Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas. It acts as a port of call for NCL ships on Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.
This island was one of the first private islands developed by the major cruise lines and it has a unique atmosphere. One gets the feeling that this is what it must be like to be on an island that someone owns rather than being at a Bahamian resort. It is more of a beachcomber style.
A day at Grand Stirrup begins with a ride from the ship to the island in a landing craft that once served as a tender for the legendary SS Norway. Upon arriving at the island, the front ramp drop down and one steps onto the beach as in a John Wayne movie.
Of course, there are no enemy bullets flying. Rather, there is the friendly crew to greet you. They have come over from the ship earlier to set up the beach barbeque and the various bars.
Not far away is the beach area and many passengers dash there to secure a deck chair in a prime location. The beach is sandy and the water is sheltered by a rocky spit of land.
Sitting by the beach is not the only thing to do. There are some hammocks in amongst the palm trees and some deck chairs in the shade. For the more active, there is snorkeling, parasailing and a giant inflatable water slide. One can also get away from the crowd by following the nature trail into some of the undeveloped parts of the island. (Be careful, the rocks can be slippery). There is also an eco-boat tour during which naturalists talk about the island’s environment and point out examples of the wildlife.
Then, as mentioned earlier, one can enjoy a barbeque lunch - - hamburgers, hot dos, pizza, salads, desserts etc. - - at a picnic table under the palms. Or one can sit on the deck of the main bar and watch the sea lap onto the rocky shore. .
Recently, NCL has announced plans to revitalize Great Stirrup. Several of these new improvement projects are already underway and some have even been completed. At the end of the project the island will be more resort-like and have more facilities for passengers. For example, there will be a new marina with boats and jet skis as well as a place for tenders to dock.
Beyondships’ multi-page photo tour of Great Stirrup Cay begins at: http://www.beyondships.com/NCL-GreatStirrupCay.html
This island was one of the first private islands developed by the major cruise lines and it has a unique atmosphere. One gets the feeling that this is what it must be like to be on an island that someone owns rather than being at a Bahamian resort. It is more of a beachcomber style.
A day at Grand Stirrup begins with a ride from the ship to the island in a landing craft that once served as a tender for the legendary SS Norway. Upon arriving at the island, the front ramp drop down and one steps onto the beach as in a John Wayne movie.
Of course, there are no enemy bullets flying. Rather, there is the friendly crew to greet you. They have come over from the ship earlier to set up the beach barbeque and the various bars.
Not far away is the beach area and many passengers dash there to secure a deck chair in a prime location. The beach is sandy and the water is sheltered by a rocky spit of land.
Sitting by the beach is not the only thing to do. There are some hammocks in amongst the palm trees and some deck chairs in the shade. For the more active, there is snorkeling, parasailing and a giant inflatable water slide. One can also get away from the crowd by following the nature trail into some of the undeveloped parts of the island. (Be careful, the rocks can be slippery). There is also an eco-boat tour during which naturalists talk about the island’s environment and point out examples of the wildlife.
Then, as mentioned earlier, one can enjoy a barbeque lunch - - hamburgers, hot dos, pizza, salads, desserts etc. - - at a picnic table under the palms. Or one can sit on the deck of the main bar and watch the sea lap onto the rocky shore. .
Recently, NCL has announced plans to revitalize Great Stirrup. Several of these new improvement projects are already underway and some have even been completed. At the end of the project the island will be more resort-like and have more facilities for passengers. For example, there will be a new marina with boats and jet skis as well as a place for tenders to dock.
Beyondships’ multi-page photo tour of Great Stirrup Cay begins at: http://www.beyondships.com/NCL-GreatStirrupCay.html
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