Manage Settings Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. 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. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Let us know in the comments below. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. 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. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Prices have been skyrocked. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. 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. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. The .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}cabanas are open-air style with an open wall facing the beach and windows on each side. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? 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. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. 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. 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 (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. 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. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 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. Didn't book early enough? The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Hope to visit it one day. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. 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. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Jump to content. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. 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. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. were changing far more frequently. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. 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. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). It is dry and sunny in the winter season. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. 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). However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. 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. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. 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. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. Or am I missing something? HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. 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. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 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. On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. What all is there to do? The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Thanks for stopping by! We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) 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. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. 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. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. 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 beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back.
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