The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. . 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. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. I love the idea of a private island. U.S. dollars are accepted. Norwegian Cruise Linestarted leasing Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, to develop it into aprivate island exclusivelyfor NCL cruise ship passengers. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Even walking among the palm trees and the vegetation of the Great Stirrup Cay is a fun and interesting experience. The island looks beautiful! And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. 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. 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. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. 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. Rent a Cabana Great Stirrup Cay Shore Excursions 4. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. (There are public facilities within walking distance.) If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Manage Settings Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. If you dont anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship. What is this island, which is a staple on the line's Bahamas and Caribbean cruises? Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. 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. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. If its been a few years since youve visited the private island, youll be amazed at how much its changed while still retaining its charm. You can pre-book this exciting experience from the Excursion Desk onboard the ship or at the islands Information Booth. Any details would be appreciated. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? Theres plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you dont really need to bring snacks. 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. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! Great Stirrup Cay is situated in the Bahamas and is included in a number of itineraries for Norwegian Cruise Line. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the beach. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? What did you think of the island? (Though why youd spend a day on a beautiful beach watching movies is beyond us!). At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) In 2015, commissioned by Norwegian Cruise Line for innovative work on their private island in Bahamas. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. So what can you expect from your visit? Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. 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. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. 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. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. 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. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. Will keep an eye out next time! Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. 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. 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. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. Your Great Stirrup Cay cabana will be stocked with towels, fresh fruit, chips and salsa, and bottled water, and you can order additional food and drinks to be delivered directly to your doorstep by a cabana attendant. Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. . 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. Most of this has to do with supply and demand. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. Or am I missing something? Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. Didnt notice. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay are three powder-soft white sandy beaches. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. 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. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. 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.