This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Or am I missing something? Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! and the experience lasts about an hour. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island when it was acquired back in the 1970's, but it has come a long way since then. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. So what can you expect from your visit? Its completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and can only be visited as a port of call from a NCL cruise. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Chairs are free. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. . 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 is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. So there you have it! 8 Cruise Line Private Islands You Must Escape To Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. It features 38 air-conditioned beachfront villas, a Mandara Spa, a Mot & Chandon Bar and the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar. 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. 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. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. 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. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. 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. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Explore Bahamas itineraries, find available cabins and book with GoToSea. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. Inside the exclusive (and expensive) new beach retreat on this cruise Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? I was looking at some itineraries, and when do the ships stop there?? Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). 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. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. Share To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. 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. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. 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. 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. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? 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.. One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line's private island gets a makeover There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. I would love to learn more about life on the island for the people employed by the cruise line. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. You can rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. 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. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Its also smart to bring a towel from the ship. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. 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. Hope to visit it one day. Im so glad youre here! For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. (which we all need to do more! Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. 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. Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Let us know in the comments below. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. 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. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Bahamas Cruises: Cruise to Bahamas | Norwegian Cruise Line Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. Yes, but only a little bit. 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. 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. Weve put together everything to know about the island. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. 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. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. 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.