Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What's Not Included With a Great Stirrup Cay Cabana Rental, How to Book a Cabana on Great Stirrup Cay, What to Expect on a Cruise: Drink Packages on Cruises, 11 Reasons to Take Your Family on a P&O Cruise, Half Moon Cay vs. CocoCay: What These Cruise Line Private Islands Offer Cruisers, Harvest Caye Cabanas: 8 Reasons They're Worth a Splurge. 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. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Didn't book early enough? However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. 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. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. The water there is about waist height. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Thanks for stopping by! Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. 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. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. 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. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. 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. Meals are cooked to order. 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. 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. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. 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). Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. 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 menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) My thoughts? One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Chairs are free. 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. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Each cabana now has. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. 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. Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! This service is generally at . One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? 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. They are two different islands. 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. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . 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. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. 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. 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. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. 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. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at 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. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. 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. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Yes, but only a little bit. Yes! We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. 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. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling 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. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." 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. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Great Stirrup Cay is an . Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island when it was acquired back in the 1970's, but it has come a long way since then. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. 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.
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