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You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. 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. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. You have entered an incorrect email address! Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. 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! Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? What did you think of the island? Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Because flexibility matters. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. 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). Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. U.S. dollars are accepted. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Amenities are the same. 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. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). 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. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! The same $15 per drink limit applies. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. All Rights Reserved. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. 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. 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. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. 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. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. 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. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Any details would be appreciated. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The This video shows off the various. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. 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. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Or am I missing something? I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 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. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling Those who have paid to enjoy the Silver Cove experience have their own exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar with an upscale buffet including lobster tail and jumbo shrimp. 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. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. 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. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. 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. What is included there? Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 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. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. What all is there to do? Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. They are two different islands. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Visitors should note that current construction underway at the far end of the island near the lagoon is creating some noise and dust, so keep that in mind when selecting your cabana. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? 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. 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.. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line 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. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Prices have been skyrocked. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Im so glad youre here! Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers 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. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. So what can you expect from your visit? Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Get ready to have a blast. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. were changing far more frequently. 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 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. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. This such a rip off from NCL. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. The climate in Great Stirrup Cay is rainy and more humid in the summer (May to October) with 3.5 inches of rainfall per month. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. 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. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. 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. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. These beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. Happy Cruising!! Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. 9. Great questions, Courtney! Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. 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.