Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. 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. Chairs are free. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Let me know in the comments below! Share Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 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. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. 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. 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. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Yes, but only a little bit. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. What is included there? After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. 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. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Yes! Jump to content. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? 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. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. 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. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. 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). Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. 9. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Yes! You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! Because flexibility matters. This video shows off the various. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. 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 . Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's This such a rip off from NCL. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). 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! One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. There are a number of things you can do. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas On Norwegian cruise ships, guests looking for luxury have The Haven an exclusive part of the ship that separate from the rest of their guests. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. 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. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Will keep an eye out next time! On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. 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. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Those who have paid to enjoy the Silver Cove experience have their own exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar with an upscale buffet including lobster tail and jumbo shrimp. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. 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. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. A specialty cabana menu is available featuring items such as a charcuterie platter, a seafood platter with chilled shrimp and lobster, sushi, as well as beer, wine and bottle service. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour 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. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. What did you think of the island? Thanks for stopping by! Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. 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. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Great questions, Courtney! Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. 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're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Didnt notice. 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. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide.
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