You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Each cabana now has. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. 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. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. I love the idea of a private island. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. 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; However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. 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. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. 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. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 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! Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: 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. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Yes, but only a little bit. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below). Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 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. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. Most chairs arent shaded, so you might consider renting a clamshell to keep out of the sun. NCL appears to be going more for a "luxury resort feel" plus great beach options - when the additions of a pool and actual resort features plus the pier do (hopefully) materialize, it will be interesting to compare the two islands and their 180 degree different approach to private island excursions. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. 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. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. 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 (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. U.S. dollars are accepted. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. There are many species of birds including gulls and sanderlings, lizards, crabs and small island creatures that you are bound to catch a glimpse of, once in a while. 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 dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. 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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. 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. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. The .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}cabanas are open-air style with an open wall facing the beach and windows on each side. 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). There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. 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. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. Ive never heard of this place before! Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Meals are cooked to order. Each cabana includes a deck in the front with landscaping surrounding it; each comes with a ramp entrance (though the cruise line notes that cabanas are not wheelchair accessible). Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Behind the cabana, you'll find four floating mats for complimentary all-day use in the ocean and a private shower to rinse off, as well as your very own hammock. 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. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. 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. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? 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. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. 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. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. This service is generally at . Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. The island looks beautiful! Prices have been skyrocked. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. and the experience lasts about an hour. 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. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. 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. 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. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as its right by the landing for the tender boats. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Bonus: Your spa appointment gets you access to the Silver Cove beach, restaurant, and bars, typically reserved for villa guests. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. 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. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. Great Stirrup Cay doesnt yet have a pier for ships to dock at, so your ship will anchor offshore. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. You will have a brief safety instruction session before going into the shallow waters within a cove. This 250-acre island in the Bahamas was the first to be purchased by a cruise line ( Norwegian Cruise Line bought it in in 1977) and remains a private paradise. 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. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. On shore youll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below).
Northeast High School Soccer Roster,
Company Anniversary Message During Pandemic,
Kincumber To Davistown Bike Track,
How To Change Text With Inspect Element 2021,
Articles G
great stirrup cay what is included