Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. 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. 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. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). Continue with Recommended Cookies. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. 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. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? 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. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. This service is generally at . Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Great questions, Courtney! Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. The water there is about waist height. 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. Hugely disappointed with this line. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. were changing far more frequently. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Still, you can go out and be away from other people. 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. 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. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. 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 no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! Great Stirrup Cay is an . That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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? To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. 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. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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). Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! 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. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. 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. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. What all is there to do? 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. 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. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. 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. 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). Try. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Hope to visit it one day. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. You'll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. So what can you expect from your visit? 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 . Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. 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. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Great Stirrup Cay. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. 9. This applies even at Tender ports. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) 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. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Ive never heard of this place before! There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. 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. What is included there? These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. 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.