The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. This such a rip off from NCL. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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. What all is there to do? Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. and the experience lasts about an hour. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis.
Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. 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. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5.
Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. 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. 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. 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. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. 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. Manage Settings Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. 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. 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. 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 island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Buffet: Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. 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. Get ready to have a blast. 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.
Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community 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. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. 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!
20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Im so glad youre here! Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. 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. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay.
Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community 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. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round.
Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. 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. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. 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. Let us know in the comments below. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. 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. Will keep an eye out next time! The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Great questions, Courtney! The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each.
Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? 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. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. 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. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. 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. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). GSC was a pirate hideout (!) These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Yes! 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 island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Norwegian Cruise Line Internet Packages and Prices, Club Orange, Holland America's Priority Program, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Large Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Private Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. 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. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass.
Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay!
Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. 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. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? 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. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay is an . This applies even at Tender ports. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and 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.
Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover