You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. 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 a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. A specialty cabana menu is available featuring items such as a charcuterie platter, a seafood platter with chilled shrimp and lobster, sushi, as well as beer, wine and bottle service. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Hugely disappointed with this line. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! 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. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. This such a rip off from NCL. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic My thoughts? Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy Yes! And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. . Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. 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. Hope to visit it one day. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the 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. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. 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. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. 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. Let us know in the comments below. So there you have it! (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. 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. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Jump to content. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. 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. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. 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. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To Manage Settings Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. I love the idea of a private island. This reduces unnecessary delays. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. 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. Or am I missing something? This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. 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. Because flexibility matters. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas 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. 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. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. 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.. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. 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. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. Amenities are the same. My husband and I are snorkelers. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Didnt notice. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! They are two different islands. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube 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). If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? 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. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. until the early 19th century. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. 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. 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. 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. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Great Stirrup Cay - Wikipedia 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. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. 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). The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. This service is generally at . Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. All Rights Reserved. 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. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Happy Cruising!! Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. You'll have your choice of 22 Cabanas on the Cay: 10 large cabanas situated on Cabana Beach, next to the main beach area, and which can fit up to eight people; and 12 small cabanas, accommodating up to six people each on Fiesta Beach. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. 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. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! 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. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. So what can you expect from your visit? Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove 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. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. 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. Each cabana now has. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible.
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