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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. 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. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. 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. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. 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. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Chairs are free. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. 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). Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. 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! But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? 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. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. 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. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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.. 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. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. 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. 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. Meals are cooked to order. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Yes! 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. 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. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. I love the idea of a private island. Each cabana now has. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup 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. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. 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. This such a rip off from NCL. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? So there you have it! 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. What did you think of the island? Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. So what can you expect from your visit? Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. 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. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 9. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. The water there is about waist height. Share Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove Find a Cruise. Hope to visit it one day. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. She uses her personal journals and memories to write about her many cruise experiences around the Caribbean, Mediterranean, trans-Atlantic, Norwegian Fjords, Panama Canal and South America including Cape Horn. 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. 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? Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. (which we all need to do more! All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. 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. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive 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. 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. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Want to really get away from the crowds? With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. U.S. dollars are accepted. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. 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. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. They are two different islands. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. What all is there to do? Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. This applies even at Tender ports. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. 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. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. 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. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. 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. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic Hugely disappointed with this line. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. 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. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. There are a number of things you can do. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? 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. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. 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. Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Really interesting. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Cabana No. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. 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. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The Weve put together everything to know about the island. Soar Across 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.
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