<p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">The Grand Turk Cruise Center &ndash; closed since the passing of Hurricane Ike last month &ndash; today welcomed its first cruise ship, the 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny.<span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Carnival Destiny guests had an opportunity to swim in the facility&rsquo;s massive swimming pool, relax on an 800-foot-long private beach, and dine at the on-site Margaritaville restaurant and lounge.<span>&nbsp; </span>The facility&rsquo;s various shops were open, as well.<span>&nbsp; </span></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Numerous shore excursions were also available, including Gibbs Key tour, dune buggy rentals, swimming with horses, and fishing and snorkeling expeditions.<span>&nbsp; </span>The previously offered hop on/hop off bus tour is currently operating as a post-hurricane island tour.<span>&nbsp; </span>Guests are charged a nominal fee for the tour and provided with a pledge card should they wish to donate to the United Way&rsquo;s Grand Turk hurricane relief fund.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Shipboard employees are also participating in a beach clean-up initiative to assist in the island&rsquo;s recovery.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">The $60 million Grand Turk Cruise Center opened in 2006 and has become one of the cruise industry&rsquo;s most popular Caribbean cruise destinations.<span>&nbsp; </span>The 13-acre facility serves as a gateway to the pristine island of Grand Turk, which in addition to magnificent beaches, is world renowned for diving, snorkeling, fishing and other watersports.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman"></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0px" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman">Princess Cruises&rsquo; Crown Princess is the next cruise ship to call at the Grand Turk Cruise Center on Oct. 10.</span></span></p>