Everything Great Stirrup Cay - Silver Cove (Villa's, Lagoon, Spa If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. 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. ), Pam, I completely agree. 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. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Yes! If youve been cruise shopping, then youve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbeans CocoCay. In the exclusive Silver Cove area, theres also the Silver Cove Bar and the Mot Bar. From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches. The tour takes around 2 hours and includes the chance to snorkel in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the stunning underwater corals and reefs. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. 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. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Yes, but only a little bit. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Food on Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary and there are three dining options to choose from: Jumbo Beach Grill is the largest and most popular buffet venue. Meals are cooked to order. 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. I think I'd volunteer for that job if I worked for the cruise line :D Next time I go I'll see if I can get the scoop. 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). Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. wikipedia.en/Great_Stirrup_Cay.md at main chinapedia/wikipedia.en Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! 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. 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. Once everyones back on board, enjoy a slow cruise back to Great Stirrup Cay while enjoying island music and light refreshments, snacks and alcoholic beverages. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. 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. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. 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. Most hotels are fully refundable. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. 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. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Be warned that on NCL ships, Open Tender generally doesnt start until the afternoon. 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. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. I believe that there is not, but not sure. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. 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. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Umbrellas can be rented. Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line - Cruise Critic Community Though both cabana types are situated at the farthest end of the island and face quieter beaches than the bustling main beach area, the smaller cabanas offer a slightly more laid-back experience. The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore. Does not include: Room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines; Guest's check may reflect applicable VAT and/or taxes for certain ports or itineraries. 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. 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. 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. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? 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. Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Great Stirupp Cay - The Berry Islands in The Bahamas Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. 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 . 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. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. The alternate package is the "Premium Plus Beverage Package." 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. There are also electrical outlets for charging your electronics. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive 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. Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Great Stirrup Cay Information Please! - Cruise Critic Community 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. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. 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. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Didn't book early enough? Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. 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. When it comes to cruising, its hard to beat a port-of-call thats a private island. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. The island looks beautiful! Get ready to have a blast. Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay - Cruise Critic The second zip-line is 600 feet long, starting 100 feet above the ground. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. They are two different islands. Additional water equipment beyond the floating mats (such as snorkeling masks or stand-up paddle-boards), as well as beach umbrellas or shaded clamshell-style beach loungers, must be rented for an additional charge. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. You can enjoy some beach sports activities by engaging in a game of volleyball on the beach or listen to the DJ spinning some island music. Its also the location of the Mandara Spa. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. 9. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. 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. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Weve put together everything to know about the island. 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! Pricing is per cabana (not per person) and can vary based on your individual ship and itinerary, but daily rates start at $445 for the small cabanas and $495 for the large cabanas; fee includes a $50 credit for use toward food and beverages. 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! 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. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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). This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! Share Cruising The Haven & Suites: Perks and Details (Part 2) - NCL Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. 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. All Rights Reserved. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. . There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. 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 . You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by theBritish Imperial Lighthouse Service. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Cabana No. 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 only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. You have entered an incorrect email address! But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. This includes all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the brand's private island of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks.
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