Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Let us know in the comments below. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. 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. until the early 19th century. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! 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. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. 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. 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. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Want to really get away from the crowds? That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. This such a rip off from NCL. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 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. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. This applies even at Tender ports. Let me know in the comments below! Great Stirrup Cay. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. What did you think of the island? Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? U.S. dollars are accepted. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. 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. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Manage Settings You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. 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. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. 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. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. 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(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! 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. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. 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. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! 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. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Great Stirrup Cay is an . If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. ), Pam, I completely agree. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! 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. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. 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. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. 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. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. All three lines are owned by the . During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Didn't book early enough? Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. There are a number of things you can do. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Each cabana now has. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. 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. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. 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). The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. 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. This reduces unnecessary delays. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. This service is generally at . Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. 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. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. And the free food definitely caught my attention. 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 . Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Guests who sign up for a spa treatment have an added perkaccess to the private lagoon and Silver Coves restaurant and bars, normally reserved for those renting a villa. 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. 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. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? 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. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. 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. 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. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. She uses her personal journals and memories to write about her many cruise experiences around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, trans-Atlantic, Norwegian Fjords, Panama Canal and South America including Cape Horn. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! 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. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Amenities are the same. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Any details would be appreciated. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? My thoughts? If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. 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. 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. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Cabana No. 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. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! 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. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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.