HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. 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. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. You have entered an incorrect email address! The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). 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. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. were changing far more frequently. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Thanks for stopping by! If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. 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. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? 23K views 6 months ago Join the legend and molly as they show you around great stirrup cay which is norwegian cruise line's private island in the bahamas. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. . Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Find a Cruise. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Get ready to have a blast. 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. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Great Stirrup Cay. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . The water there is about waist height. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Hugely disappointed with this line. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. So there you have it! 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. 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. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. 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. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Buffet: Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 25+ Fun Must-Do Things on a Norwegian Cruise, 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston, Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). 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. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. 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. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. This reduces unnecessary delays. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Cabana No. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. 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. They are two different islands. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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 expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. 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. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. 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. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. 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. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. 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. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. 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. 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? The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. 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. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Because flexibility matters. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. All three lines are owned by the . For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Any details would be appreciated. The island looks beautiful! Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. 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. I love the idea of a private island. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. 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. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Umbrellas can be rented. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. 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; Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. . Jump to content. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Happy Cruising!! Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Ive never heard of this place before! Great Stirrup Cay. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? 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. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars.