You may have trouble locating Great Stirrup Cay on a map, but it will be one of your Norwegian Cruise Line stops. Guests on the line’s Caribbean and Bahamas cruises frequently ask, “What is this island?” Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island, is the perfect destination for a serene beach vacation.
Read to the end to discover the five most exciting things awaiting your trip to Great Stirrup Cay.
What exactly is Great Stirrup Cay?
Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced “key”) is the luxury private island of Norwegian Cruise Line in the Bahamas. While most of the island remains uninhabited, Norwegian has created a tropical paradise for its cruise ship passengers.
Passengers and employees from Norway are the only ones permitted on a cruise to Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Thus, you can kick back and relax without dodging aggressive hawkers or worrying about sharing the beach with unpleasantries.
- Cruising in a Boat
The waters surrounding Great Stirrup Cay are too shallow for cruise ships to dock directly at the island, so visiting cruise ships must anchor at a distance from the coast. Due to the present absence of a quay or dock on Stirrup Cay, cruise passengers get onshore in tenders, which are tiny motor boats.
The ride takes ten minutes and is completed by very sizable tendering boats used by Norwegian Cruise Line. This eliminates needless delays for passengers who would otherwise have to wait.
As your tender approaches the coast, you may take in the sights of the island’s shoreline and the clear blue water below.
The island is an oasis of beauty in the Caribbean, complete with an abundance of tropical palm trees, vibrant blossoms, and green flora in this protected marine reserve.
2. Zip-lining From the Lighthouse
The zip-line is among the latest additions to things to do on Great Stirrup Cay for people looking for the thrill. It’s a set of three jumps off a replica lighthouse (rather than the island’s iconic “real” lighthouse!) that’s 130 feet off the ground. Together, you’ll spend an hour on the line. If you’re planning London tours, be sure to add this exhilarating zip-line experience to your itinerary on Great Stirrup Cay!
The first and longest zip line is also the tallest and most terrifying at 100 feet in height. With a start point 100 feet above the earth, the following zip-line measures 600 feet in length. The 600-foot-long final zip lowers you to a height of 75 feet from the ground.
Although it’s not for the fainthearted, you may open your eyes for a bird-eye view of the entire natural paradise and its enclosing waters. You can pre-cook this thrilling adventure at the island’s information booth or the ship’s excursion office. Prices range from US$60 to US$85, based on how many times you’ll ride and which zip lines you pick.
3. Relaxing By the Great Stirrup Cay Beaches
Great Stirrup Cay is most notable for its three pristine and powder-white sand beaches, and Bertram’s Beach is the primary landing and departure point for tenders on the island.
However, Bertram Beach can become quite congested, especially when multiple cruise ships dock at the island. Therefore, Fiesta Beach, located the farthest away from the pier, with less disturbance and activities, offers the best alternative to a crowded beach.
Cabana Beach is the third alternative for beach lovers. It offers private rental cabanas on a steep portion of the beach. Nonetheless, anyone can lounge in the sand or one provided beach chair at no cost. As it is a continuation of Bertram’s Beach, the amenities and services are the same.
4. Visit the Underwater Culture Garden
NCL went above and beyond by adding an artificial underwater sculpture garden. Submarine mermaid statues, marine life, fountains, and urns give snorkelers plenty to do in this garden situated at Bertram’s Cove.
Rent snorkeling gear for the day from Susan’s for $30 for grownups and $15 for kids, and swim for as long as you’d like at this beautiful spot. Remember to prepare your underwater camera to take selfies with schools of fish in the garden.
5. Experience a Cabana
Families with 8–10 people are perfect for intimate gatherings in luxury cabanas. Located on a hill above the beach, these Cabanas enjoy the ocean breezes and provide breathtaking panoramas for residents. The front porch of a cabana has comfy furniture, bottled water, and side tables.
The base rate for renting a cabana accommodates eight people and costs $249 per night. These elegant cabanas have a spacious L-shaped couch, a small refrigerator, a ceiling fan, four comfortable chairs on the porch, four floating cushions, a clean towel supply, refreshments, an assortment of fresh fruit, dedicated customer service, an additional $50 credit for meals, and a private bathroom in the back.
They may offer excellent value for the money and ensure you have an enjoyable time at the beach while vacationing in the Bahamas on Great Stirrup Cay.
Conclusion
Now you know the deal – Five attractions that will enhance your day on Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. Now you only have to keep a few details in mind:
Keep sunscreen on hand, and reapply it as often as you can. Also, remember to have cash on you because the island’s tiny market does not accept credit cards or ship stateroom cards.
Finally, remember to bring quality water footwear. With this info, you are prepared for the most enjoyable experience at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Enjoy your voyage!
