Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. 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! You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. 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. 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. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All excursions are booked through NCL. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. 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. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. 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. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! 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. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. All three lines are owned by the . Share The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. 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. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Best of all, they are free. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. 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. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. 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. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. 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. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. I love the idea of a private island. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! Manage Settings 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. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. The climate in Great Stirrup Cay is rainy and more humid in the summer (May to October) with 3.5 inches of rainfall per month. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Really interesting. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! 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. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? 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. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Thanks for stopping by! We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? 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. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Jump to content. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) 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. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. . There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. 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. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. 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. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Find a Cruise. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. 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. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. So what can you expect from your visit? One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Great questions, Courtney! You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. 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. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Chairs are free. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Hope to visit it one day. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. 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). Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. 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. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. 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. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1977, Great Stirrup Cay is located about 62 miles from Nassau, the Bahamian capital on the island of New Providence. 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. What all is there to do? Im so glad youre here! However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. 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 . Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. 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. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). And theyre usually a lot less crowded! You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. were changing far more frequently. Try. 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. (which we all need to do more! I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Great Stirrup Cay is an . Remember to wear good water shoes, however. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. 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. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. 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. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. 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. 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. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. 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. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. So there you have it! Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. 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. 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. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. 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. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Yes, but only a little bit. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand.