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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! If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Meals are cooked to order. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. 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. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) 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. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Amenities are the same. All three lines are owned by the . I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. The island looks beautiful! On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. 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. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. 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. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. 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.. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 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. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. 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. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Because flexibility matters. Book snorkel equipment from Susans Rock Snorkel Center for the day ($30 for adults and $15 for children) and snorkel at this beautiful spot as much as you want. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Ive never heard of this place before! Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! 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. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Hugely disappointed with this line. They are two different islands. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. 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. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Umbrellas can be rented. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. 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. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 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. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. 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. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Jump to content. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. 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. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. 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. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. This is for laid-back folks looking for a relaxing tour around the beautiful island waters of the Berry Islands aboard a modern double-decker catamaran. 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. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. U.S. dollars are accepted. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. 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. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Cabana No. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. There are a number of things you can do. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. 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). For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesnt seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Get ready to have a blast. Im so glad youre here! Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. 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. Will keep an eye out next time! Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) 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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. 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. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. 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. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Manage Settings This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? 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! For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 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! It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. 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. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. 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. 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. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 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. Each cabana now has. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Yes! 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 . Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. 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. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Buffet: Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. 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. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. All Rights Reserved. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose.