If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. 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. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. ), Pam, I completely agree. 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. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. 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. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. You'll also discover that sometimes there will be a separate line for Suite or Haven guests to board the tenders when returning to the ship. The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. I love the idea of a private island. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. 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. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Ive never heard of this place before! 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. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . 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. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the 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. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Should Be Cruising is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Cabana No. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Prices have been skyrocked. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. 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. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Share It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. 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. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. 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). Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! 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! She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! 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. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Those who have paid to enjoy the Silver Cove experience have their own exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar with an upscale buffet including lobster tail and jumbo shrimp. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? 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 is an . 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. until the early 19th century. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. 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. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. 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. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Umbrellas can be rented. Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. The back story is that Great Stirrup Cay was bought from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first island ever to be transformed into a private island cruise port for a cruise line. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. Each cabana now has. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. 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 want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. This service is generally at . We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Catching up with Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - What's it Like On Board Evrima? 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. 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. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. So what can you expect from your visit? Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 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. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. 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. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. 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 Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Want to really get away from the crowds? 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. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. . However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). 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. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. The water there is about waist height. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. 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. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. 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. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. 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. Jump to content. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? This is for laid-back folks looking for a relaxing tour around the beautiful island waters of the Berry Islands aboard a modern double-decker catamaran. 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. 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). Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. 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. 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. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. The same $15 per drink limit applies. 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. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. 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). Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! 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. 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. 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. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth.
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