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. 11 is a highly requested small cabana for its ideal location near the bar, beach and bathroom. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-4','ezslot_17',606,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-4-0');If youd prefer to relax ON the water, you can rent a floating mat for $16 a day. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Didn't book early enough? 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. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. What did you think of the island? were changing far more frequently. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. 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. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. 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. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. 5 big changes you should know about coming to Norwegian Cruise Line in 2023, Comparing Norwegian Cruise Line sailings to Alaska in 2023, 17 kinds of cruises you didnt know Norwegian Cruise Lines offered. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. My husband and I are snorkelers. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. I believe that there is not, but not sure. 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. 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. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. 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. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Prices have been skyrocked. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. Happy Cruising!! These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. U.S. dollars are accepted. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? 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. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and developed it into a private island for their cruise ship passengers. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your moneys worth. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Yes, but only a little bit. And the free food definitely caught my attention. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. 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. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. My thoughts? This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. All Rights Reserved. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. 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 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.. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. and the experience lasts about an hour. 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. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. 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 . ), Pam, I completely agree. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? Chairs are free. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. Hugely disappointed with this line. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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. Yes! From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful.
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