11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Jump to content. 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. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. 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. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Chairs are free. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. 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. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. 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. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. 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. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel 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. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Great Stirrup Cay. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. 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. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. 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. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! If its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. 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. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. 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. Didn't book early enough? For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Find a Cruise. Because flexibility matters. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. 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. 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. 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. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. 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. 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. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? 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. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Will keep an eye out next time! This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. 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. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. These beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! 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. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. ), Pam, I completely agree. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. So what can you expect from your visit? Weve put together everything to know about the island. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive 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! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. 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. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Best of all, they 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. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Guests who sign up for a spa treatment have an added perkaccess to the private lagoon and Silver Coves restaurant and bars, normally reserved for those renting a villa. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Each cabana now has. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? 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. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. The same $15 per drink limit applies. What did you think of the island? Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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! Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. 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). If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Great questions, Courtney! You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Continue with Recommended Cookies. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Im so glad youre here! All Rights Reserved. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. 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. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines.