Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean itineraries often include stops on NCL’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay, in the Bahamas. This beach paradise features a sandy white beach, crystal clear blue waters for snorkeling, beach volleyball court, and massage tent. With hundreds of lounge chairs and beach chairs, a stop in Great Stirrup Cay is a relaxing way to begin or end a cruise.
Often the first or last stop for Norwegian cruise liners navigating the Caribbean, Great Stirrup Cay, this port of call has many free activities as well as a few ship excursions that can be booked for a fee either on board the ship at the excursion desk or one of several on-board kiosks, on NCL’s website in advance of sailing, or through a cruise booking agent.
Great Stirrup Cay Facilities
An indoor washroom is located centrally on the island near the disembarkation points. As well, several outdoor shower facilities are set up around the island to use for rinsing articles of sand before returning to the cruise ship.
There is a barbeque lunch area including hot and cold buffet items such as pizza, fruits, and salads, served by the ship’s staff. In addition to the buffet, there is also an island barbeque featuring freshly grilled burgers, hot dogs and corn. There are numerous picnic tables located both under a shade canopy and in the sun.
A volleyball net is also set up for passengers to use and there is a small straw market on site featuring local crafts.
Relaxing on the Beach at Great Stirrup Cay
The white sandy beach at Great Stirrup Cay is lined with several hundred beach lounge chairs. While there are not enough chairs for every passenger on the cruise ship, there is no need to rush off the ship on the first tender to secure a lounge. However, those disembarking later in the day may find themselves at a loss for a chair. There are also upright beach chairs for NCL guests.
Snorkeling and Swimming in the Bahamas
The crystal clear waters of Great Stirrup Cay are rife with man-made coral reefs which are home to many native Bahamian fish species. Even without snorkel equipment, the sea life is readily visible in the shallow water. The water is relatively calm in the rock-wall protected bay; however beyond the lifeguard post at the edge of the protected rocks are choppy and deep waters, often with a strong current.
All visitors to Great Stirrup Cay who wish to snorkel must rent a life vest for $5 US for the day, regardless whether passenger’s are bringing their own snorkel equipment or renting from the NCL activities booth located on the island. Snorkeling equipment rentals are $29 US for adults and $15 for children under 12 for use while docked at Great Stirrup Cay.
Hippo Slide and Beach Massages
The two most popular activities on Great Stirrup Cay are the beach massages and the hippo water slide.
Beach massages must be booked in advance on the ship through the spa facility or on the island, subject to availability. These 30 minute massages cost approximately $40 US and can be booked privately or as a side by side massage.
A large inflatable slide in the shape of a hippopotamus, the hippo slide is a fun activity for kids, as well as adults. A day pass can be purchased for unlimited use of the slide while on Great Stirrup Cay for $26 US, or visitors can purchase a single slide for $5 US.
Active Excursions: Parasailing, Kayaking, and Eco Tours
For passengers seeking more than just a day on the beach, there are three adventure-based tours for an active stop on great Stirrup Cay.
Parasailing is also available while the cruise ship is docked at Great Stirrup Cay. The $84 US tandem parasail excursion lasts approximately one hour while time in the air varies from 10 to 20 minutes depending on the number of participants on the excursion.
For $39 US, passengers can take an Eco Adventure boat tour around the island on a catamaran. This tour provides passengers with the chance to see marine life such as stingrays and sharks in their natural habitat as well as learn about the varied ecosystem surrounding Great Stirrup Cay.
A 90 minute leisurely guided kayak tour south of the main beach includes an instruction on how to use the kayak for the inexperienced. These two person kayaks allow passengers to sit on top of the plastic boat, and the $39 rental includes life jackets. The clear waters provide excellent viewing opportunities to see stingrays, conch, and other marine life.
All prices are based on 2010 quotes, and activities feature different rates for children and adults. Prices are subject to change
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