The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Find a Cruise. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. This video shows off the various. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. 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. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. 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. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Will keep an eye out next time! Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. 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. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. 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. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. 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. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. 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? Great Stirrup Cay is an . One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. 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. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Manage Settings Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. 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. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Happy Cruising!! What is included there? Great Stirrup Cay. Ive never heard of this place before! These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Prices have been skyrocked. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). 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 located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. My husband and I are snorkelers. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Much of the island is undeveloped, but Norwegian has carved out a beachy paradise on the northern shore, with plenty of fun-in-the-sun options for cruisers. 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. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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. 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. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Share Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. The island looks beautiful! Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. So what can you expect from your visit? It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. 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. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. 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). 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. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Yes, but only a little bit. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Yes! Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Great Stirrup Cay - Wikipedia All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. 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. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. 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. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. 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. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. 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. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. 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. 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. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! All Rights Reserved. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. 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. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover Cabana No. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. This reduces unnecessary delays. NCL appears to be going more for a "luxury resort feel" plus great beach options - when the additions of a pool and actual resort features plus the pier do (hopefully) materialize, it will be interesting to compare the two islands and their 180 degree different approach to private island excursions. Great Stirrup Cay. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Any details would be appreciated.