great stirrup cay what is included great stirrup cay what is included

What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? 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. were changing far more frequently. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. 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. Other bars in Great Stirrup Cay include the Lighthouse Bar and the Patrons Bar along with two private bars (Moet Bar and Silver Cove Bar) at the exclusive Silver Cove. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. and the experience lasts about an hour. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. 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 is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. 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. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. U.S. dollars are accepted. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. (which we all need to do more! GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. Want to really get away from the crowds? Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the 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. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). 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. Manage Settings Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. 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. 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). 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. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Best of all, they are free. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Umbrellas can be rented. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. 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. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Any details would be appreciated. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Ive never heard of this place before! Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. 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. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. The water there is about waist height. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Great Stirrup Cay is an . January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. 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. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. 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. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. 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. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. 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. with respect to the mortgage by Great Stirrup Cay Limited over Great Stirrup Cay Island, (x) use commercially reasonable efforts to, as soon as practicable after receipt of the Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval with respect to Great Stirrup Cay Limited and the Supplemental Security Agent Central Bank Approval, with respect . However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Yes, but only a little bit. 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. Let us know in the comments below. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. 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. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. 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. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. 9. 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! In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. All excursions are booked through NCL. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. You have entered an incorrect email address! Most hotels are fully refundable. Each cabana now has. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Amenities are the same. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. Hope to visit it one day. There are a number of things you can do. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. The island looks beautiful! Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. 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. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water.