Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Theres plenty more to do on Great 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from 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. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Continue with Recommended Cookies. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. 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. 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. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Try. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. 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. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Most hotels are fully refundable. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. 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? This service is generally at . 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. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). If its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. 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. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! 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! This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. 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. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Yes! Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Because flexibility matters. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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. 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. Those who have paid to enjoy the Silver Cove experience have their own exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar with an upscale buffet including lobster tail and jumbo shrimp. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Hope to visit it one day. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. 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). Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. All three lines are owned by the . 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. 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. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. 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. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. 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. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. 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. Cabana No. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? 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; Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. 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. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. 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. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. You'll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. ), Pam, I completely agree. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. 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. There are a number of things you can do. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. 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. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? 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. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. 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. Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Great questions, Courtney! On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. 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. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. 9. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. U.S. dollars are accepted. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Hugely disappointed with this line. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. This such a rip off from NCL. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. 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 . The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. were changing far more frequently. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. 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). But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Find a Cruise. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. 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.