Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Want to really get away from the crowds? Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. All three lines are owned by the . Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. Find a Cruise. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. ), Pam, I completely agree. Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. Norwegian Cruise Line Internet Packages and Prices, Club Orange, Holland America's Priority Program, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Large Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Private Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. The water there is about waist height. Yes, but only a little bit. What did you think of the island? The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. and the experience lasts about an hour. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. Yes! Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. There are a number of things you can do. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Food Truck/Abaco Taco: There are two other spots on the island Abaco Taco (a build your own taco bar) and a food truck called Tropic Like Its Hot (pictured above) serving up some dishes that you wont find anywhere else on Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay. Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. My husband and I are snorkelers. Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. Try. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. On Norwegian cruise ships, guests looking for luxury have The Haven an exclusive part of the ship that separate from the rest of their guests. In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1977, Great Stirrup Cay is located about 62 miles from Nassau, the Bahamian capital on the island of New Providence. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Those who have paid to enjoy the Silver Cove experience have their own exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar with an upscale buffet including lobster tail and jumbo shrimp. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Behind the cabana, you'll find four floating mats for complimentary all-day use in the ocean and a private shower to rinse off, as well as your very own hammock. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. Get ready to have a blast. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. What all is there to do? On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below). Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Ive never heard of this place before! As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? What is included there? Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. You have entered an incorrect email address! Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water.