We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. They are two different islands. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. 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. 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? Any details would be appreciated. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. All excursions are booked through NCL. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. Visitors should note that current construction underway at the far end of the island near the lagoon is creating some noise and dust, so keep that in mind when selecting your cabana. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. 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. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Jump to content. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. 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. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Hugely disappointed with this line. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. 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. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! 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. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Yes! 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. 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. Get ready to have a blast. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. 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. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. 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. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. 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. Amenities are the same. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. were changing far more frequently. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. 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. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover until the early 19th century. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Didnt notice. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. 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. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. The island looks beautiful! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Want to really get away from the crowds? Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. What did you think of the island? Great questions, Courtney! Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. 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. 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. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Ive never heard of this place before! There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Each cabana now has. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below). This such a rip off from NCL. This reduces unnecessary delays. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Im so glad youre here! Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 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. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. 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. 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! Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Thanks for stopping by! Happy Cruising!! Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Really interesting. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. 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. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. U.S. dollars are accepted. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. 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. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. 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. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. 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. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. 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. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. 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. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. 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. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. 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. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? 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. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Guests who sign up for a spa treatment have an added perkaccess to the private lagoon and Silver Coves restaurant and bars, normally reserved for those renting a villa. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. 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. 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. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. 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 . Share To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. 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. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers.