great stirrup cay what is included

It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. 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. Yes! You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. 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. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Youll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. 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. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Umbrellas can be rented. Hugely disappointed with this line. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Most hotels are fully refundable. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. This such a rip off from NCL. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Cabana No. There are a number of things you can do. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. 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. 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. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Will keep an eye out next time! Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. 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. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. 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. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Amenities are the same. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Let me know in the comments below! It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. 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. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! 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. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Try. My husband and I are snorkelers. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. 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. Didn't book early enough? Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Hope to visit it one day. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. 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. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. 9. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). 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. Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. 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. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. 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. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 23K views 6 months ago Join the legend and molly as they show you around great stirrup cay which is norwegian cruise line's private island in the bahamas. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. I love the idea of a private island. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. 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. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. They are two different islands. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. 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. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Drinks are charged to your stateroom pass unless you have a drinks package in which case, just like onboard ship, your drinks are free. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) 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. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! 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. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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? From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Get ready to have a blast. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. 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. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. 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. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Jump to content. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. 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. 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! All Rights Reserved. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach.

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