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With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Im so glad youre here! Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. 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. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . 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. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. 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're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. were changing far more frequently. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. 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). SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Manage Settings To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. I love the idea of a private island. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. The same $15 per drink limit applies. There are a number of things you can do. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. 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. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Ive never heard of this place before! Because flexibility matters. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Prices have been skyrocked. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. 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. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. 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. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. 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. On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! 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. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. 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. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. All Rights Reserved. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! 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. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. 23K views 6 months ago Join the legend and molly as they show you around great stirrup cay which is norwegian cruise line's private island in the bahamas. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. 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. 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. 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. U.S. dollars are accepted. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Or am I missing something? Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Best of all, they are free. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Yes! Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Jump to content. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What's Not Included With a Great Stirrup Cay Cabana Rental, How to Book a Cabana on Great Stirrup Cay, What to Expect on a Cruise: Drink Packages on Cruises, 11 Reasons to Take Your Family on a P&O Cruise, Half Moon Cay vs. CocoCay: What These Cruise Line Private Islands Offer Cruisers, Harvest Caye Cabanas: 8 Reasons They're Worth a Splurge. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Yes, but only a little bit. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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. 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. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Try. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. 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 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. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Cabana No. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Didn't book early enough? Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL 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. 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. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. 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). Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Yes! Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. 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. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. 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. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. 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. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. 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. 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). The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Meals are cooked to order. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Will keep an eye out next time! There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. So what can you expect from your visit? During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) 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. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Happy Cruising!! The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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.