Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Meals are cooked to order. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. 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. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Im so glad youre here! Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. You have entered an incorrect email address! Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. 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. Jump to content. 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. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Hugely disappointed with this line. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. What all is there to do? Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. 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. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. 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. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? What did you think of the island? GSC was a pirate hideout (!) 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. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Still, you can go out and be away from other people. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. This reduces unnecessary delays. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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! This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. The water there is about waist height. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. 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. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the 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. Chairs are free. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community 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. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Yes! Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? 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. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. 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. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. My husband and I are snorkelers. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Manage Settings All excursions are booked through NCL. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. My thoughts? They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. 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. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! 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. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). 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. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. 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. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. 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. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. 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. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. 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. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. 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. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. On Norwegian cruise ships, guests looking for luxury have The Haven an exclusive part of the ship that separate from the rest of their guests. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise.
great stirrup cay what is included