If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. 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). 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. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Ive never heard of this place before! until the early 19th century. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Your ships signal doesnt reach 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! There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Hope to visit it one day. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. My thoughts? You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. 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. 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. 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. Prices have been skyrocked. 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. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. The island looks beautiful! The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Meals are cooked to order. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Happy Cruising!! The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. So there you have it! They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. 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. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Jump to content. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. 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! 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. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. 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 main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an . 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. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. 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. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. 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. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. 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. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! 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. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Most hotels are fully refundable. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. 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. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. 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. 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. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Dont forget to check out these resources before your Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line: Have you visited Great Stirrup Cay on a Norwegian cruise? The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. 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. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. . Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. Find a Cruise. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Let me know in the comments below! This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Any details would be appreciated. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! 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. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. 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. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Best of all, they are free. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. 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. They are two different islands. All excursions are booked through NCL. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. 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. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise.
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