There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. 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. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. 12 things that are guaranteed to help you enjoy your day at Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas. Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Want to really get away from the crowds? Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. 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 . Youre in for a pleasant surprise because Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island, is the ideal place foran idyllic beach getaway, with plenty to do and little hassle. All Rights Reserved. and the experience lasts about an hour. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! 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. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Room service is included if youd prefer to dine in the villa. CocoCay Bahamas Weather. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines Great Stirrup Cay? For dessert, feast on rum cake and coconut fudge bars! The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. Best of all, they are free. 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). So there you have it! Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. While tenders run back and forth all day, youll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive and disembark passengers before you can board. Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Thanks for stopping by! Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. Great Stirrup Cay Port Review | ShermansTravel Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. 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. Its close to the snorkeling areas of Bertrams Cove, rentals, tour info, food, drinks, and music, so it's the most action-packed. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay happens to be located adjacent toLittle Stirrup Cay,home to RCCs private island CocoCay. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive One thing thats great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. 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. Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around 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. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. 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. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. 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. All excursions are booked through NCL. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Umbrellas can be rented. Remember to wear good water shoes, however. 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. 30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive The island looks beautiful! If youd like to buy drinks, you use your cruise card to make your purchases just as you do on the ship. were changing far more frequently. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. 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! Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. 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. 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. And the free food definitely caught my attention. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay. U.S. dollars are accepted. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Worth Reading: Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. So what can you expect from your visit? Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. The advantage of this location is your proximity to the main dining venue, Jumbey Beach Grill, as well as live music from the main stage. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. 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. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. 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. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Although it was manned for many years, it's currently timed and solar-powered. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesnt run the bazaar, you wont be able to use your cruise card here. 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. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Will keep an eye out next time! If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. 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. No, there is currently not a pool on Great Stirrup Cay, just sheltered swimming coves. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. until the early 19th century. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Hugely disappointed with this line. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? 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. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. The staff youll meet during the day on Great Stirrup Cay come over from the ship. There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. 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. For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. I believe that there is not, but not sure. Animals: Variety of lizards, land crabs, iguanas,. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. 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 rent clam shells or beach umbrellas for shade. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. 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. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. The truck serves a limited menu of sandwiches and Caribbean-themed lunch items, plus dessert.
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