Any details would be appreciated. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. 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. until the early 19th century. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. 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. 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. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. 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. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's . The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. So there you have it! The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. 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. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Amenities are the same. Will keep an eye out next time! You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Chairs are free. This service is generally at . Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Want to really get away from the crowds? Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. 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. 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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. 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. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition 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. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Great Stirrup Cay is an . Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. What is included there? Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. You'll have your choice of 22 Cabanas on the Cay: 10 large cabanas situated on Cabana Beach, next to the main beach area, and which can fit up to eight people; and 12 small cabanas, accommodating up to six people each on Fiesta Beach. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. The island is a little unique in that you dont have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. 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. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. 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. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. 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. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. 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. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. 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. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. U.S. dollars are accepted. Really interesting. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. The island looks beautiful! The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Great questions, Courtney! It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 9. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. 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? Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. 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. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. 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. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . This applies even at Tender ports. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. 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. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Let us know in the comments below. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Happy Cruising!! You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. 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. 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. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. 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. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call.