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Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive All excursions are booked through NCL. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. 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; The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. 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. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Everything You Need to Know about Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 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. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? 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. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. 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, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Each cabana now has. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Because flexibility matters. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. 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! Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. 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. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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 beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. 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. Amenities are the same. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. 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. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. 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. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. . 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. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. 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. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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? Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. 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. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To 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. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Let us know in the comments below. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. 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. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 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! Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. 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. 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. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. What is included there? Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. 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. 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. 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. The island looks beautiful! 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. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. 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. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay (2023) - Should Be Cruising 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. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. All three lines are owned by the . Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. 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. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. 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. 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. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. You have entered an incorrect email address! To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. 9. Great Stirrup Cay - NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. 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. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Thanks for stopping by! One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. 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. This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. 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. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. My husband and I are snorkelers. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Manage Settings Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Let me know in the comments below! The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. There are a number of things you can do. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Hugely disappointed with this line. 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. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Most hotels are fully refundable. What all is there to do? Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa