
Located in the Bahamas, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island is a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The island spans over 75 acres of pristine beach and crystal-clear waters.
The island is accessible only by Norwegian Cruise Line ships, which dock at the island's private pier. This ensures a seamless and exclusive experience for guests.
The island's remote location and limited access make it an ideal spot for seclusion and relaxation. The island's remote location and limited access make it an ideal spot for seclusion and relaxation.
Key Points
Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private island in the Bahamas, purchased by Norwegian Cruise Line in the 1970s.
The island has a rich history, having been a pirate's hideaway, a U.S. military post, and even featuring a historic lighthouse dating back to the 1860s.
Norwegian Cruise Line has made significant investments in the island, including a $1 million upgrade in the 1990s and further enhancements in the 2010s.
A new two-ship pier is currently under construction, expected to be open by late 2025, which will allow the cruise line to double the number of guests on the island at one time, starting in 2026.
This could mean that up to 700,000 cruisers visit the island each year.
Island Amenities
Our private island is a tranquil retreat where you can unwind and recharge. The island's pristine beaches offer a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
You'll find plenty of comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas to soak up the sun, and a gentle breeze always seems to be present.
The island's beachside bar is fully stocked with refreshing cocktails, beers, and wines. You can order your favorite drink and enjoy it while taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean.
A variety of delicious food options are available, including snacks, light meals, and refreshing desserts. You can even enjoy a beachside BBQ with your family and friends.
A range of activities are available to keep you entertained, including snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. You can also try your hand at beach volleyball or simply take a leisurely stroll around the island.
A dedicated team of island staff is on hand to cater to your every need, from providing fresh towels and refreshing drinks to helping you plan your day.
Things to Do
You can snorkel at Great Stirrup Cay, exploring the underwater sculpture garden and spotting marine life like stingrays and starfish.
The snorkel center on the island has equipment rentals available for $15 for kids and $30 for adults.
If you're looking for an above-water adventure, consider a waverunner tour, which costs from $175, or kayak or stand up paddle board trips, priced from $59 and $43 respectively.
A guided trip to a nearby island to swim with pigs is also an option, priced at $175.
Great Stirrup Cay has multiple zip lines, including the Seahawk zip line and Osprey traverse zip line, which require you to be at least eight years old and weigh less than 250 pounds.
One-hour zip line and ropes course experiences start at $87, offering breathtaking views of the island.
You can also visit the island's marketplace to buy souvenirs and local products, but be sure to bring cash as credit cards are not accepted.
A scenic boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay will take you to the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island, a unique experience not to be missed.
Visiting the Island
You'll want to leave the ship early to snag a good spot on the beach, especially if you plan to spend most of your day beach-bumming.
Getting up early is worth it for prime beach real estate. Believe me, it's a game-changer.
To avoid long wait times for the tender boats, plan to leave for the island early in the morning or extra-late in the evening, and head back to the ship at least an hour or two before departure.
You'll need to tender to the island, which means waiting in line and traveling on small tender boats to get there and back.
Make sure to book a cruise on one of the ships that stop at Great Stirrup Cay, which includes Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Encore, and many others.
Don't forget to stop by the excursion desk on the cruise ship ahead of time to book any paid excursions or activities you want to enjoy on the island.
Pack a small backpack or tote bag with essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and swim shoes, depending on your plans.
Development and Plans
Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Harvest Caye, is a 75-acre resort located off the coast of Belize. It's a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beaches.
The island was developed by Norwegian Cruise Line in collaboration with the Belizean government and local businesses, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Harvest Caye is designed to accommodate up to 8,000 passengers at a time, with multiple amenities and activities available, including a beach, a pool, and a lagoon.
The island features a private beach, a pool, a lagoon, and multiple dining and shopping options.
Norwegian Cruise Line invested over $50 million in the development of Harvest Caye, which includes a state-of-the-art pier and a variety of infrastructure.
The island's design incorporates natural features, such as mangroves and palm trees, to create a seamless transition between the man-made and natural environments.
Returning Home
As you disembark from Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, you'll be treated to a seamless and efficient process that makes the most of your last few hours on the island.
The island's private dock is designed to handle a high volume of passengers, ensuring that you can get back on the ship quickly and easily.
You'll have about 2-3 hours to spend on the ship before it sets sail, so make the most of this time by grabbing a snack or doing some last-minute shopping.
The ship's crew will be happy to help you with any last-minute questions or concerns you may have before departing the island.
The island's beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters will be a memory to cherish long after you leave the island behind.
Highlights and Relaxation
Relaxing on the private island is a must. You can kick back in a beach cabana, complete with a mini-fridge, bottled water, outdoor showers, and towels.
The cabanas offer a perfect retreat from the sun and activities. The Mandara Spa at Silver Cove is another great spot to unwind, with a wide variety of services surrounded by incredible ocean views.
A day at the spa is a great way to rejuvenate and refresh. The spa's ocean views are simply stunning, making it the perfect setting for some me-time.
Sources
- https://www.mustlovetravel.com/news/norwegian-cruise-lines-private-island-great-stirrup-cay/
- https://www.cruisehive.com/what-to-do-in-great-stirrup-cay-bahamas-ncls-private-island/24269
- https://www.stocktitan.net/news/NCLH/norwegian-cruise-line-holdings-announces-development-plans-for-asq1f3dqlkp4.html
- https://www.icruise.com/cruise-lines/norwegian-cruise-line-great-stirrup-cay.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Stirrup_Cay
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