Great Stirrup Cay, NCL Private Island Destination Guide & Map

Ports

Mar 6

Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive private island in the Bahamas, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a popular destination for guests sailing with Norwegian, offering a range of activities and amenities that make it a must-visit spot during any Bahamas itinerary. In this guide, we'll explore Great Stirrup Cay, highlight the top 5 things to do on the island, and discuss how it sets itself apart from other cruise line private islands.

History of Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay is a small island, measuring only 250 acres, located in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island in the 1970s and has since transformed it into a private paradise for guests of the cruise line.

*New handicap-accessible GSC tender with covered top deck © Freestyle Travelers*

Tendering Process to Great Stirrup Cay

Great Stirrup Cay is accessible only by tender boats since it does not have a dock. Tender boats are small vessels that transport you from your cruise ship to the island's shore. The process of tendering is relatively simple, and you will receive instructions on how and where to board the boats. However, the process can take some time, so it's crucial to plan accordingly and factor in extra time for tendering when planning your day on the island. We recommend using the touchscreen kiosks around the ship to schedule your tender ticket time as soon as you board on embarkation day. On our latest trip, we were among some of the first guests to see that NCL now has handicap-accessible tenders available for guests with mobility issues.

Is there a Pier at Great Stirrup Cay?

Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced the development of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay, which is slated to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the Norwegian’s current and future ship classes.

Food at Great Stirrup Cay

Guests visiting Great Stirrup Cay can indulge in a range of delicious food options during their island getaway. From classic beachside fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and jerk chicken served at several grills and bars, to newly added complimentary dining options like a taco shack and food truck, there's something to suit every palate. Norwegian Cruise Line has made sure that guests can enjoy a variety of culinary options to enhance their island experience.

Jumbey Beach Grill

Jumbey Beach Grill serves up island-style barbecue lunch, including burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken, salads, pizza, and desserts. It's the ideal spot to grab a bite in between activities, and with its proximity to the beach, you can enjoy your meal while soaking up the sun. Keep in mind that lunch is typically served between 11-2, but the schedule may vary depending on your ship's schedule, so be sure to check before heading over.

Abaco Taco

Abaco Taco is another popular dining option for those visiting Great Stirrup Cay. This food shack offers a variety of tasty tacos, including fish, chicken, and beef. You can choose from a range of delicious fillings and toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.

Tropic Like It’s Hot Food Truck

*GSC Food Truck Menu © Freestyle Travelers*

The Tropic Like It's Hot food truck is a popular dining spot located on Great Stirrup Cay, just a stone's throw away from the beach cabanas and the lighthouse bar. The food truck is known for its delicious and fresh food, with menu items such as fish sandwiches, pork sandwiches, ceviche, and chicken sandwiches. It's a great option for guests who want to grab a quick bite to eat while enjoying the island's stunning scenery.

Silver Cove Exclusive Retreat

*Silver Cove Welcome Center © Freestyle Travelers*

Silver Cove is a private retreat on Great Stirrup Cay, owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. It offers guests an exclusive and luxurious experience, with its own private beach, pool, and cabanas. The beach is beautifully maintained, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing. The pool area has ample loungers and cabanas, and the bar serves a variety of refreshing drinks and cocktails.

*Silver Cove Lagoon Villa © Norwegian Cruise Line*

In addition to the luxurious amenities offered at the Silver Cove Resort, guests can also rent beach villas for the day. These cabanas come in varying sizes, from the cozy Studio Villa for two people, to the larger Family Villa for up to eight people, to the spacious Two-Bedroom Villa that can accommodate over 16 people. Each villa comes with comfortable seating, a cooler stocked with water and soda, and a ceiling fan to keep you cool.

*Silver Cove Two Bedroom Villa © Norwegian Cruise Line*

Renting a villa is a great way to have your own private space on the island and make your visit to Great Stirrup Cay even more enjoyable. With the added amenities, you can relax in style and comfort while taking in the stunning views of the island's natural beauty. Villas can be reserved in advance through the Norwegian Cruise Line website or on the island, but availability may be limited, so it's best to book early to ensure availability.

Drinks at Great Stirrup Cay

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.

*Margarita from the Beach Bar © Freestyle Travelers*

Great Stirrup Cay offers a variety of bars for guests to enjoy during their visit. The Lighthouse Bar is located near the island's lighthouse and offers stunning views of the ocean. The Bacardi Bar is situated near the island's main beach and serves up a range of tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, and beer. The Beach Bar is another popular option and offers a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of shade to cool off from the sun. Bertram's Bar is located on Bertram's Beach and offers a great selection of drinks and light bites.

*Silver Cove Bar © Norwegian Cruise Line*

Silver Cove guests can enjoy an exclusive Moet Champagne Bar, where they can sip on premium champagne while taking in stunning views of the island. In addition, there is a private bar at Silver Cove, which is only available to guests staying in the cabanas. This bar offers a variety of drinks and cocktails to enjoy while lounging by the pool or taking in the island's beauty. No matter where you choose to grab a drink on Great Stirrup Cay, you're sure to find a spot to relax and enjoy the island vibes.

Top 5 Things to Do on Great Stirrup Cay:

Soak up the Sun on the Beaches: The island boasts several beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and soft white sand. Relax on the shore, sunbathe, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
Zip Line Adventure: For thrill-seekers, the zip line on Great Stirrup Cay is a must-try activity. Zip over the crystal-clear waters and get a bird's eye view of the island.
Snorkel or Scuba Dive in the Waters: Great Stirrup Cay offers an incredible underwater world that you can explore through snorkeling or scuba diving. The island has an abundance of marine life, including colorful fish, coral reefs, and even shipwrecks.
Relax in a Cabana: Rent a private cabana on the island and enjoy the privacy and luxury of your own little oasis. Cabanas come in varying sizes from studios to 2-bedroom units that can hold over 16 people.
Enjoy Watersports: Great Stirrup Cay offers a range of watersports for guests to enjoy, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and parasailing. These activities are perfect for those seeking adventure and excitement during their visit. You can rent equipment on-site or book a guided tour for a more personalized experience.

*Great Stirrup Cay Zip Line © Norwegian Cruise Line*

What Makes Great Stirrup Cay Different from Other Cruise Line Private Islands:

A Larger Island: Great Stirrup Cay is larger than many other cruise line private islands, offering a range of activities and experiences for guests. The island is 250 acres, which is more significant than some other private islands that are less than half its size.
Owned by the Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line owns Great Stirrup Cay, which allows them to create a more personalized experience for guests and ensure that everything on the island meets their high standards. They have complete control over the island's development and management.
Range of Activities: Great Stirrup Cay offers a wide range of activities for guests to enjoy, making it a great destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. From snorkeling and scuba diving to nature walks and watersports, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Future of Great Stirrup Cay

As of April 2023, a pier has not yet been added to Great Stirrup Cay. It's unclear when exactly the pier will be constructed, but it's likely that Norwegian Cruise Line is working on it as part of their ongoing efforts to improve the island's infrastructure.

Adding a pier would provide a more convenient and efficient way for guests to disembark and explore the island. Currently, guests have to use tender boats to get ashore, which can sometimes be a slow and crowded process. A pier would allow ships to dock directly at the island, making it easier for guests to come and go.

Overall, while there is no official timeline for when the pier will be added to Great Stirrup Cay, it's likely that Norwegian Cruise Line will continue to work on the project in the coming months and years.

*Great Stirrup Cay Overview © Norwegian Cruise Line*

In conclusion, Great Stirrup Cay is a unique destination in the Bahamas that sets itself apart from other cruise line private islands. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the island offers a range of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy, making it a popular destination for first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or try your hand at a watersport, there's something for everyone on Great Stirrup Cay. So if you're planning a Bahamas cruise, be sure to add Great Stirrup Cay to your itinerary and experience the beauty and adventure of this idyllic island getaway.

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Norwegian Cruise Blog is an unofficial fan blog written for other fans of Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian Cruise Blog is not affiliated with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

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