Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Great Stirrup Cay. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 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. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. 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. 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; We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Happy Cruising!! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. 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. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. 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. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. 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. Yes, but only a little bit. 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. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. . If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. 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! Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. 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. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Try. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. 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. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. 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. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. You have entered an incorrect email address! It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Get ready to have a blast. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. 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). These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. 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. Didnt notice. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Jump to content. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. You'll have your choice of 22 Cabanas on the Cay: 10 large cabanas situated on Cabana Beach, next to the main beach area, and which can fit up to eight people; and 12 small cabanas, accommodating up to six people each on Fiesta Beach. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Find a Cruise. There are a number of things you can do. 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. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Or am I missing something? If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Most hotels are fully refundable. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Beach wheelchairs are available on request. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Manage Settings On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! 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. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Any details would be appreciated. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Prices have been skyrocked. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. What is included there? They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. All three lines are owned by the . Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. 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). Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. 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. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. 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. Share So what can you expect from your visit? If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. 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. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. 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. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. 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. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well.
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