great stirrup cay what is included
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). The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. 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. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Didnt notice. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. ), Pam, I completely agree. Share The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. 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. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. You can go parasailing in tandem, sailing 400 feet high in the air above Stirrup Cay while being towed by a motor boat. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didnt feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Everything about Norwegian Cruise Internet: Speed Test, Cost, and More, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Full Ships! The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. If you have your heart set on a day on this private island, you might want to consider booking your cruise outside of this season. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Weve put together everything to know about the island. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. This service is generally at . Theres plenty more to do on Great Stirrup Cay. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. The water there is about waist height. Want to really get away from the crowds? Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. 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. Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? 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. Manage Settings 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. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. 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. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. Or am I missing something? 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. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. There are a number of things you can do. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. First things first an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. They are two different islands. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Amenities are the same. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Yes! It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. and the experience lasts about an hour. 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. Unlike the Carnival Cheers Program which limits you to 15 alcoholic drinks a day, NCL's drink packages are truly unlimited. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. until the early 19th century. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. 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. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. You'll have your choice of 22 Cabanas on the Cay: 10 large cabanas situated on Cabana Beach, next to the main beach area, and which can fit up to eight people; and 12 small cabanas, accommodating up to six people each on Fiesta Beach. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. Great Stirrup Cay | Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian Cruise Line 65.1K subscribers 58K views 1 year ago Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to. And because of the island's shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. What Is a Cabana on a Cruise Ship or Private Island? It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. 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. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. 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. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. 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. What all is there to do? 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 an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. However, there are beautiful calms shallow waters right off the beach that provide a safe environment for swimming and snorkeling in the clear warm water. 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. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. With all this information, you are all geared up for the best time possible at Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Still, you can go out and be away from other people. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. 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. 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. Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Really interesting. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. 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. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Great Stirrup Cay. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? 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. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. This reduces unnecessary delays. What did you think of the island? 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. 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. You can make your reservation online, booking it as a shore excursion. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. 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. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. 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. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. 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. 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. 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. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL: Norwegians island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. Find a Cruise. Will keep an eye out next time! Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. So what can you expect from your visit? These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Costs are from US$60-85 depending on the number of rides and which zip-lines you choose. Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. 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. Check onboard with the shore excursions desk to see if there are any cancellations. 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. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 25+ Fun Must-Do Things on a Norwegian Cruise, 29 Must-Have Things to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise (11 Youd Never Think Of), Carnival Is Fixing a MAJOR Issue With Sailing from Galveston, Princess Cruise Gratuity (Tips) Full Guide: How Much, How They Work, and More, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of). 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. Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers? The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private cruise island in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. Many visitors choose to just relax on the beach during their visit to the private island, and theres plenty of beautiful sand for everyone! The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. This includes beers, wines, cocktails, and sodas plus juices. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. You get the chance to feed and interact with these porkers and have a photo op before relaxing with a drink on the observation deck and watching the fun. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group. 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. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. 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. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. Only one person from your party should make the reservation. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach.