Sunday, May 11, 2025
Carnival Cruise Line has announced changes to several of its 2025 itineraries, affecting voyages aboard the Carnival Venezia and Mardi Gras. The company is replacing the originally planned stop in Grand Turk with a visit to Amber Cove, a port located in the Dominican Republic. This modification is part of Carnival’s ongoing efforts to offer guests a more diverse range of destinations, while maintaining its commitment to delivering exceptional cruise experiences. While some travelers may be disappointed by the removal of Grand Turk, Amber Cove offers a blend of tropical beauty, thrilling activities, and cultural attractions that are sure to captivate all passengers.
The affected sailings include the Carnival Venezia cruises on May 11, May 26, and June 9, 2025, as well as the Mardi Gras cruise on June 7, 2025. Although the primary change involves the substitution of Grand Turk with Amber Cove, the overall duration of these cruises remains the same. Minor changes may occur to the schedule at Amber Cove or other stops on the itineraries, but guests can still expect an unforgettable vacation experience, with the added bonus of exploring a new and exciting destination.
Amber Cove has quickly become a popular port of call in the Caribbean, offering visitors an array of experiences ranging from high-energy excursions to tranquil days spent by the water. Known for its stunning beaches, lush jungles, and picturesque landscapes, Amber Cove is an ideal destination for anyone seeking adventure or relaxation. Travelers can enjoy activities such as zip-lining through dense forests, hiking to breathtaking viewpoints, or visiting scenic waterfalls. For those looking to unwind, the beaches provide a perfect setting to relax in the sun and enjoy the serene environment. With such a diverse range of attractions, Amber Cove serves as an exciting and fulfilling alternative to Grand Turk.
Carnival Cruise Line has worked to ensure that guests who had already booked shore excursions for Grand Turk are not inconvenienced by this change. Shore excursions that were previously arranged for Grand Turk will be automatically adjusted to the new destination, Amber Cove. Guests whose excursions are no longer available due to the port change will receive a full refund to their original method of payment. This proactive approach ensures that passengers continue to have access to the experiences they had originally planned, while making the transition to the new port as seamless as possible.
For the Carnival Venezia, which departs from New York City, the revised itinerary will now include Amber Cove in place of Grand Turk during its Caribbean voyages, which typically last between nine and eleven nights. This adjustment also affects the ship’s repositioning cruise from Port Canaveral to New York, giving travelers an opportunity to explore Amber Cove as part of this journey. The change introduces guests to a destination that offers both relaxation and excitement, with plenty of activities to satisfy all types of travelers.
Similarly, the Mardi Gras, which departs from Port Canaveral, had planned to visit Grand Turk on its eight-night Southern Caribbean cruise on June 7, 2025. Instead, Amber Cove will now be included on the itinerary, providing guests with an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. Whether they’re looking to engage in thrilling excursions or simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery, Amber Cove offers something for everyone.
This decision to replace Grand Turk with Amber Cove is part of Carnival’s ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings and ensure that its guests have access to fresh and exciting destinations. While itinerary changes can occasionally cause disruptions, Carnival’s swift actions to adjust shore excursions and offer refunds for affected tours demonstrate the company’s commitment to guest satisfaction. By choosing to introduce Amber Cove as a new port of call, Carnival is providing travelers with the chance to experience a less-explored but equally captivating destination in the Caribbean.
Both the Carnival Venezia and Mardi Gras are part of the Excel-class fleet, which is known for its modern features, exceptional amenities, and a variety of onboard entertainment options. These ships boast thrilling water slides, Broadway-style shows, diverse dining experiences, and more, ensuring that guests have a fun and memorable time while cruising. The addition of Amber Cove to the itineraries of these ships only enhances the cruise experience, offering an exciting new destination for guests to enjoy.
In conclusion, Carnival Cruise Line has made the decision to replace Grand Turk with Amber Cove on several of its 2025 itineraries, providing passengers with an exciting opportunity to visit a dynamic and beautiful Caribbean destination. Known for its mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences, Amber Cove will offer a diverse range of activities that will appeal to a wide range of guests. With the company’s thoughtful approach to adjusting shore excursions and offering refunds where necessary, passengers will experience minimal disruption, and the inclusion of Amber Cove promises to be a highlight of their cruise experience.
