Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. 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. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. There are a number of things you can do. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! Jump to content. In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. 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. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. 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. 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. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) 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. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. 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? Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Im so glad youre here! At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Let us know in the comments below. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. 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. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line 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 ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. This such a rip off from NCL. 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. 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. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. 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. Because flexibility matters. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. 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. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. 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. 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. 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. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. 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 only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. 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. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. The same $15 per drink limit applies. 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. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. So there you have it! Thanks for stopping by! This service is generally at . Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. The island looks beautiful! Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. 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. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. This applies even at Tender ports. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: 9. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? 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. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide I love the idea of a private island. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! 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. 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. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. U.S. dollars are accepted. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. They are two different islands. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Great Stirrup Cay. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. 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. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove.
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