One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. 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. Hugely disappointed with this line. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. 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. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. ), Pam, I completely agree. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. Jump to content. 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. Thanks for stopping by! Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. 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. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 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. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). 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. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Get ready to have a blast. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. 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. 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. 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. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. until the early 19th century. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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). While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. 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. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? 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). What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Hope to visit it one day. 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. 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). Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. 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. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. 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. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Great questions, Courtney! The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. 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. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Prices have been skyrocked. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Each cabana now has. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. My husband and I are snorkelers. Ive never heard of this place before! Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Find a Cruise. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. 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. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Chairs are free. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. 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. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. I believe that there is not, but not sure. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. So there you have it! Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. 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. 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. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below). Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. 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. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Great Stirrup Cay is an . On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Didnt notice. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future.

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