Carnival Cruise 2025 Update: Grand Turk Replaced by Amber Cove

Carnival Cruise 2025 Update: Itinerary Changes Revealed

In an official update to its upcoming sailing schedule, Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed a change in port calls for four of its 2025 voyages. The revised routes will now feature Amber Cove—a vibrant port in the Dominican Republic—instead of the previously scheduled stop at Grand Turk. The affected ships include the Carnival Venezia and Mardi Gras, with departures spanning May to June 2025.

For cruise-focused travel agents and consolidators, this update presents an opportunity to refresh itinerary pitches while educating clients about the attractions of a lesser-known but rapidly rising destination.

Which Cruises Are Impacted?

The following 2025 sailings are confirmed to undergo the port substitution:

  • Carnival Venezia: May 11, May 26, and June 9 departures

  • Mardi Gras: June 7 departure

These itineraries will no longer include Grand Turk and instead stop at Amber Cove, a scenic harbor destination located on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. Carnival has assured that the overall duration of the cruises remains unchanged, though minor timing adjustments may occur at specific ports.

Amber Cove vs Grand Turk: What’s Changing for Travelers?

Grand Turk: A Quick Look Back

Grand Turk, located in the Turks and Caicos Islands, has long been a favorite among cruise passengers for its white-sand beaches, relaxed island vibe, and shore excursions like snorkeling and historical walking tours. Its removal may disappoint repeat cruisers familiar with the port.

Amber Cove: A Rising Star in the Caribbean

Amber Cove, in contrast, offers a blend of tropical scenery, cultural immersion, and modern port amenities. Built as a cruise-friendly hub, the port features:

  • Watersports and ziplining facilities

  • Shore excursions to Puerto Plata and nearby historical landmarks

  • Duty-free shopping and dining within the port area

  • Access to beaches, waterfalls, and Dominican cultural experiences

While not as widely known as Grand Turk, Amber Cove delivers diversity in experiences and positions itself as a strong alternative in the Caribbean cruise circuit.

Carnival Venezia Itinerary Change: What Agents Should Know

The Carnival Venezia, launched as part of Carnival’s "Fun Italian Style" experience, has become increasingly popular with Indian travel planners managing leisure groups and premium clients. With the new port of call, travel agents should:

  • Update brochures and client communication for May–June 2025 sailings

  • Emphasize Amber Cove’s family-friendly and adventure-rich appeal

  • Leverage the shift to offer new excursion packages or themed experiences

  • Reassure clients that onboard activities and cruise duration remain unchanged

Why the Shift? Carnival’s Destination Strategy

Carnival Cruise Line has indicated that the port change is part of an ongoing strategy to broaden the destination mix for its fleet. Adding Amber Cove allows the line to:

  • Diversify its Caribbean offerings

  • Navigate operational considerations at Grand Turk

  • Introduce guests to a less crowded, highly rated cruise stop in the region

For corporate travel managers organizing incentive cruises or leisure planners working with large families, this offers the opportunity to present a fresh option within familiar itineraries.

B2B Takeaways for Cruise Professionals

For travel agents managing cruise portfolios, this update is more than a route change—it’s a prompt to:

  • Revisit itinerary marketing for summer 2025 bookings

  • Adjust shore excursion catalogs to include Dominican Republic highlights

  • Brief client-facing staff on Amber Cove’s key selling points

  • Leverage the Dominican Republic’s growing popularity in the Indian outbound market

Conclusion

As Carnival Cruise Line continues refining its itinerary portfolio, the addition of Amber Cove in place of Grand Turk signals a thoughtful response to both passenger feedback and operational planning. For Indian cruise agents and consolidators, it's a valuable moment to reposition offerings, craft new selling narratives, and ensure clients are ready to explore a new Caribbean destination in 2025.

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