These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. 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. 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. 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. Share These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. 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. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. 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. 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. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its 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. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child.
Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. My husband and I are snorkelers. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? 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. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days.
NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. So there you have it! Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year.
Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Cabana No. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Great questions, Courtney! Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. All excursions are booked through NCL. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. 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. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. The island looks beautiful! There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. 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. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. 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. Each cabana now has. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! When we visited in late November and found the water cool. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. ), Pam, I completely agree.
Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. 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. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 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. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL.
Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir.
Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. until the early 19th century. 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. 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. Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. 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. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot.
Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. 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. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.)
There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. 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. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Im so glad youre here! Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C).
16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. and the experience lasts about an hour. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. Because flexibility matters. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved.
15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. 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. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. On Norwegian cruise ships, guests looking for luxury have The Haven an exclusive part of the ship that separate from the rest of their guests. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Jump to content. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat.
Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Still, you can go out and be away from other people. 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. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. They are two different islands. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa?
Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesnt seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection.
Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? This reduces unnecessary delays. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. 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. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? 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. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram.
Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. This such a rip off from NCL. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. 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: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. 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. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. The island is a little unique in that you dont have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Really interesting. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. So what can you expect from your visit? Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free.