Buffet: Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. 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. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. 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. 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 . 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.
20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea 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. This applies even at Tender ports. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! And theyre usually a lot less crowded! But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Im so glad youre here! 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. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 25+ Fun Must-Do Things on a Norwegian Cruise, 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston, Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. All food for the day is sent over on tender boats with the ships kitchen staff in the morning. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Each cabana now has. 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. Acquired by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1977, Great Stirrup Cay is located about 62 miles from Nassau, the Bahamian capital on the island of New Providence. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island.
30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Want to really get away from the crowds? Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Happy Cruising!! Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. 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. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island.
NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Jump to content. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. 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. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters.
Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. 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! Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian!
Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. 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. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. 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. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! were changing far more frequently. 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.
Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Its a fantastic destination and port of call for lucky cruisers with NCL. 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. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. 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. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. 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. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? 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. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive My thoughts? There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! This reduces unnecessary delays. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. So what can you expect from your visit? Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. 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. 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. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. 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. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon.
Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegian's If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. 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. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. What did you think of the island? Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Hope to visit it one day.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling 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. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 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. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. 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. Really interesting. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. U.S. dollars are accepted. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. You have entered an incorrect email address! Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. 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. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. 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. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. 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. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. if(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! Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. 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. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What's Not Included With a Great Stirrup Cay Cabana Rental, How to Book a Cabana on Great Stirrup Cay, What to Expect on a Cruise: Drink Packages on Cruises, 11 Reasons to Take Your Family on a P&O Cruise, Half Moon Cay vs. CocoCay: What These Cruise Line Private Islands Offer Cruisers, Harvest Caye Cabanas: 8 Reasons They're Worth a Splurge. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. 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. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive!
Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging.
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. 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. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1.
Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach.
Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. 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. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Food Truck/Abaco Taco: There are two other spots on the island Abaco Taco (a build your own taco bar) and a food truck called Tropic Like Its Hot (pictured above) serving up some dishes that you wont find anywhere else on Great Stirrup Cay. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. This service is generally at . 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. 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. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing.
Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Chairs are free. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. 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. 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. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas.
Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. 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. 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. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Meals are cooked to order. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in 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. Hugely disappointed with this line. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. 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. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Get ready to have a blast. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. 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. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course.
17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long.