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. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! 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. 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. Weve put together everything to know about the island. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. 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. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic (which we all need to do more! 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. 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. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. 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. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . 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. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. 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. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. ), Pam, I completely agree. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. 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. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. 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. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en 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). Happy Cruising!! In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Let us know in the comments below. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. 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. I love the idea of a private island. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. 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. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. 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. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. 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. Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community 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. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. . No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. 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. 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. A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. Because flexibility matters. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. My husband and I are snorkelers. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Really interesting. 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). You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. 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? It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. 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. 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. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. 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. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Meals are cooked to order. Umbrellas can be rented. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive 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. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. 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. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Chairs are free. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. There are a number of things you can do. What is included there? Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. Didnt notice. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. 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. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. 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. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. 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. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation!
