Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Cruise News: Giant Humpback Whales Greet Visitors to Grand Turk Cruise Center

It seems like there’s always something new at the Grand Turk Cruise Center (GTCC). The last time we visited there we were among the first to view a unique exhibit that commemorates the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Mercury space program and the historic 1962 splashdown of the Friendship 7 capsule off the coast of Grand Turk. And now there’s another brand-new attraction. Visitors to the Grand Turk Cruise Center are greeted by a whale of a sculpture—a pair of humpback whales that is, which are perched at the shoreline of the facility’s 800-foot-long private beach.

Created by California-based Storyland Studios, the massive 12-foot-high by 38-foot-long sculpture depicts two whales “breaching” through the powdery white sand, providing a playful backdrop as guests relax on the beach or frolic in the soothing aquamarine waters. Adjacent to the sculpture is signage that offers a variety of interesting whale facts, along with photos of these majestic and mysterious creatures.

The sculpture is the latest addition to the GTCC facility which recently debuted the free Splashdown Grand Turk attraction that I mentioned above (you can “tour” that exhibit virtually here on the Cruise Diva Blog).

Opened by Carnival Corporation in 2006, the Grand Turk Cruise Center serves as a gateway to this unique destination and encompasses a state-of-the-art pier and an 18-acre complex offering a variety of shops and restaurants. The 2012 cruise season will include 285 ship calls bringing 675,000 visitors to the island. For more information, visit Grand Turk Cruise Center online.

Photo Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines

3 comments:

Avalon Waterways said...

Wow I love this sculpture!

Teresa Wagner said...

I am so delighted to see this photo. Do you by chance know who created this gorgeous set of sculptures? I'd love one for my back yard.

Thank you!

Linda Coffman, AKA Cruise Diva said...

Teresa, the sculptures were created by California-based Storyland Studios. I don't know how to contact them, but you might find them through a Google search online.