great stirrup cay what is included great stirrup cay what is included

Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. 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. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. 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. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Manage Settings Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. This applies even at Tender ports. 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. Get ready to have a blast. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. I love the idea of a private island. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. These beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back. 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 its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. 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. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Hope to visit it one day. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. Didn't book early enough? 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. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. 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. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. What is included there? Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. 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. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. 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. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. 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. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Share It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. 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. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. 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. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. 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. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. 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 can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. 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. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. My thoughts? All excursions are booked through NCL. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. You have entered an incorrect email address! You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. Want to really get away from the crowds? Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. 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. 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. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. 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. 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. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Great questions, Courtney! Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Find a Cruise. What all is there to do? Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. 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. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. 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. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. The water there is about waist height. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Let me know in the comments below! The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. 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. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. The .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}cabanas are open-air style with an open wall facing the beach and windows on each side. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. This service is generally at . You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. 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. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. 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). Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Best of all, they are free. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. 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. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. 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.