There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. 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. This video shows off the various. 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.. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. 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! 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? On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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). Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. This reduces unnecessary delays. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. 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. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Cabana No. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Get ready to have a blast. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Great questions, Courtney! Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. 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. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. 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. 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. On Norwegian cruise ships, guests looking for luxury have The Haven an exclusive part of the ship that separate from the rest of their guests. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. 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. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. 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. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. 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. 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. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. 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. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. The water there is about waist height. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. 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). You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Want to really get away from the crowds? 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Umbrellas can be rented. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Great Stirrup Cay. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. All excursions are booked through NCL. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. 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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. 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. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. . Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. This service is generally at . This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. . Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Any details would be appreciated. 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. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Chairs are free. 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! The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. 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. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? So there you have it! You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Share That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Great Stirrup Cay is an . 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. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Yes! 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. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. 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. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. What all is there to do? In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Will keep an eye out next time! 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. 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. were changing far more frequently. Visitors should note that current construction underway at the far end of the island near the lagoon is creating some noise and dust, so keep that in mind when selecting your cabana. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Really interesting. 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. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Happy Cruising!! The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! There are a number of things you can do. I believe that there is not, but not sure. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. 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. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. This applies even at Tender ports. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. 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. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). 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. 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. 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. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each.