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How to visit Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay on zero dollars
Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers. It’s completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, it’s decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers. It is one of the best Great Stirrup Cay excursions on this Norwegian cruise private island. Don’t limit yourself to the closest beach from the cruise port which is generally the most crowded. Get out and explore the different beaches and you are sure to find a beach which you can enjoy nearly to yourself.
Do Ships Dock at Great Stirrup Cay?
The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. The ship’s activities staff will host activities, such as beach volleyball tournaments, water and beach games, dance classes, yoga, and more. The day’s soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. You would have made your tender time the day before and now its time to wake up, and enjoy some breakfast onboard your Norwegian Cruise Line ship, at the Garden Cafe. This is the main buffet onboard, and offers plenty of complimentary options for breakfast. While on our visit to the island, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that using the lounge chairs was also included in our visit.
What activities are offered at Great Stirrup Cay?
Secluded Beaches – For those seeking solitude, the island also boasts less frequented stretches of beach where tranquility reigns. These areas are perfect for long walks, sunbathing away from the crowds, or spending quiet time with a loved one. Babysitting Services – On a limited basis and by advance reservation, babysitting services can be arranged for younger children. This service allows parents to explore the island on their own or enjoy a quiet dinner, knowing their children are in good hands.
Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. 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.
Beach Wheelchairs Are Available (First-come, First-served)
The middle beach, known as Cabana Beach, has private cabanas for rent on a raised, hilly area on the beach. However, anyone can relax on the sand or use the free beach chairs available. Since it’s an extension of Bertram’s Beach, you can expect the same features and facilities. Leased from Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and later purchased outright in 1986, Great Stirrup Cay is a private 268-acre island oasis. 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.
Bahamas Day Trips
Check out the Great Stirrup Cay excursions on the Norwegian private island. Berried Treasure Bazaar is the place to do your local artisan and souvenir shopping. It is a great place to meet locals and maybe have a conversation or two, as well. Most cruise passengers give the market a visit, or at least a walk through to see all the neat crafts and tees.
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For $105, you will board a boat and be taken to a nearby island where you will be greeted by swimming pigs who are out for their daily feed. If you've purchased a Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package that works on the ship, you'll be happy to know that it also works on Great Stirrup Cay. This means that you can continue to enjoy unlimited drinks, including alcoholic beverages, while on the island without having to worry about additional charges. The same rules apply on the island as they do on the ship, so you'll need to show your key card to receive your drinks. The beverage package includes a variety of options, from beer and wine to cocktails and premium spirits. There are also non-alcoholic options available, such as soda and bottled water, which are included in the package as well.
Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Other fun activities on the island include zip lining, parasailing, snorkeling, and WaveRunner tours. Once a NCL ship anchors alongside Great Stirrup Cay, guests will take tender boats over to the island.
Luxury cabana rentals are ideal for small groups and families of 8-10 guests. Perched on a raised area of the beach they catch gentle breezes and offer stunning sea views. Cabanas have a front porch and include comfortable furnishings, side tables and bottled water. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because it’s a tender 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.
The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. Keep this in mind when you ask crew members if you or your group member will be allowed to tender. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. You’ll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since it’s in a very central location. This lighthouse was originally constructed in 1863 by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service.
But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. Since Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t run the bazaar, you won’t be able to use your cruise card here. It’s 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.
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The Lagoon Restaurant – For a more shaded dining experience, The Lagoon Restaurant provides a buffet-style service surrounded by lush island greenery. It features ample seating in a breezy pavilion that captures the essence of island dining with both indoor and outdoor seating options. For those looking for a more exclusive experience, there are private cabanas available for rent along the quieter parts of the shoreline.
While tenders run back and forth all day, you’ll need to wait in line on either end for boats to arrive before you can board. If you have an afternoon spa treatment, for instance, you won't want to head back ten minutes before. Now that you’ve made it onto the island, its time to locate your lounge chair for the day.
The private retreat is available to guests who rent a villa or reserve a spa treatment at the Mandara Spa. Welcome to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic private island paradise exclusive to Norwegian guests. Unwind on white-sand beaches and enjoy the many ways to explore paradise. Peacefully glide along the coastline in a kayak, or soar high into the sky as you zipline across the island. Craft your own delicious taco at the complimentary Abaco Taco, while sipping on a refreshing drink.
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