Most hotels are fully refundable. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. 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. Want to really get away from the crowds? In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain 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. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! 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. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. 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. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. This applies even at Tender ports. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Jump to content. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Ive never heard of this place before! Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. 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. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Cabana No. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. 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. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Didn't book early enough? That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. 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. 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. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. 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. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. 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. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Food Truck/Abaco Taco: There are two other spots on the island Abaco Taco (a build your own taco bar) and a food truck called Tropic Like Its Hot (pictured above) serving up some dishes that you wont find anywhere else on Great Stirrup Cay. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. 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! The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. (which we all need to do more! When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. 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. This video shows off the various. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Happy Cruising!! Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! 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. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. 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. 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. 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. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Best of all, they are free. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. The water there is about waist height. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 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. You have entered an incorrect email address! This reduces unnecessary delays. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. 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. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. 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. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. 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. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. 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. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. U.S. dollars are accepted. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Manage Settings The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. 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. Hugely disappointed with this line. 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. 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. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesnt seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. This such a rip off from NCL. Each cabana now has. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. 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. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going.
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great stirrup cay what is included