Thanks for stopping by! Weve put together everything to know about the island. 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. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. 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. . From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. 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. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? What is included there? Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Umbrellas can be rented. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. I believe that there is not, but not sure. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. 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. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Im so glad youre here! Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? were changing far more frequently. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. 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. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. 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! 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. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Try. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Manage Settings The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Or am I missing something? Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. 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). Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from 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. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Happy Cruising!! 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. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. 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. Really interesting. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Yes! If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. 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. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. You'll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. So there you have it! The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. 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. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. What all is there to do? If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Want to really get away from the crowds? All three lines are owned by the . Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. My husband and I are snorkelers. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Great questions, Courtney! Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Food Truck/Abaco Taco: There are two other spots on the island Abaco Taco (a build your own taco bar) and a food truck called Tropic Like Its Hot (pictured above) serving up some dishes that you wont find anywhere else on Great Stirrup Cay. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. The .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}cabanas are open-air style with an open wall facing the beach and windows on each side. 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. 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. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. 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 Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. 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? That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. 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. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. 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. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island when it was acquired back in the 1970's, but it has come a long way since then. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Any details would be appreciated.