their understanding about the unexpected changes.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
