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. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? 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. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Im so glad youre here! The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. 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).
8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years.
Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising 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. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Each cabana now has. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers.
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Great questions, Courtney!
Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Let us know in the comments below. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. 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. 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. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. You'll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. 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. Didnt notice. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Snorkeling equipment is also provided.
Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. 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. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. Really interesting. 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. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. My husband and I are snorkelers. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. 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. 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. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. 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. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. My thoughts? It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. 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.
Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise So there you have it!
16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. 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. 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. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove.
Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic 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. Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. 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. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent?
Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube 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. Manage Settings The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. and the experience lasts about an hour. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming.
Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. (which we all need to do more! 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. 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. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay.
Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. 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. Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. 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. 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. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. 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. 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. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat.
Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. 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. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon.
15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) Share Hope you have a fantastic cruise! All Rights Reserved. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot.
Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card.
Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas.
Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Most hotels are fully refundable. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. 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. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk.
CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! 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. 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. 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. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Meals are cooked to order.
Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. 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. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship.
Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? 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. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. 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 . Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line.