Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. 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. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. 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. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. 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. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Weve put together everything to know about the island. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Manage Settings To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. 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. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Yes! A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. 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. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Chairs are free. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. 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. 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. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. So there you have it! These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) Will keep an eye out next time! 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. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 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. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) This applies even at Tender ports. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. 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. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. 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 main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. until the early 19th century. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 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. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. . 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. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Ive never heard of this place before! At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. What did you think of the island? Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. 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). What all is there to do? If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! What is included there? Try. 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. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. 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. Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Really interesting. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? 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.. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Any details would be appreciated. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. 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. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 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. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. For more info, please read myDisclosure Policy. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible 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. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. The water there is about waist height. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Each cabana now has. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Hope to visit it one day. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! 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. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. 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. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. 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. 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. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. 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. Great Stirrup Cay. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. 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. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Book snorkel equipment from Susans Rock Snorkel Center for the day ($30 for adults and $15 for children) and snorkel at this beautiful spot as much as you want. Im so glad youre here! The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Meals are cooked to order. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. 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. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. 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. 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. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table.