One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. 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; 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. I love the idea of a private island. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Yes, but only a little bit. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. 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 warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. What all is there to do? The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. You have entered an incorrect email address! If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. 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. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. 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. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. 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. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Amenities are the same. Let me know in the comments below! CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Still, you can go out and be away from other people. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. 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. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Great questions, Courtney! The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. 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. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. and the experience lasts about an hour. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Great Stirrup Cay is an . 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. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. 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. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). Guests who sign up for a spa treatment have an added perkaccess to the private lagoon and Silver Coves restaurant and bars, normally reserved for those renting a villa. 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. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. 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'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. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. 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. Try. 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. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. 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. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. The water there is about waist height. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 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. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. 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. 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. Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. 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. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Great Stirrup Cay. This applies even at Tender ports. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. 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). If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. 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. What did you think of the island? Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Meals are cooked to order. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses.