Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 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. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). 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. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. . Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Or am I missing something? You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Any details would be appreciated. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. 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. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Cabana No. 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. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. 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. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Visitors should note that current construction underway at the far end of the island near the lagoon is creating some noise and dust, so keep that in mind when selecting your cabana. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. 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. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. 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. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Yes, but only a little bit. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 25+ Fun Must-Do Things on a Norwegian Cruise, 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston, Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . And theyre usually a lot less crowded! The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Jump to content. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. The .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}cabanas are open-air style with an open wall facing the beach and windows on each side. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. 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. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Umbrellas can be rented. If its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. She uses her personal journals and memories to write about her many cruise experiences around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, trans-Atlantic, Norwegian Fjords, Panama Canal and South America including Cape Horn. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Great Stirrup Cay. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Manage Settings 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. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining. NCL appears to be going more for a "luxury resort feel" plus great beach options - when the additions of a pool and actual resort features plus the pier do (hopefully) materialize, it will be interesting to compare the two islands and their 180 degree different approach to private island excursions. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? 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. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. 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. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Each cabana now has. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. My husband and I are snorkelers. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Because flexibility matters. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. Let me know in the comments below! Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. What did you think of the island? There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Dont forget to check out these resources before your Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line: Have you visited Great Stirrup Cay on a Norwegian cruise? For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. Book snorkel equipment from Susans Rock Snorkel Center for the day ($30 for adults and $15 for children) and snorkel at this beautiful spot as much as you want. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. You'll have your choice of 22 Cabanas on the Cay: 10 large cabanas situated on Cabana Beach, next to the main beach area, and which can fit up to eight people; and 12 small cabanas, accommodating up to six people each on Fiesta Beach. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Weve put together everything to know about the island. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. were changing far more frequently. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect .
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