Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. And the free food definitely caught my attention. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. 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. 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. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. 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. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Great Stirrup Cay. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. until the early 19th century. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. 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. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. I love the idea of a private island. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. U.S. dollars are accepted. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. 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. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. This reduces unnecessary delays. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." 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. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. This such a rip off from NCL. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Meals are cooked to order. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? 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. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . 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. 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. 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. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Ive never heard of this place before! The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Prices have been skyrocked. 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. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. 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. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. 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. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 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. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. The water there is about waist height. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Have your underwater camera ready to take water selfies with the shoals of fish that hang out at the garden You may also spot lobsters, crabs and shrimps, peering out from the holes and cracks in the statues. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. 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. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Manage Settings Umbrellas can be rented. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Great questions, Courtney! The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio.