Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. 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.. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! 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. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. 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). This applies even at Tender ports. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. 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. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. 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. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Didn't book early enough? A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. 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. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. 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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Share They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! 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. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. 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 are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. So what can you expect from your visit? Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. 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. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! This reduces unnecessary delays. There are a number of things you can do. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! 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. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Really interesting. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Happy Cruising!! 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. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. 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. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. 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. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. My thoughts? The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. until the early 19th century. 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! You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Great questions, Courtney! Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Let me know in the comments below! And theyre usually a lot less crowded! When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Any details would be appreciated. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Didnt notice. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. 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). We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Will keep an eye out next time! The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings.

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