Continue with Recommended Cookies. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. 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. 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. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. 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: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. 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). Great Stirrup Cay is an . Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. 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 . Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. 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. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. What is included there? This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. 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. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Manage Settings Jump to content. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Great questions, Courtney! By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. 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. 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. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. 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. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." 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. Let me know in the comments below! The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. 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. 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. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Im so glad youre here! When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. 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. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Want to really get away from the crowds? Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. 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. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. Happy Cruising!! As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Try. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. 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. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. There are a number of things you can do. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. This such a rip off from NCL. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. 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. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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). 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. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. 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. This reduces unnecessary delays. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free.
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