The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. 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. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . 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). The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Snorkeling equipment is also provided. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. 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. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. 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. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Bertram Beach is is the busiest beach and has complimentary beach loungers and hammocks under the scattered palm trees. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! And theyre usually a lot less crowded! The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. 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. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). 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. Happy Cruising!! 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). Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. 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. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. 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. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. 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. 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. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. 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 | 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. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. ), Pam, I completely agree. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. The same $15 per drink limit applies. They are two different islands. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! . Only one person from your party should make the reservation. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Great Stirrup Cay. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. 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. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island. You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining.