Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. 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. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. 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. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. ), Pam, I completely agree. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Great questions, Courtney! 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. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. 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. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. 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. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Most hotels are fully refundable. 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. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. 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. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. I love the idea of a private island. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. 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. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Let us know in the comments below. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. They are two different islands. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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). Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. 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. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Didn't book early enough? Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. 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. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Hugely disappointed with this line. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. U.S. dollars are accepted. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. 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. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Best of all, they are free. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? 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. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. were changing far more frequently. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) 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. 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. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? The water there is about waist height. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. 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! You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. 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. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to 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. 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. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. 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. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? 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. 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.