if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. 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 . 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. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. 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. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. 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. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. My husband and I are snorkelers. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Great Stirrup Cay. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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 also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. 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 is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . GSC was a pirate hideout (!) These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. 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. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. 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. Great Stirrup Cay. Umbrellas can be rented. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. This such a rip off from NCL. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. This video shows off the various. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Weve put together everything to know about the island. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. 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. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Each cabana now has. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Thanks for stopping by! At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? 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. 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. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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 questions, Courtney! Jump to content. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! When we visited in late November and found the water cool. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. 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. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. 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. What did you think of the island? A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. This reduces unnecessary delays. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. were changing far more frequently. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. 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. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. 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. 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. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Cabana No. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. 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. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Chairs are free. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. 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. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 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. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) 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. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. My thoughts? This is for laid-back folks looking for a relaxing tour around the beautiful island waters of the Berry Islands aboard a modern double-decker catamaran. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. 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 Premier Cabana is priced from $449. 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. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. 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. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. 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. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. until the early 19th century. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. There are a number of things you can do. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. What is included there? That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. 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. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call.
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