Key Aspects:
- Jack’s Shack, which is a popular dining venue on Grand Turk, is undergoing an expansion.
- Initial photos of the expansion have been released, but additional details about everything the expansion entails and when it will be completed are still unknown.
- Even while growing, Jack’s Shack remains committed to providing the unique experience and atmosphere that cruise guests know and love.
If you’ve been lucky enough to visit Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, you can likely still fondly recall the amazing vibes, smell, and taste at Jack’s Shack.
As one of the most popular dining venues and bars at the Eastern Caribbean cruise port, the restaurant is making moves to expand.
It’s unclear at this time exactly when the expansion will be complete and what it entails.
So far, Jack’s Shack has shared photos of what looks like expanded deck space with ocean views where even more cruisers can enjoy a drink or one of the venue’s specialties, such as the famous jerk chicken or the to-die-for conch fritters.
“Exciting news! As some of you may have already noticed, Jack’s Shack is expanding! More space, more fun, and even more ways to enjoy the ultimate island experience,” the restaurant teased on Facebook.
Thankfully for cruisers sailing to the port in the near future, there have been no reports of the beachfront hot spot closing during the expansion process.
Grand Turk welcomed more than 1 million cruise guests in 2024, many of whom saw Jack’s Shack as a must-do.
Before the end of July 2025, thousands more will be coming from ships belonging to Carnival Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Princess Cruises, and Royal Caribbean.
All interested (and hungry) guests will need to do in order to find the restaurant is to take a 10-minute walk along the beach from the Grand Turk Cruise Center or rent a golf cart to zoom over.
Reservations can be made up to two months in advance, but they are not required.
Jack’s Shack Pledges to Remain Authentic
Many cruisers were excited to hear that Jack’s Shack is growing and thought that the refurbishment was looking quite good.
“We saw the construction going on last month and can’t wait to see the finished product. Jack’s getting bigger and better,” one past diner expressed.
Meanwhile, others worried that the venue would lose the original atmosphere that made it special.
“Don’t get me wrong, awesome work and I get it expanding, but losing the original vibe stinks. Please don’t turn into Margaritaville. Jack and company would even play rock music,” one fan replied to the news.
“I miss the OLD Tiki Bar and few tables from many, many years ago. Now that was a true island experience,” another former visitor agreed.
Read Also: Grand Turk Cruise Port: Pier, Facilities and What’s Nearby
But fans of the venue who are on the fence about the expansion can take solace in knowing that management is committed to maintaining the restaurant’s unique character and atmosphere.
“Thanks for your feedback as we step into this new phase. We all know how much the old shack meant to us—the cozy charm, the good times, and the simple joy of hanging out in that special tiki,” Jack’s Shack shared in a subsequent social media post.
“As our community grows, we knew it was time to expand and welcome even more incredible people. But don’t worry—while we’ve added more space, we’re keeping that same energy and beachy-vacation vibe we all love,” the post continued.
Guests will still be able to enjoy the drinks and food they know and love and reunite with their favorite “crew members” – just in a revamped space.
