If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The water there is about waist height. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. This video shows off the various. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. 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. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. 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. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Hope to visit it one day. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. 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. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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. 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. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. until the early 19th century. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. . The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. 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. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Let us know in the comments below. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Happy Cruising!! 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). Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. 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. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Find a Cruise. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. 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. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. Prices have been skyrocked. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. You'll have your choice of 22 Cabanas on the Cay: 10 large cabanas situated on Cabana Beach, next to the main beach area, and which can fit up to eight people; and 12 small cabanas, accommodating up to six people each on Fiesta Beach. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. 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. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! 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. 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. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. 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. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). 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. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. 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. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. You have entered an incorrect email address! Each cabana now has. Or am I missing something? 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. My husband and I are snorkelers. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. 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. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. U.S. dollars are accepted. 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. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. 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. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. 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. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. 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. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. 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. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Umbrellas can be rented. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. 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; Snorkeling equipment is also provided. 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. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. They are two different islands. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Im so glad youre here! 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. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What's Not Included With a Great Stirrup Cay Cabana Rental, How to Book a Cabana on Great Stirrup Cay, What to Expect on a Cruise: Drink Packages on Cruises, 11 Reasons to Take Your Family on a P&O Cruise, Half Moon Cay vs. CocoCay: What These Cruise Line Private Islands Offer Cruisers, Harvest Caye Cabanas: 8 Reasons They're Worth a Splurge. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? 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. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. 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. What did you think of the island? Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. This such a rip off from NCL. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. 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. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 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. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. ), Pam, I completely agree. 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. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. 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. My thoughts? Great Stirrup Cay is an . Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics.