There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. 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. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Your ships signal doesnt reach 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. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The same $15 per drink limit applies. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! 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. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 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. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Umbrellas can be rented. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Didnt notice. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain per month. 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. 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. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. This video shows off the various. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. 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. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. What did you think of the island? Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. 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? Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. 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. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Prices have been skyrocked. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. 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. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. were changing far more frequently. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. 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. until the early 19th century. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. This service is generally at . The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Im so glad youre here! Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Great questions, Courtney! (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Manage Settings Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. All three lines are owned by the . These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. 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. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! 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). 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. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history.
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