Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Let us know in the comments below. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Best of all, they are free. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. 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. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 9. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. 23K views 6 months ago Join the legend and molly as they show you around great stirrup cay which is norwegian cruise line's private island in the bahamas. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Yes! Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. All three lines are owned by the . For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. 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). Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Find a Cruise. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. 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. 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. 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. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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. Try. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 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. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Ive never heard of this place before! Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. 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. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! 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. 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. 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. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. 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. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 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. 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. My thoughts? They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. 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. 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. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. 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. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. 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. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. They are two different islands. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. 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. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. 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. 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. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. There are a number of things you can do. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) My husband and I are snorkelers. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. 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. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. 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). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Amenities are the same. 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. 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. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? The island looks beautiful! They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. 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. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). 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. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Norwegian Cruise Line Internet Packages and Prices, Club Orange, Holland America's Priority Program, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Large Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Private Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. 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. 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. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Umbrellas can be rented. 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. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. 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. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests.
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