The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. This reduces unnecessary delays. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. You have entered an incorrect email address! Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. 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. 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. 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. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. This service is generally at . Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Great questions, Courtney! Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. 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. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. The same $15 per drink limit applies. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. 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). Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. . Find a Cruise. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Behind the cabana, you'll find four floating mats for complimentary all-day use in the ocean and a private shower to rinse off, as well as your very own hammock. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Chairs are free. Cabana No. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Great Stirrup Cay is an . 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. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. 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. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. 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. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. 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. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Let us know in the comments below. 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. 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Amenities are the same. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. And the free food definitely caught my attention. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. Will keep an eye out next time! Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. 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. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Let me know in the comments below! They are two different islands. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. 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. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. ), Pam, I completely agree. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. 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). Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. 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. 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. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The island looks beautiful! Each cabana now has. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. 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). And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. 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. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain per month. 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. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. 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. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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.. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! 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. 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 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. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. 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. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? What is included there? About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format.