Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive 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. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. 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). 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. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Each cabana now has. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. And the free food definitely caught my attention. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. 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. 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. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Didn't book early enough? But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. . Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. This applies even at Tender ports. 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. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). 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. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. 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. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. 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 is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL 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. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. This video shows off the various. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. 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 we visited in late November and found the water cool. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. 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. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. were changing far more frequently. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. 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. 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. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. 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. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Hope to visit it one day. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. 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 middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. 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. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. 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 . Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. 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. 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. This such a rip off from NCL. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. 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. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. The water there is about waist height. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. 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. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To 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. 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. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. 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. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Yes! There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. All excursions are booked through NCL. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. Hugely disappointed with this line. 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. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. I love the idea of a private island. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. 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. 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. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. All Rights Reserved. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Any details would be appreciated. These beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back. Norwegian Cruise Line Internet Packages and Prices, Club Orange, Holland America's Priority Program, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Large Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Private Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. 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. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. 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. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Im so glad youre here! This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Happy Cruising!! Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. What all is there to do? and the experience lasts about an hour. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. What is included there? Manage Settings Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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.