The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. This is for laid-back folks looking for a relaxing tour around the beautiful island waters of the Berry Islands aboard a modern double-decker catamaran. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. 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. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. 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! 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. 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. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. 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. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? 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. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. My husband and I are snorkelers. This video shows off the various. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Weve put together everything to know about the island. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. 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! 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. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. 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. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. Want to really get away from the crowds? You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Hope to visit it one day. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Prices have been skyrocked. 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. 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. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. 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. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 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. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! 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. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Any details would be appreciated. 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. 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. (which we all need to do more! There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. 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. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. 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; Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. 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. 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. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. 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. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Umbrellas can be rented. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: 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. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). There are a number of things you can do. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. 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 . Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. 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. I believe that there is not, but not sure. 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. This reduces unnecessary delays. 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. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. 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. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. This such a rip off from NCL. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. 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). Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). All Rights Reserved. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. 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. 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. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Each cabana now has. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. All three lines are owned by the . This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Yes! For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Hugely disappointed with this line. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!)

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