Find a Cruise. This applies even at Tender ports. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. 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. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Ive never heard of this place before! A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. 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. 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. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. 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. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. This reduces unnecessary delays. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. 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. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! The island looks beautiful! ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. This service is generally at . You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. So what can you expect from your visit? You have entered an incorrect email address! For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Get ready to have a blast. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. 9. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. 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. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Want to really get away from the crowds? Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. So there you have it! Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. 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. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. 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. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Or am I missing something? Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. 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. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. She uses her personal journals and memories to write about her many cruise experiences around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, trans-Atlantic, Norwegian Fjords, Panama Canal and South America including Cape Horn. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Manage Settings Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Happy Cruising!! In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. My thoughts? You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. 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. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. 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. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. 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. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. 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. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Umbrellas can be rented. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? 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. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. 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. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. 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. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Most hotels are fully refundable. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). My husband and I are snorkelers. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Yes! Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. 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. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. This video shows off the various. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures).
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