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Pro
A nice lazy place to relax
Con
Not enough time.....
In a nutshell
Cruiseline island
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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
Great Stirrup Cay is the private playground for Norwegian (NCL) Cruise Lines. The first of its kind Great Stirrup Cay was developed in the 70's to be a private island retreat. Always a port when going...
NCL did a great job of creating a relaxing beach and swimming area. This was a fun day at the beach. We tendered over from the ship.
This was the last leg of our cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line's very own private isolated island, in The Bahamas. This island is part of the Berry Islands, located 62 nautical miles from Freeport...
Build your own Great Stirrup Cay page
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