Great Stirrup Cay Travel Guide

  Great Stirrup Cay
by thecatsmeow
 
  • Great Stirrup Cay
      Great Stirrup Cay
    by thecatsmeow
  • Looking out to the Dawn from the island
      Looking out to the Dawn from the island
    by thecatsmeow
  • NCL's Dawn from the beach
      NCL's Dawn from the beach
    by thecatsmeow
  • Lagoon area off GSC
      Lagoon area off GSC
    by thecatsmeow
  • Lower Level of a tender. Dawn in the background.
      Lower Level of a tender. Dawn in the...
    by thecatsmeow
 

Pro

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 A nice lazy place to relax 


Con

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 Not enough time..... 


In a nutshell

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 Cruiseline island 

 

Explore Great Stirrup Cay

Things to Do  

Simply lay in the sun or take a dip in the water
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windoweb 329 reviews
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NCL has a great private island experience. Once you tender over to the island from the ship they serve a beach lunch complete with live music. The beach is lovely. The water was cool the day we were there so we did not snorkel. There were other people snorkeling though.

Written Mar 16, 2012

Related to:
 Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
 Beaches
 Cruise

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Eat drink and be jolly!
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thecatsmeow 157 reviews
Picnicing
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While on the island you can take advantage of the BBQ that NCL puts on for the cruisers. This is included for no fee and is pretty darn good. Hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, and assorted sides and deserts. There are picnic tables scattered all over so we snagged one in the shade. At least it started out in the shade. There is also a nice little band playing the whole time.

Written Oct 24, 2006

Related to:
 Beaches
 Adventure Travel
 Cruise

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Take a Hike!
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thecatsmeow 157 reviews

Besides snorkeling you can take a nice hike along several trails on the island. Just beyaond the bathroom building you will see a few pathes. Remeber that it is warm and there are trees but not much shade so be smart and buy some water to take with you. There is an old lighthouse on the island that was built in 1863. Many people like to take a look at it.

Written Oct 24, 2006

Related to:
 Cruise
 Adventure Travel
 Beaches

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Snorkel the Lagoon
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Lagoon area off GSC
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You can rent snorkling gear on the island or pre-arrange through the ship to rent it. If you pre arrange then you are assured of getting equipment. You will get flippers, a mask and a snorkel for about $29. We paid $32 so we could get a T-Shirt also. You can use the equipment all day. Once you get your stuff just head over to the lagoon area and stake your claim on a chair. Put on your gear and head into the water. We took an underwater camera with us. I still need to develope the film. The water here is clear and clean. There were fish everywhere once you swam out away from the wading people. Even saw a stingray.

Written Oct 24, 2006

Related to:
 Beaches
 Diving and Snorkeling
 Cruise

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Transportation  

Tender to the Island
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Tender alongside the Dawn
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The only way to get to the island from your cruise ship is to board a tender. These are smaller two level boats that come up to the side of the ship. While compared to the ship they are small they actually hold over 100 people. We rode in and back on the lower level and it was a smooth trip both ways. Another nice way to get to know your fellow passengers.

Written Oct 24, 2006

Related to:
 Cruise
 Adventure Travel
 Sailing and Boating

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Warnings and Dangers  

Do Not .........
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Do not drink the tap water on the island. While there are signs posted all over people still do it and then they get sick. Shuck out a few bucks and buy the bottled water. In the long run it is a lot cheaper then the possible medical bills!

Written Oct 24, 2006

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What to Pack  

Some must haves!
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Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Do wear sandels or watersocks if you don't plan on wearing flippers. While the beach is very sandy the water has many rocks and of course fish in it. Protect your feet!

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Take a towel with you! You can sign for one onboard before you leave the ship. There are none available on the island. Be sure to bring it back onboard on your return and turn in your slip or you will be charged for it by the cruiseline. Also be sure and take your sunglasses and sunscreen with you. The sun is very intense and there are umbrellas but they do not really provide the protection you need. No need for bugspray so don't bother.

Photo Equipment: Bring along a disposeable underwater camera. There are a lot of fish and other marine life to see and take snapshots of.

Written Oct 24, 2006

Related to:
 Beaches
 Cruise

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Favorites  

NCL's Private Island
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Sea of Blue Umbrellas, Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Favorite thing: Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Lines' private island in the Bahamas. You must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. The beach is narrow, so try to arrive early for the "best" seats (there are beach chairs and hammocks available). Swimming and snorkeling are on the left side, boating (and sunbathing) on the right. You can rent paddle boats, kayaks, mini-cats, and jet skis, as well as floats, kickboards and snorkel gear. There is also a mini Straw Market on the island, and a permanent BBQ for lunch.

Fondest memory: Bar staff will bring you a Bahama Mama right on the beach (in an $8 souvenir cup)!

Written Mar 10, 2004

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Map of Great Stirrup Cay