When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. The water there is about waist height. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. 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. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. U.S. dollars are accepted. 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. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The island is a little unique in that you dont have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. 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. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. This video shows off the various. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. What did you think of the island? If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. 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! 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. Find a Cruise. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. 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 lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. 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. 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. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. and the experience lasts about an hour. 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. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Try. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. 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. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Want to really get away from the crowds? 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? You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? 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. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1977, Great Stirrup Cay is located about 62 miles from Nassau, the Bahamian capital on the island of New Providence. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Best of all, they are free. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. 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. Each cabana now has. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). So what can you expect from your visit? They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 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. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. What all is there to do? Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. 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. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. 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. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 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. 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). 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Yes, but only a little bit. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. (which we all need to do more! Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. 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. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. 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. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. 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. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. 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). Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). 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. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. 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. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. 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. This applies even at Tender ports. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. All Rights Reserved. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. 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. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. 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. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Yes! However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. 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. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Hugely disappointed with this line. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. 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. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay.

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