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. This reduces unnecessary delays. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. 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). Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. 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 . The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Hope to visit it one day. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Will keep an eye out next time! Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove Meals are cooked to order. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. 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. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. 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. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. 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. Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. 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. Best of all, they are free. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. 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. 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. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. 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. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Hugely disappointed with this line. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. 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. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? 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. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. 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, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia It is dry and sunny in the winter season. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Worth It? Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. 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. And the free food definitely caught my attention. 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. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. 9. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. This service is generally at . The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. 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. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). 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. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Chairs are free. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Want to really get away from the crowds? You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) 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. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in 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. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. I love the idea of a private island. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. 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 you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. 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. 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. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. 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. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. 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. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. All Rights Reserved. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Guests who sign up for a spa treatment have an added perkaccess to the private lagoon and Silver Coves restaurant and bars, normally reserved for those renting a villa. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. and the experience lasts about an hour. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. 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. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive You may add up to two additional people for an additional $30 per-person charge, for a maximum of eight people in the small cabanas and 10 in the large cabanas. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. 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. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Really interesting. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. 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. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. 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). 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa 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. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Most hotels are fully refundable. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay.