This week let’s do some island hopping. Follow along as we hop from one cruise line’s private island destination to another.
Here we go!
First up, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.
Great Stirrup Cay is owned and operated by NCL and is exclusive to the cruise line’s travelers. The tender port was purchased by NCL in the 1970s and covers more than 250 acres. It is located at the northern end of the Berry Islands in The Bahamas. Guests will find plenty of food and fun when they visit Great Stirrup Cay. Guests will also never forget the historic lighthouse that sits on the island and dates back to the 1860s.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s purchase and subsequent development of the island marked the first time a cruise line used an island exclusively for its guests. They have made numerous enhancements to the island over the years the most recent being the construction of a new pier to the island allowing two large vessels to dock simultaneously. The pier is expected to be completed in late 2025 and will remove the need for tendering to the island. It will also allow the cruise line to double the number of visitors on the island at a time.
The island has three main beaches–Infinity Beach, Lighthouse Beach and Cabana Beach. Infinity Beach and Lighthouse Beach are both near bars, restaurants, the historic lighthouse and ziplining. The somewhat smaller Cabana Beach offers a food truck as well as cabanas and clam shells to rent.
All dining at Great Stirrup Cay is included in your cruise fare and there is something for every palate. Besides the Tropic Like Its Hot food truck at Cabana Beach, Abaco Taco serves a variety of tacos, and Jumbey Beach Grill offers an island-style buffet with barbecue and side dish options. There are four bars to choose from–Patron Bar, Betram’s Bar, Bacardi Bar and Lighthouse Beach Bar where your drink package purchased on the ship is honored.
While on the island, guests will find plenty to do. You can rent snorkeling equipment for snorkeling excursions, you can sign up for the waverunner tour, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can even swim with pigs. There is zip lining and shopping which includes locals selling Bahamian crafts and products.
Guests can choose to be a VIP for the day when they rent a private villa at Silver Cove. Silver Cove also features an infinity pool, a spa, two beaches, an upscale buffet and bar, as well as an exclusive Moet Champagne Bar.
Cruise ships that visit Great Stirrup Cay include Norwegian Breakaway, Encore, Epic, Escape, Gem, Jade, Jewel, Joy, Pearl, Prima, Sky, Sun and Viva.