Or am I missing something? This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. 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. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. 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. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Hugely disappointed with this line. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. So what can you expect from your visit? 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. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. 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. Prices have been skyrocked. 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). 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. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! 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. The .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}cabanas are open-air style with an open wall facing the beach and windows on each side. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: 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. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. 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. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. 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. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. ), Pam, I completely agree. 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. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. You have entered an incorrect email address! Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Let us know in the comments below. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 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. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. All Rights Reserved. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. until the early 19th century. . Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? 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. Read on to discover everything you need to know about 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. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Great Stirrup Cay. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? 23K views 6 months ago Join the legend and molly as they show you around great stirrup cay which is norwegian cruise line's private island in the bahamas. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. 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? 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. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. 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. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. 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 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. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. 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. Meals are cooked to order. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. 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. Happy Cruising!! Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Get ready to have a blast. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. 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. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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. 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. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. 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. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. 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. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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.. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. What did you think of the island? Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Didnt notice. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. This applies even at Tender ports. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. 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. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Share On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. 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. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. 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. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." All excursions are booked through NCL. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. 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. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. 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. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. 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. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. 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. 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. 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. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Each cabana now has. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level.
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