CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has announced modifications to select 2025 itineraries for its ships Carnival Venezia and Mardi Gras.
The primary itinerary change involves substituting the scheduled port Grand Turk Harbour with Amber Cove (Dominicana).
This adjustment affects Carnival Venezia's departures on May 11th and 26th, and June 9th (2025), and Mardi Gras' sailing on June 7th.
The decision to replace Grand Turk with Amber Cove is attributed to operational considerations. While specific reasons have not been disclosed, such changes are not uncommon in the cruise industry and can result from various factors, including port scheduling conflicts or infrastructure limitations.
Amber Cove, a 25-acre private destination operated by CCL, offers a range of amenities and excursions. Guests can enjoy a large pool with a swim-up bar, local Dominican cuisine, zip-lining, and access to nearby attractions such as the 27 Waterfalls and Puerto Plata's colonial center.
CCL has communicated these itinerary changes to affected passengers, providing a US$50 onboard credit per stateroom as a gesture of goodwill. Additionally, pre-purchased shore excursions for Grand Turk will be automatically adjusted to Amber Cove equivalents where possible, or refunded to the original form of payment if no suitable alternatives are available.
The homeported in NYC New York Carnival Venezia and the Port Canaveral/Orlando (Florida)-based Mardi Gras will maintain their overall cruise durations despite the port substitution. Minor adjustments to port arrival and departure times may occur to accommodate the new itinerary.
Passengers are advised to review their updated itineraries and excursion options through CCL's official channels to stay informed about any further changes.