It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Chairs are free. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. They are two different islands. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. 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. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. What is included there? Find a Cruise. Great questions, Courtney! The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Didnt notice. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. 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. This service is generally at . If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. 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. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) 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; Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. 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). GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Want to really get away from the crowds? Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. 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. 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. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. and the experience lasts about an hour. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. All three lines are owned by the . Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Hugely disappointed with this line. 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. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. were changing far more frequently. Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island when it was acquired back in the 1970's, but it has come a long way since then. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. 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 . The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. So what can you expect from your visit? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. This applies even at Tender ports. 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. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. What did you think of the island? 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. Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. U.S. dollars are accepted. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Yes! The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. until the early 19th century. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. This reduces unnecessary delays. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Most hotels are fully refundable. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. I love the idea of a private island. Hope to visit it one day. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. 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. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? 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. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap.