Ive never heard of this place before! However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Im so glad youre here! Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. My husband and I are snorkelers. Or am I missing something? 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. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. 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. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. 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. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. 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! 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. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. Didnt notice. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. 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. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. This such a rip off from NCL. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Most hotels are fully refundable. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. 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. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. 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. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. 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. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Prices have been skyrocked. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesnt seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. 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. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. Share Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). 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. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. 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. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. 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. Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. The water there is about waist height. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. All three lines are owned by the . Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . So there you have it! They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. This service is generally at . We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. U.S. dollars are accepted. 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. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. 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. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. 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. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. were changing far more frequently. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. 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. 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. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Hope to visit it one day. 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. So what can you expect from your visit? However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. 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. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Get ready to have a blast. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below). Still, you can go out and be away from other people. 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. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. 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. Each cabana now has. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? 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. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. 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. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none.