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. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. 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. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) 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. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. 9. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. Want to really get away from the crowds? 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. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. 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. Cabana No. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. 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. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. Best of all, they are free. 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. 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. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 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. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Chairs are free. 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. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Happy Cruising!! Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. 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. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. ), Pam, I completely agree. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. 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. 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. 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 . Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 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. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Meals are cooked to order. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1977, Great Stirrup Cay is located about 62 miles from Nassau, the Bahamian capital on the island of New Providence. 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. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? 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. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? There are a number of things you can do. This applies even at Tender ports. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! 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 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. I love the idea of a private island. Yes! For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. This such a rip off from NCL. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. 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. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. 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. 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! 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. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. 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 zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. 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. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. If its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. 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). Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive My thoughts? The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Jump to content. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. This service is generally at . Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. You have entered an incorrect email address! This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit 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? 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. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. 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. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. 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.