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. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. 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. Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. Great Stirrup Cay. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Manage Settings and the experience lasts about an hour. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. This video shows off the various. 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. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. 9. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. 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 . Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? 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. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. 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? Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. 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. The water there is about waist height. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Find a Cruise. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Best of all, they are free. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. They are two different islands. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Great Stirrup Cay - Wikipedia Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. 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. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? . The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. 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. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. 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. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. 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. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island when it was acquired back in the 1970's, but it has come a long way since then. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Great questions, Courtney! Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. So there you have it! However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. 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. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. I believe that there is not, but not sure. My thoughts? Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Buffet: Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. I love the idea of a private island. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. 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. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Prices have been skyrocked. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover 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. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. 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. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube 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. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. 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. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). 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. Didnt notice. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. 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). Yes! First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. 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. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. until the early 19th century. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. 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. 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. 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 journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Let me know in the comments below! 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. 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. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. 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. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? 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. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Im so glad youre here! As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup 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 alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. 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. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. 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. 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. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) 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. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. 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. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. 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. 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). 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. 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. 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. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . U.S. dollars are accepted. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. 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. 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!