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The water there is about waist height. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! 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. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Amenities are the same. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. 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; For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! were changing far more frequently. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. 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. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. 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. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. 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. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." 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. 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. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',602,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Food is complimentary on Great Stirrup Cay! 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. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. I love the idea of a 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. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below). An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. 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. Will keep an eye out next time! 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. 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. Share Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Any details would be appreciated. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. 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. 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. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. 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 . There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. 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. Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. 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 coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. 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. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Really interesting. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. 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. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. 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? Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going.