Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line suites: What's included? Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. What all is there to do?
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive 20 Best Value Cruises to the Bahamas in January 2024 | GoToSea But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre (108 ha) [1] island that is part of the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. Its an open-air shelter with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and comes with four complimentary floating mats. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) Cruise ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay drop their anchor some distance away from the island as the waters are too shallow for large ships to come ashore. Youll return via a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb, and two more long zipline rides. 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. A visit to the Bahamas is never complete without a souvenir. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! Great questions, Courtney! They are two different islands. Great Stirrup Cay. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance! There are no manmade swimming pools at Great Stirrup Cay. There are bars near all three beaches including the Bacardi Bar and Patrons Bar. 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. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us. 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. This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles.
Great Stirrup Cay, cruises to Bahamas | MSC Cruises It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well. 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. Expect lively dancing from the ships entertainment staff, especially at the Bacardi Bar!
30 Things to Know About Perfect Day at CocoCay Bahamas (2023) - Cruise Hive The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami. Great Stirrup Cay is an . Yes! Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Yes! Find out everything you need to know about Norwegian Cruise Line's private island Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas with things to do and tips. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot.
You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. The journey is about a mile each way, and you might even spot some local wildlife, including iguanas and hummingbirds on your walk. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Other activities to look forward to include renting a stand-up paddle-board at US$25 for an hour. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. Peak hurricane period in the Bahamas lasts from early August until late October. 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. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . My thoughts? Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island.
NCL takes Great Stirrup Cay upscale at Silver Cove For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Didn't book early enough? Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas was the first private island to be purchased by a cruise line in the 1970's, however, it has come a long way in becoming a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the exclusivity of Norwegian cruise line passengers. 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. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. 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. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Want to really get away from the crowds? You can pick up Bahamian souvenirs at the small straw market, close to the main beach. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Any food or drinks (we have UBP)? This body of work consisted of twenty-seven artificia. Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. Check them out: NCL went the extra mile and created a concrete underwater sculpture garden as part of their upgrades. ), Pam, I completely agree. There were two early-nineteenth-century burials on the island, and you can visit the tiny cemetery with their memorials. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. In addition, your drinks package includes beverages purchased on the island (subject to the same limits and restrictions as onboard), so you dont need to shell out extra for a beer or cocktail on the beach. There are a number of things you can do. Great Stirrup Cay, just like most cruise stops in the Caribbean, enjoys a warm tropical temperature throughout the year. 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. Gillian Birch is a full-time travel writer and author of 12 travel books. 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. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. until the early 19th century. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. The zip-lines provide birds eye views of the island and surrounding ocean so keep your eyes open if you dare! 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. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. This 90-minute guided tour will take you to the home of huge southern stingrays. Because flexibility matters. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay.
The improvements at Great Stirrup Cay also included the rebuilding of the island's 22 private cabanas, which are available for rent starting at $299 for a group of six.
The Ultimate Guide To Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas In 2020 Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. Get ready to have a blast. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. Meals are cooked to order. As the busiest cruise season is from November through April, most cruises enjoy uninterrupted sunshine and very little rain. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup 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. Let me know in the comments below! And theyre usually a lot less crowded! Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. The coolest months are from December to February, with temperatures averaging 81-86F, occasionally dropping as low as 66F in a cold snap. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) Umbrellas can be rented. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. 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. 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. The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options. Glide smoothly along the coastline enjoying the scenery and spotting fish and marine life beneath the water, while maintaining your balance on this fitness ride. Ziplining is a big draw and youll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Abaco Taco is a fun taco bar where you can load up your own taco with fish, chicken beef and all the toppings. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. 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! If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers.
Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian Cruise Line's Private Island In The This helps them stand out from the rest of the island. 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. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. Great Stirrup Cay Great Stirrup Cay. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located? There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is an extension of the ship, so you can pay for drinks, tours, and rentals with your cruise card. However, drink packages do not work at Harvest Caye, Belize. Since this is a private cruise port, dont expect to go on excursions on your own, or to contract private tour operators, as there are none.
Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages Guide - Cruise Maven She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. 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. 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.
Top Hotels in Great Stirrup Cay from $220 - Expedia 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. It has barbecue food, salads, ribs, chicken and corn-on-the-cob. 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. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. What is included there? Your must-haves for Great Stirrup Cay are pretty basic: I also recommend a few extras to make your day on the island more fun and comfortable: Remember when youre packing your beach bag to double-check that youve packed everything youll need for the day. Nibble on fresh fruit and enjoy the soft ocean breezes from the plush sectional inside your very own private cabana on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Still, you can go out and be away from other people. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. Apart from those two items, you dont NEED to bring anything. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. At that time, when youre ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender. Great Stirrup Cay. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? Enjoy the scenic views on this leisurely kayaking tour. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here. and the experience lasts about an hour. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. These include: Great Stirrup Cay - Norwegian Cruise Line; Perfect Day at Cococay - RCI; Castaway Cay - Disney and RCI; Ocean Cay Marine Reserve - MSC; Labadee, Haiti - RCI; It also comes with four floating mats and bottled water. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. After all that activity, youll have worked up quite an appetite. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. 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! Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. 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. 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. 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. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Let us know in the comments below. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. Read on for more information about each cabana to help you choose the right one for your group.
Your Guide to Great Stirrup Cay Cabanas - Cruise Critic When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Alternatively, head out to the rocks in the water for a climb and more sunbathing. So what can you expect from your visit? If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. 12 Amazing Cruise Line Private Islands to Visit in 2023 and Beyond, 7 Best Beaches in Nassau Bahamas for Cruisers, Giada De Laurentiis Named Godmother of Oceania Cruises New Ship Vista, Norwegian Cruise Line Announces 2023 Meet the Winemaker Series, P&O Arvia Naming Ceremony Will Feature Olly Murs, Carnival Now Offering Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagars Santo Tequila Fleetwide, Princess Cruises Introduces Welcome Home Program, https://shouldbecruising.com/privacy-policy/, Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise, Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise, Great Stirrup Cay Two Bedroom Family Suite Villa (https://youtu.be/PUDp-RaXOO0), 25 Norwegian Cruise Tips You Need to Know, Norwegians Free at Sea: The Ultimate Guide, 2020 Guide to Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages, A photo ID (needs to be a valid drivers license if youre doing the wave runner tour), Tennis shoes for visiting the lighthouse or ziplining. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. There is a bar close to the cabanas, so you are never too far away to quench your thirst with chilled island drinks. Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. Everything we know so far about NCLs newest ship: Norwegian Viva. 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. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. Take a Catamaran and Snorkel Tour at Great Stirrup Cay, Disneys Castaway Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know, Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas for Cruise Visitors, https://www.cruisehive.com/author/gillian, UK Cruise Line to Remove Requirements on Sailings From May, Worlds Largest Cruise Ship Oversold for Spring Break, Carnival Cruise Ship Will Offer Transatlantic Voyage After Dry Dock. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. 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). You're even able to purchase photos to remember your time with them. 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. When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone.
Brooklyn Nets Media Guide,
List Of All Masculine And Feminine African Countries In French,
Bunker Hill Security 62463 Firmware Update,
Articles G