Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. 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. 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. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. 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. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. 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. 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. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. 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. Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. 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. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. . You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. 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? Find a Cruise. Im so glad youre here! Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. 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. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. 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. Great Stirrup Cay. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! 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. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL 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. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. 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. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. This such a rip off from NCL. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. So there you have it! Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. 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. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 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. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. 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. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. 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. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Happy Cruising!! Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. Yes, but only a little bit. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. 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. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Umbrellas can be rented. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Will keep an eye out next time! To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. Thanks for stopping by! 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. 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. Really interesting. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. This reduces unnecessary delays. Meals are cooked to order. Grill: Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. 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. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. 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. Try. 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. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier.

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