Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! The island looks beautiful!
Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 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. Best of all, they are free. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Or am I missing something? The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. 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. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove.
Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. There are a number of things you can do. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. 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. 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. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. 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. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. 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. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. You have entered an incorrect email address! I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. 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. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Great Stirrup Cay. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. until the early 19th century. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising!
Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. 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. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Find a Cruise. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Try. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 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. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. 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. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. U.S. dollars are accepted. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests.
Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. What did you think of the island? Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. ), Pam, I completely agree. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches.
There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water.
Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? 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. Amenities are the same. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. And the free food definitely caught my attention. 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. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. This reduces unnecessary delays. Im so glad youre here! 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). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. All excursions are booked through NCL. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Will keep an eye out next time! This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port.
Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. 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. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. were changing far more frequently. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. All three lines are owned by the . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. Didnt notice. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. Thanks for stopping by! Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal.
Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio.
Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. 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. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach.
Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Happy Cruising!! Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Jump to content. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Didn't book early enough? There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. 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.
20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. My husband and I are snorkelers. 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. 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. She was buried next to Captain Bertram.
Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. Really interesting. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast.
Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. 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. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana.
15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. I believe that there is not, but not sure. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. When we visited in late November and found the water cool.