Great questions, Courtney! If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. The water there is about waist height. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Want to really get away from the crowds? 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. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Manage Settings Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. This applies even at Tender ports. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. 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. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. 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. 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! Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams 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. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. 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). 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. What did you think of the island? When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. 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. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. 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). Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. 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 make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Happy Cruising!! Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. 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. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. 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. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. 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. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Meals are cooked to order. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. 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. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. 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.. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. 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. 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. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. 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. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. 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. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. were changing far more frequently. 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. Yes! Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. 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. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Yes! Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. 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. 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. . If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. 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. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. 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). Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. 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.

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