The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). What is included there? Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Snorkeling equipment is also provided. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Great questions, Courtney! This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? 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. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. 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. 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. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. There are a number of things you can do. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesnt seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. 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. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. ), Pam, I completely agree. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Amenities are the same. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? GitHub export from English Wikipedia. The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. All three lines are owned by the . Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. 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. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? All excursions are booked through NCL. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. 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). This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. The island is a little unique in that you dont have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. This reduces unnecessary delays. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). . Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 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. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. 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. 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. This service is generally at . Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. 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. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. 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. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. My husband and I are snorkelers. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. What all is there to do? (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Manage Settings Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. 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. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Cabana No. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. 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 . Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. 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. Get ready to have a blast. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! I love the idea of a private island. This such a rip off from NCL. So what can you expect from your visit? Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize.