If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 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). Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. 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. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. You can pull the curtains closed for privacy. . These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. This idyllic island is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line and was the first uninhabited island ever to be turned into a private cruise port. 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. NCL used to offer tram service for transporting cruisers from the tender point to their cabanas, but currently it is not offering that service. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. Since its an extension of Bertrams Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. 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. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. This reduces unnecessary delays. 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. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. 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. Youll also see local fish and plenty of colorful marine-life. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. 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. 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). Norwegian Expects 103% Occupancy Rate in 2023, Norwegian Cruise Line Gratuities (Tips): Full Guide to Cost & How They Work, Good Deal? Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Erica Silverstein is a cruise and family travel expert, who has been covering the industry for more than 15 years. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. You can also visit a still-functional lighthouse dating to 1863 or look for locations for fun . An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island. 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. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Ive never heard of this place before! 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. This guided trip will start with a boat ride out to Treasure Island, where guests get a full safety briefing before entering the water. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. Find a Cruise. She passed away during the journey, and her husband hoped to make it to Key West for burial. Share Happy Cruising!! The island has several bars spread throughout the beach areas. The northern part of the island has a sandy beach surrounded by rocks with snorkeling areas. That makes it extremely simple for passengers. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, its decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. 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. However, if you want more space to stretch out and relax, the minimal upcharge to the larger cabana offers a great value. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. 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. By superdavexox, June 21, 2017 in Ask a Cruise Question. Norwegian Cruise Line is the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its passengers. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. You cant miss itthe mats are a seriously bright shade of yellow! Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. Looks like a wonderful place to relax, Yes, the food on Great Stirrup Cay is included with your cruise fare! Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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. 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. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Cabanas on the Cay book up fairly quickly, several months in advance of a cruise, so early booking is strongly recommended. Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent? With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. The temperature averages a very pleasant 77F all year round. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. The British Navy captain, commander of HMS Tweed, asked to be buried here facing the beach that he loved. 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. The same $15 per drink limit applies. Unlike other private islands, Great Stirrup Cay does not have any kid play areas. Everything to Know About Norwegians Free At Sea Sale, What to Do on a Cruise? January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. It is located between Great Harbour Cay and Little Stirrup Cay (now renamed CocoCay at Perfect Cay) about 140 miles east of Miami. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didnt do much swimming. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it wont extend to the island. Great Stirrup Cay is the northernmost island in the Berry Islands and is 250 acres of paradise. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Visit the coral reefs of the Bahamas in this unique 90-minute cruise excursion swimming with pigs. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. After a brief orientation your guide will help you into a 2-person kayak. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat. 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. They can represent good value for money and ensure the ultimate beach day experience in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay. 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. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. The location is at Cabana Beach, closer to the main beach (Bertram's Cove) than the smaller cabanas. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Try. In simple terms, you can get almost anything on the ship that's priced less than $15 per glass. Check out beautiful paintings, wooden carvings, clothing, woven items, jewelry and sculptures to take home. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal. For a more exclusive experience, Silver Cove offers private furnished villa rentals for 10 with one or 2 bedrooms and on-demand movies. 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. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. 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. until the early 19th century. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Cabana rentals start at $249 for 8 guests with additional fees for more guests.