Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. 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. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. This such a rip off from NCL. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! You'll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. 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! 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. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. 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. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. It'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. Great questions, Courtney! Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. Because flexibility matters. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. 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. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. 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. Is the Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Package Worth It? Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot. 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. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! Weve put together everything to know about the island. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. 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. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Let me know in the comments below! For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. 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. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. 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. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. 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. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Try. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Let us know in the comments below. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community There are a number of things you can do. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. 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. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL 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? Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. This unforgettable stingray encounter will cost $69 for an adult and $49 for a child.. Take a 2 hour Kayaking Tour around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. 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. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Or am I missing something? Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Im so glad youre here! You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. 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. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line - YouTube Prices have been skyrocked. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Hope to visit it one day. 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. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. 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. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Great Stirrup Cay. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout 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. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Best of all, they are free. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. 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. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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. Yes! Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 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. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. 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. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun.