Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. 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. It will list times and the location where you can pick up tender tickets. Write a Review; Boards; Log In Log Out; Deals. The smaller-sized Cabanas on the Cay are located just west of their larger counterparts on Fiesta Beach, considered by some to be quieter and more laid-back than Cabana Beach, which is closer to the action and the crowds. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. 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. Theyve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didnt have earlier. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. until the early 19th century. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and 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. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Manage Settings Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Let us know in the comments below. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas "Underwater Sculpture Garden" Snorkeling Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). 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. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Currently there is no pier or quay on Stirrup Cay so tenders (small motor boats) are used to transport cruisers ashore. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea Never been to Great Stirrup Cay. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. 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. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. Is Great Stirrup Cay an island designated to NCL? Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years. (As with all Great Stirrup Cay visitors, you can help yourself to food from the island's complimentary buffet while it is running.) You can read more about me and about Should Be Cruising here. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. 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. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. 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. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. 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. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. 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. The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! And if you'd like to be closer to the buffet, the large cabanas are best. There are very limited complimentary beverages available with meals: coffee and ice water. Whichever beach you find yourself at, you are sure to have fun soaking in the sun and playing in the water. You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. 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 great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia 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. Get ready to have a blast. With your cabana reservation, your party will receive priority tender tickets, which allow you to disembark the ship quickly so that you can maximize your beach time. The cabanas are not air-conditioned and do not include private restrooms. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar! 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. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! There are lounge chairs and patio chairs on the deck for enjoying the sun. Here there arent as many people, and its a bit slower paced. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. 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. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. 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. Find a Cruise. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. The main beach area is the easternmost section of the islands developed area and closest to the tender pier. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Norwegian's island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. 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. On Great Stirrup Cay youll have three options for ziplining: the Osprey Zipline, the Seahawk Zipline, or a combo package that lets you ride both. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals.