Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Each cabana now has. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. 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. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. 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. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. 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). If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. 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. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. 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. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To 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. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? 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! 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. Jump to content. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. Great Stirrup Cay - Wikipedia Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. What is included there? They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 25+ Fun Must-Do Things on a Norwegian Cruise, 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston, Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. 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. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Because flexibility matters. All three lines are owned by the . 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. 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. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. 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. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 9. The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain per month. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Really interesting. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Find a Cruise. Yes! Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. They are two different islands. Behind the cabana, you'll find four floating mats for complimentary all-day use in the ocean and a private shower to rinse off, as well as your very own hammock. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. 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. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? 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. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. 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. 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. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Share (There are public facilities within walking distance.) 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? 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 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. This such a rip off from NCL. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. 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. 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. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! 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. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. 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. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. 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.. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? . Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! 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. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Yes, but only a little bit. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. 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. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. There are a number of things you can do. 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. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Most hotels are fully refundable. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. 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. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. This applies even at Tender ports. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions.
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