Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Try. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. 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. 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. 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. Thanks for stopping by! Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). 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). The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Weve put together everything to know about the island. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. The island looks beautiful! Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. I love the idea of a private island. until the early 19th century. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 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. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. 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. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Great Stirrup Cay is an . 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. 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. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. 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. 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Ive never heard of this place before! The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? 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. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. 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. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? That makes it extremely simple for passengers. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Great Stirrup Cay. Manage Settings If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. 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. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Will keep an eye out next time! 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. Chairs are free. Or am I missing something? Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. 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. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Great questions, Courtney! 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. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. 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. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! What is included there? 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. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. 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. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. 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. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. 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 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.. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Cabana No. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. 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; 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. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. 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 . If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Hugely disappointed with this line. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Best of all, they are free. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. 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. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. 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. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Because flexibility matters. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. 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. 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. Yes! It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Remember to wear good water shoes, however. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. 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. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com This applies even at Tender ports. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! CocoCay Bahamas Weather. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. 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). The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. ), Pam, I completely agree. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Great Stirrup Cay. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks.
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