Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above.
Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? 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. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! 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. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. 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. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood.
Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. 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. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. 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. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. 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. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. 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. 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. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. 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.
Norwegian Private Island at Great Stirrup Cay: 8 Reasons to Visit Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). 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. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Ive never heard of this place before! Yes, but only a little bit. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. 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. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. 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 main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. My husband and I are snorkelers. 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. 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. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation!
Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line 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. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. 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. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. 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. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Thanks for stopping by! There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. The island looks beautiful! This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. Chairs are free. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. were changing far more frequently. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) 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. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. 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! We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Didnt notice. Meals are cooked to order. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents.
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Weve put together everything to know about the island. 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. 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Let me know in the comments below! Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. This reduces unnecessary delays. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 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.