If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 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. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. 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. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. 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 . Each cabana now has. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. 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. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. My thoughts? Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Jump to content. 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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. . Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). 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. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. 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. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Umbrellas can be rented. 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. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 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 expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. You have entered an incorrect email address! Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. My husband and I are snorkelers. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. 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. 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. Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. The water there is about waist height. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. They are two different islands. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. What is included there? If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. 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. This applies even at Tender ports. 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. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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. 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). What all is there to do? She was buried next to Captain Bertram. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. 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). Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. 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. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. 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. I love the idea of a private island. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). Best of all, they are free. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. 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. 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. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Great Stirrup Cay. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island when it was acquired back in the 1970's, but it has come a long way since then. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Didnt notice. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay!