Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Yes! Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. 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. Let me know in the comments below! Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. . Thanks for stopping by! Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Jump to content. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. 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. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. There are a number of things you can do. 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). The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Didnt notice. 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). Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. 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. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. U.S. dollars are accepted. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. 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. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. 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. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! 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. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. What did you think of the island? Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. 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. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. So there you have it! 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. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. 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. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. So what can you expect from your visit? The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. 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. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. If its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. All excursions are booked through NCL. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. 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. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The island looks beautiful! 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. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. 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. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. 9. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Try. 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. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Visitors should note that current construction underway at the far end of the island near the lagoon is creating some noise and dust, so keep that in mind when selecting your cabana. Weve put together everything to know about the island. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? 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. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Best of all, they are free. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Let us know in the comments below. Because flexibility matters. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Ive never heard of this place before! Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. 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. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. 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. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas 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. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Want to really get away from the crowds? The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). 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. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. 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.