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. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses . Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. Offer is not applicable on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two (2) days or less. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, What's Not Included With a Great Stirrup Cay Cabana Rental, How to Book a Cabana on Great Stirrup Cay, What to Expect on a Cruise: Drink Packages on Cruises, 11 Reasons to Take Your Family on a P&O Cruise, Half Moon Cay vs. CocoCay: What These Cruise Line Private Islands Offer Cruisers, Harvest Caye Cabanas: 8 Reasons They're Worth a Splurge. 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. Also Read: IDEAL Things to Do in Bimini, Bahamas. . It has a large seating area and a raised stage for the DJs booth who churns out some cool island tunes. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. The shallow ocean waters are warmest in the summer season, with temperatures reaching up to 86F in August. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. For thrill seekers, one of the newest attractions on Great Stirrup Cay is the zip-line. This is also the best place to shop for that perfect gift to take to your friend or family back at home that you wont find anywhere else. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. Relax on Great Stirrup Cay Beaches 3. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. All Rights Reserved. Underwater Sculpture Garden 5. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: Its the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship. Stand-up paddle boarding (or SUP) is a fun way to get out on the water, and its a great workout, too! 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Chairs are free. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling? To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large. If you dont mind being a little farther away from most amenities, keep walking and youll find Cabana Beach and then Fiesta Beach. Each cabana now has. 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. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Were here to share some insider information about Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas including what you can expect from this port of call. Souvenirs are available at the Berried Treasures Bazaar, a straw market run by local Bahamians. 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. Age and weight restrictions apply to this tour, so read carefully before booking. 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. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Along with all the natural features there are $25 million of facilities and amenities that NCL has built on the island. Snorkeling equipment is also provided. Hot Dog Cart: Want a snack? Does NCL own Great Stirrup Cay? Want to really get away from the crowds? Yes! For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. To make your experience even more serene, book one of the small or large beachside cabanas, stocked with plenty of extras to make it a worthwhile splurge. All excursions are booked through NCL. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. 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. Meals are cooked to order. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disneys Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison. On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Its no wonder the cruise port has so many fun activities to engage in! We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! Big cabanas are well-suited to large groups or families traveling together. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. All of our Bahamas cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Grab a cold drink and enjoy your day, soaking in the sun in this beautiful place. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. If you have a WiFi package on board the ship, you wont be able to use it on Great Stirrup Cay. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. Wait times can be long at peak transit times, so plan accordingly (for example, if youre trying to get back on board for an afternoon spa treatment). Get ready to have a blast. 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. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. Its also about 60 miles north of Nassau. 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. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. 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. It's also about 60 miles north of Nassau. During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is located in the BahamasBerry Islands chain. The more adventurous can try out parasailing, hit the water on a WaveRunner, or . Visiting the Key West Lighthouse and Museum. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. Bertram Beach does gets crowded, especially if there is more than one cruise ship at the island. Why a cruise lanyard is the best travel accessory, Why you should always use a travel agent to book a cruise, Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. 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. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. Located at Bertrams Cove, this garden offers snorkelers something to keep them busy with underwater statues of mermaids, sea creatures, fountains and urns. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. Tucked away at the northern end of the Berry Islands is Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Inside, there's a ceiling fan, a cushioned sectional-style couch, a mini-refrigerator and a table. You'll be close to the lagoon area, a part of the island currently under construction. They overlook the Silver Cove Lagoon which has overwater swings, the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar and the Moet Champagne Bar. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. All we can add to this is a few tips such as: Dont forget to carry and reapply sunscreen as often as possible. Im so glad youre here! For the ultimate relaxation, the new Silver Cove area offers beautiful private two-storey villas and a private lagoon for an additional fee. Bring cash (US dollars) as many local traders do not accept credit cards or stateroom passes. If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. And the free food definitely caught my attention. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Villas also come with a full bathroom with shower and a private patio decked out with padded loungers. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. Each fully-furnished villa features air conditioning, private bathrooms, and a patio. Let me know in the comments below! If youve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. 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.. Amenities are the same. This reduces unnecessary delays. 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. Head to the Stirrup Cay Marketplace and youll find a great choice of beachwear, Bahamian crafts and souvenirs. 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. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. The final zip is 600 feet long and carries you from a height of 75 feet back to ground level. This applies even at Tender ports. Snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish in warm turquoise waters. RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesnt seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. Didn't book early enough? The waters around Great Stirrup Cay are crystal clear, and there are plenty of opportunities to snorkel right from the beach. Thankfully restrooms arent hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island.