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. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. All three lines are owned by the . The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! A specialty cabana menu is available featuring items such as a charcuterie platter, a seafood platter with chilled shrimp and lobster, sushi, as well as beer, wine and bottle service. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. 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. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com Prices have been skyrocked. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. 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. 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. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Manage Settings 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? The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. 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. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Thanks for stopping by! 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. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's 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. 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. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain per month. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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). This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. All excursions are booked through NCL. were changing far more frequently. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. 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. 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. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! 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. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. I believe that there is not, but not sure. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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. 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. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. 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. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. 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. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. 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! Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. All Rights Reserved. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. and the experience lasts about an hour. 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). This reduces unnecessary delays. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? There are a number of things you can do. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! 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. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Because flexibility matters. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. 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). (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them.

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