A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. There are a number of things you can do. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. Jump to content. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. 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. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. 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. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. 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. Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. The island is a little unique in that you dont have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. 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. Weve put together everything to know about the island. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! 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. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. 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. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. 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. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Yes! So what can you expect from your visit? I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. 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. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Want to really get away from the crowds? To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. This reduces unnecessary delays. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. 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. They are two different islands. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. 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. 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. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Get ready to have a blast. 9. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. 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! Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. and the experience lasts about an hour. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! 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. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. You have entered an incorrect email address! GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. 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. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Didnt notice. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? 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. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. 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. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! 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. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. So there you have it! Buffet: Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Amenities are the same. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." NCL appears to be going more for a "luxury resort feel" plus great beach options - when the additions of a pool and actual resort features plus the pier do (hopefully) materialize, it will be interesting to compare the two islands and their 180 degree different approach to private island excursions. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. 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. 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. Meals are cooked to order. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running.
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