great stirrup cay what is included

Amenities are the same. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. On the drinks end, there are five bars on the island, starting with the very energetic Bacardi Bar where you can hang out and listen to music as well as enjoy a drink. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. 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. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! What all is there to do? Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. Come back to the earth and go on a speedboat ride zooming past the coastline to Stingray City. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. The island has an exclusive area called Silver Cove, with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. And the free food definitely caught my attention. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. This reduces unnecessary delays. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. 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. 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. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! 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. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. Each cabana now has. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. There are a number of things you can do. This service is generally at . I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). 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. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? 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. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Winds were too calm, so they were forced to stop at the nearest island, Great Stirrup Cay. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. It is a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse (not the historic real lighthouse on the island!) The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Dont forget to check out these resources before your Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line: Have you visited Great Stirrup Cay on a Norwegian cruise? First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. 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. All three lines are owned by the . It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Enjoy a good swim or just float around on a float-pad (available for $16 for the day) from one of the shacks offering equipment rentals. ), Pam, I completely agree. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at 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. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Want to really get away from the crowds? This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. Jump to content. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. Happy Cruising!! Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. 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. 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. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. The climate in Great Stirrup Cay is rainy and more humid in the summer (May to October) with 3.5 inches of rainfall per month. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. Its a great way to start your visit to Great Stirrup Cay so get a pre-booked timed ticket to board or just wait for Open Tender when you can just turn up and hop aboard! It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre piece of paradise in 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. 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. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Great questions, Courtney! We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Norwegian purchased the island outright in 1986. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',199,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-medrectangle-4-0');You may notice some Royal Caribbean ships as you approach the island. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. 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. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Any details would be appreciated. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. 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. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. The island is a little unique in that you dont have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas CocoCay Bahamas Weather. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Tip: If youre thinking of visiting the Mot Bar in Silver Cove, consider upgrading your beverage package to the Premium Plus Beverage Package. Norwegian Cruise Line Internet Packages and Prices, Club Orange, Holland America's Priority Program, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, 6 Cruise Memories That Will Warm Your Heart, Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Large Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), Private Cabanas on Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line), P&O Cruises Reveals Nicole Sherzinger as Godmother of New Ship Arvia, Carnival Miracle Set to Become Fourth Carnival Ship to Sail From Galveston, Life at Sea Cruises Opens Sales for World's First Three-Year Cruise, Oceania Reveals Giada de Laurentiis as Godmother of New Ship Vista. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. 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. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Its a great way to start your Great Stirrup Cay visit in style with a party mood. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Most hotels are fully refundable. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. 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. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval definition The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. and the experience lasts about an hour. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. 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. 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). You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Didnt notice. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six. I love the idea of a private island. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. 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 . 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. 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. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Will keep an eye out next time! If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 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. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove 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. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. 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. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa 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.