The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. 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. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Find a Cruise. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. This applies even at Tender ports. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay - Wikipedia Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. 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. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . 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. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. 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. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Yes! If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. 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. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Really interesting. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. . If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. 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. Try. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. 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! Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. 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. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. Or am I missing something? The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! 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. 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. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. 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! Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. and the experience lasts about an hour. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. 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. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive They are two different islands. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. 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. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Want to really get away from the crowds? Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. So what can you expect from your visit? Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. 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. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. 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. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Get ready to have a blast. were changing far more frequently. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. 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. 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. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. So there you have it! Chairs are free. 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. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. U.S. dollars are accepted. There are a number of things you can do. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. All Rights Reserved. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. What is included there? Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Let us know in the comments below. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. 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. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. 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. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. 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. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Meals are cooked to order. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. 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. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island.
