We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? until the early 19th century. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Great Stirrup Cay. 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. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 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. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. Great questions, Courtney! Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. This reduces unnecessary delays. 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. 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. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. were changing far more frequently. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! 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. 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.. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. What all is there to do? Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Let us know in the comments below. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. The island looks beautiful! Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. All three lines are owned by the . And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Jump to content. Hope to visit it one day. 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. 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. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. 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. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? 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. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. 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. 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. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more 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. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Let me know in the comments below! The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? 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. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Or am I missing something? 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. 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. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Cabana No. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Behind the cabana, you'll find four floating mats for complimentary all-day use in the ocean and a private shower to rinse off, as well as your very own hammock. So there you have it! Beach wheelchairs are available on request. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Share Didnt notice. 9. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. This such a rip off from NCL. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. 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. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Umbrellas can be rented. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. There are a number of things you can do. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Amenities are the same. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Try. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. and the experience lasts about an hour. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. 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. Any details would be appreciated. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. 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. 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). Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. You have entered an incorrect email address! The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. 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. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What's Not Included With a Great Stirrup Cay Cabana Rental, How to Book a Cabana on Great Stirrup Cay, What to Expect on a Cruise: Drink Packages on Cruises, 11 Reasons to Take Your Family on a P&O Cruise, Half Moon Cay vs. CocoCay: What These Cruise Line Private Islands Offer Cruisers, Harvest Caye Cabanas: 8 Reasons They're Worth a Splurge. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. 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. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI;
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