The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. She was buried next to Captain Bertram. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those whove booked villas, so its a bit quieter than the rest of the island. And lastly, remember to wear good water shoes. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. This 250+ acre retreat, which is in close proximity to Nassau, Bahamas, is reserved only for the company's cruise ships. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. The great news is that you dont need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest? Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Enjoy a hearty serving of tasty food including burgers, pizza, hot dogs and grilled chicken or steak. Norwegian Cruise Line uses very large tendering boats, and the trip only lasts 10 minutes long. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. 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 best snorkeling spots in Bertrams Cove are easily accessible from the main beach. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Enjoy a Boat Ride 2. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Thats a day where you dont get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Food Truck/Abaco Taco: There are two other spots on the island Abaco Taco (a build your own taco bar) and a food truck called Tropic Like Its Hot (pictured above) serving up some dishes that you wont find anywhere else on Great Stirrup Cay. The ships activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. In fact, its very likely youll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup 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. But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands. Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. These are only accessible to Villa guests and those booking a treatment at the Mandara Spa. As a result, in 1863, the British Imperial Lighthouse Service erected the lighthouse on Great Stirrup Cay. Get up to 35,000 rewards points when you book a Celebrity cruise from this new AmEx offer. Umbrellas can be rented. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. 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. Both beaches are available to the public and offer beach chairs closer to the water. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. Prices for this trip are US $65 for adults and $45 for children aged 8+. What is Norwegian Cruise Lines largest ship? 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. The cost of the guided kayaking tour is US $55 for adults and $40 for children aged 8 and above. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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. Average Temp: 75 degrees Fahrenheit Vegetation: Coconut Palm; Sea Grape, and the beautiful Bougainvillea are among the abundant regional foliage. 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. 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. These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Prices start from $599 to over $1100 for up to 8 guests (and $49 for each additional guest, up to 10 in total). You'll have a view here of the cove, since these cabanas are perched on top of a small hill. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. Meals are cooked to order. And unless you have premium tastes, your favorite liquors will be included. Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use. These beautifully designed cabanas feature a large L-shaped couch, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan, four lounge chairs on the porch area, four floating pads, fresh towel supply, snacks, a bowl of fresh fruit, dedicated waiter service, an extra $50 credit for food and a private shower on the back. 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. 9. Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, also offer occasional itineraries that include a day at Great Stirrup Cay. Or take a turn parasailing high above the islands shores. Find the best value cruise sailings to the Bahamas in January 2024. Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 20+ Norwegian Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know, Worth It? These cabanas offer all the same amenities as the larger ones, just in a smaller format. Prices start at $105 for adults and $85 for children aged 6 and above. 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. In short, if youve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Each group of cabanas is located close to small beaches that are often far less crowded than the main beach. Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. 12 Things to Do at Great Stirrup Cay 1. Let me know in the comments below! 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. One note: You CANT bring any food with you between the ship and the island. The pigs arent on GSC itself, but on nearby Treasure Island. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. The first zip-line is 100 feet long, but its also the highest and scariest. If you're planning a sailing here and want to know more, then here are 16 useful things to know about the island. Tour guides provide a basic orientation on how to use your kayak. Do you have a specific ship you love or would like to try? Carry cash for the local market on the island; they dont take your ship stateroom card or credit card. Youll be paddling in clear shallow waters spotting a range of marine creatures including turtles and dolphins if youre lucky in this fun adventure. When the stingrays approach, you will have an opportunity to pet, feed and have a photo taken with these majestic creatures. and the experience lasts about an hour. Both cabana styles offer complimentary bottled water as well as up to four free-floating mats. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and youll find Silver Cove. If you have a beverage package onboard the ship, it is valid for use on the island. Yes, but only a little bit. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. (See our suggest cruise packing items here.) I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. 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. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Cruise week report: NCL suites, tours you want to skip, the best accessory for your next cruise, and more! Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Also located here is the grave of Elizabeth Hixson (1813-1838), a young woman from Virginia who was traveling by sea with her husband and daughter. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. It is dry and sunny in the winter season. Lounge on the sparkling beaches or go for a walk and wade into the warm turquoise sea. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. It is named after the British naval commander who settled on Great Stirrup Cay in the 18th century. Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels with Expedia Rewards. Great Stirrup Cay, Your Own Private Island Set sail for the Bahamas and get ready for some fun in the sun! Continue with Recommended Cookies. Below, we have outlined your possibilities for a day on this NCL private island: 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. Best of all, they are free. Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Great Stirrup Cay is one of the ports of call on your Norwegian Cruise Line, but you can't find the island on a map.