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Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. Manage Settings The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? 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. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . 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, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. 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 has several coves that run across the length of the island. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. 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. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Meals are cooked to order. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Great Stirrup Cay - Wikipedia Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! 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. Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? 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. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. 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. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Most hotels are fully refundable. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. All Rights Reserved. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community 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. My thoughts? Ive never heard of this place before! If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. This such a rip off from NCL. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Yes, but only a little bit. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. 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. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called 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. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. 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. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. (which we all need to do more! Prices have been skyrocked. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. Or am I missing something? 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. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. 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. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) 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. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. 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. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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 youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. 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. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. 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. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Find a Cruise. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. 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. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. The climate in Great Stirrup Cay is rainy and more humid in the summer (May to October) with 3.5 inches of rainfall per month. Great questions, Courtney! If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. This service is generally at . SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. 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. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. U.S. dollars are accepted. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. 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. So there you have it! This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Hope to visit it one day. This is for laid-back folks looking for a relaxing tour around the beautiful island waters of the Berry Islands aboard a modern double-decker catamaran. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. 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. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Most of this has to do with supply and demand. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. 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. Great Stirrup Cay. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. 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. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. They are two different islands. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. This video shows off the various. Yes! 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. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. 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. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. 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. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August.