Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com until the early 19th century. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. Ive never heard of this place before! CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. You have entered an incorrect email address! Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Or am I missing something? Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. 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. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Let us know in the comments below. All three lines are owned by the . Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Great Stirrup Cay. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. were changing far more frequently. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Theres no service while youre on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, youll need to wait until you go back aboard. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Im so glad youre here! Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. It is home to a lush coconut plantation, an automated lighthouse (built-in 1863), white sandy beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, and a wide variety of marine life. Youll take an elevator to the 110-foot platform to zip out 1429 feet to a landing near Silver Cove Lagoon. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. For a less busy beach, try secluded Fiesta Beach, which is the furthest from the pier with less noise and activity. Cabana No. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. 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. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay - Ask a Cruise Question - Cruise Critic Community As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. 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. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. 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. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. 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. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. 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. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? U.S. dollars are accepted. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 17 Tips, Tricks and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. 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. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. 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. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. 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. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Find a Cruise. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Hugely disappointed with this line. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise 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. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Great questions, Courtney! Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. 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. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. 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. 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 . Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. They are two different islands. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Will keep an eye out next time! These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. The water there is about waist height. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. 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. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Didnt notice. This service is generally at . Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Thanks for stopping by! 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. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. 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.