Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. 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. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. 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. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. My thoughts? Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. 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. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. 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. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. 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 warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. This service is generally at . 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. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? So what can you expect from your visit? 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. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. U.S. dollars are accepted. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. The island is truly a Caribbean paradise with lots of tropical palm trees, colorful flowers and lush plants in this protected marine sanctuary. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. 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. 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. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. 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. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. 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. 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 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. 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. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). 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. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. 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. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. 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. 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. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. 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). Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? All Rights Reserved. Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. ), Pam, I completely agree. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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. 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. 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. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. 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. Let me know in the comments below! Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. 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. Any details would be appreciated. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. 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. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! 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. These beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back. Thanks for stopping by! Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. 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. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Get ready to have a blast. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. 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. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. Great questions, Courtney! Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. 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). Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. 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. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Happy Cruising!! Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. 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. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. This applies even at Tender ports. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. CocoCay Bahamas is a great choice for RCI's beach day experience, thanks to its natural beauty, proximity to several major cruise ports, and its sunny year-round climate . Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Meals are cooked to order. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. . If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! 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. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below). For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. until the early 19th century. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. This such a rip off from NCL. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Additional food and drinks, beyond bottled water, fresh fruit and chips and salsa, will incur an extra charge, though you will receive a $50 credit to use toward beverages and food. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers.
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