Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. 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. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Yes! We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? 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 islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. 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. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Yes, but only a little bit. 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. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. The same $15 per drink limit applies. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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. 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. 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. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Manage Settings 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. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . 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. 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. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. I believe that there is not, but not sure. GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. 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. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. 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. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. 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). Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. 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. Weve put together everything to know about the island. A specialty cabana menu is available featuring items such as a charcuterie platter, a seafood platter with chilled shrimp and lobster, sushi, as well as beer, wine and bottle service. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. The climate in Great Stirrup Cay is rainy and more humid in the summer (May to October) with 3.5 inches of rainfall per month. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. 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. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. All excursions are booked through NCL. The water there is about waist height. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. 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. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. 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. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. 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. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! When we visited in late November and found the water cool. 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. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. 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. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Cabana No. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Didnt notice. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Great Stirrup Cay is an . 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. This is always the case at Great Stirrup Cay, which features a Red Carpet area to the left of the main gathering area at the tender docks. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. 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. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. 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. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. and the experience lasts about an hour. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. 9. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Or am I missing something? 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Most hotels are fully refundable. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. 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. Happy Cruising!! The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Great Stirrup Cay. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 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. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Really interesting. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Hugely disappointed with this line. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Jump to content. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Thanks for stopping by! 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 truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! 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. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. 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. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. This reduces unnecessary delays. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Share Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) 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 them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades.