You have entered an incorrect email address! There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. The water there is about waist height. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. And I really dont care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbeans largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. 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. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. Define Great Stirrup Cay Mortgage Central Bank Approval. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. 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. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. It's included as a day stop on many Norwegian sailings in the region and gets occasional visits from Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises ships. Yes! 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. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Happy Cruising!! Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. Will the cruise ship wait for you if you're late at a port? What all is there to do? Search over 2.9 million properties and 550 airlines worldwide. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Chairs are free. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500). Great Stirrup Cay is in the Bahamas archipelago. On the flip side, staying on the ship during a port day at Great Stirrup Cay can be incredibly fun. Didnt notice. The best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. What is included there? Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the 250-acre Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive destination for NCL passengers. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert. Find hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Share Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. However, once it is open tender, you dont need a reservation. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. 9. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? and the experience lasts about an hour. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Enjoy the view of the islands coastline and the beautiful blue sea before the boat lands right on the beach where you can walk ashore. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! Finally, the Tropic Like Its Hot Food Truck has tasty Bahamian-style sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled Pork as well as ceviche and spicy chicken. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. There are also shuttles that will take you right to Silver Cove and back. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. 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 . 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. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. The warmest months are from May to October, which typically enjoy highs of between 86F- 90F with gentle breezes. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. 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. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. 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.. British educated with a diploma in journalism she has traveled the world, writing about her experiences with wonderful clarity and eyewitness detail. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. Manage Settings U.S. dollars are accepted. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. The new Silver Cove gated area is secluded at the far end of the cay, away from the main beach. 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! 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. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. 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. That means you can enjoy a relaxing day with no worriesabout aggressive vendors or sharing the sand with a bunch of strangers. Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. It is part of the Berry Islands, 140 miles east of Miami, Florida and between Great Harbour Cay and RCIs private CocoCay, formerly Little Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Treatment rooms open onto the lagoon, so the island breezes can waft in while you zone out. 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. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. Best of all, they are free. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Below, weve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices: We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Bertrams Beach is the main beach where tenders arrive and depart. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. My thoughts? Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. 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 is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Lagoon Two-Bedroom Villas start at $1,100 and accommodate 16 guests, with up to four additional guests charged at $49 each. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. Osprey Zipline ($79/$59 kids) Three easy flights: the first flight south is the tallest at 120 feet above the ground. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Visitors should note that current construction underway at the far end of the island near the lagoon is creating some noise and dust, so keep that in mind when selecting your cabana. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. A Premier Cabana is priced from $449. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. 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. Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Find a Cruise. They are two different islands. 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. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. Yes, but only a little bit. Really interesting. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. 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. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. A specialty cabana menu is available featuring items such as a charcuterie platter, a seafood platter with chilled shrimp and lobster, sushi, as well as beer, wine and bottle service. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. On Great Stirrup Cay, the main bars include Bacardi Bar, Bertram's Bar and Patron Bar, specializing in various frozen beachy concoctions. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. All excursions are booked through NCL. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Dont worry, its not accessible to other cruise lines not owned by Norwegian! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. The guide will identify the marine life and tell you a bit about the island. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) 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. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. Worth Reading: Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know. Pre-order a cheese board, sushi or tacos and find them waiting for you in the cabana. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. All three lines are owned by the . After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. If you want to be sure of the best spots in shady areas, you need to arrive early or rent a clamshell (around $30 per day) to keep out of the sun. This reduces unnecessary delays. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. The same $15 per drink limit applies. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Meals are cooked to order. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. 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. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. 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. Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. A shopping area and child areas, as well as restricted-access beaches are also included in your Caribbean holiday in the Bahamas. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Im so glad youre here! That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. Package can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay. It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. 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. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. On CocoCay, you'll find Captain Jack's, the Oasis. 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. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. 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. Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. Cabana and villa guests have a food truck option close to them called Tropic Like Its Hot. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included.
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