Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. I believe that there is not, but not sure. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. This reduces unnecessary delays. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Will keep an eye out next time! Jump to content. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. The water there is about waist height. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. 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. 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. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. 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. 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. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. 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. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." 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. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Try. 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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Really interesting. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. 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). Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. 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. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. 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. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. 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. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. 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. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Yes, but only a little bit. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. 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. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Any details would be appreciated. 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. 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. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. 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. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic My husband and I are snorkelers. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Let us know in the comments below. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? 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). For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. 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. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Didn't book early enough? Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. All Rights Reserved. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. 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. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The 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. There are a number of things you can do. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). This video shows off the various. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? 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. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! My thoughts? 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. 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. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. 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. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) 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. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic 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. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. The climate in Great Stirrup Cay is rainy and more humid in the summer (May to October) with 3.5 inches of rainfall per month. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. 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. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Great Stirrup Cay. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. 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! Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. This such a rip off from NCL. 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 also the location of the Mandara Spa. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. 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. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. (which we all need to do more! Thanks for stopping by! Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. 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. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. What is included there? Happy Cruising!! Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. 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. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? 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. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Meals are cooked to order. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. 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. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot.