You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. 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; This applies even at Tender ports. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. 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. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. 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. 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 fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. 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. This service is generally at . You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! 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. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. 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. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! 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. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Amenities are the same. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. 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. 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. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. 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. Want to really get away from the crowds? Im so glad youre here! There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. All excursions are booked through NCL. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. 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. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. 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. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. 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. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. 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. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. 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 body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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). Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. 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. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Let us know in the comments below. 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. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. This such a rip off from NCL. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Manage Settings The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. 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. 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. I believe that there is not, but not sure. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. 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. All three lines are owned by the . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. 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 unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. 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). 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. 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. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Weve put together everything to know about the island. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. 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. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Because flexibility matters. 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. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. 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. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. 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. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. 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. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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.
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