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. 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. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. 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. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. 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. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Meals are cooked to order. 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. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover Will keep an eye out next time! Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's 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. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. 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. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. 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. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. This applies even at Tender ports. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. This such a rip off from NCL. 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! 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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. 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. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 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. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? So what can you expect from your visit? 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. 9. 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. Really interesting. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. 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. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. 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. What did you think of the island? However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. 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. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community 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 is in the Bahamas archipelago. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. All Rights Reserved. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Yes, but only a little bit. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. 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 British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Prices have been skyrocked. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. 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. Let me know in the comments below! By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Im so glad youre here! As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Manage Settings Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. 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). You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas 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. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. 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. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Happy Cruising!! Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. 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. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. 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. I love the idea of a private island. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Want to really get away from the crowds? 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. 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). 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. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. 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. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. 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. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL
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