Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. NCL appears to be going more for a "luxury resort feel" plus great beach options - when the additions of a pool and actual resort features plus the pier do (hopefully) materialize, it will be interesting to compare the two islands and their 180 degree different approach to private island excursions. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The 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. 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 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. Jump to content. All Rights Reserved. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. Hope to visit it one day. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! 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. What is included there? 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. The same $15 per drink limit applies. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. 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. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. 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. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. 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. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. 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. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. 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. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. 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. 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. 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. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . and the experience lasts about an hour. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Get expert advice, insider tips and more. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. (which we all need to do more! The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. 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. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Thanks for stopping by! The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. 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 vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com 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. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Hugely disappointed with this line. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. 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. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. 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. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! 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. A specialty cabana menu is available featuring items such as a charcuterie platter, a seafood platter with chilled shrimp and lobster, sushi, as well as beer, wine and bottle service. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Yes! Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. 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(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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. My thoughts? Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. 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. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. 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. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling
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