Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line Private Island Menus, Tendering, Info, & Map
Great Stirrup Cay Zip Line © Norwegian Cruise Line
Great Stirrup Cay is an exclusive private island in the Bahamas, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line. It is a popular destination for guests sailing with Norwegian, offering a range of activities and amenities that make it a must-visit spot during any Bahamas itinerary.
History of Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay is a small island, measuring only 250 acres, located in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line purchased the island in the 1970s and has since transformed it into a private paradise for guests of the cruise line.
New handicap-accessible GSC tender with covered top deck © Freestyle Travelers
Tendering Process to Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay is accessible only by tender boats since it does not have a dock. Tender boats are small vessels that transport you from your cruise ship to the island's shore. The process of tendering is relatively simple, and you will receive instructions on how and where to board the boats. However, the process can take some time, so it's crucial to plan accordingly and factor in extra time for tendering when planning your day on the island. We recommend using the touchscreen kiosks around the ship to schedule your tender ticket time as soon as you board on embarkation day. On our latest trip, we were among some of the first guests to see that NCL now has handicap-accessible tenders available for guests with mobility issues.
New Pier Development at Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced the development of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay, which is slated to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the Norwegian’s current and future ship classes.
Map of Great Stirrup Cay
Food at Great Stirrup Cay
Guests visiting Great Stirrup Cay can indulge in a range of delicious food options during their island getaway. From classic beachside fare such as burgers, hot dogs, and jerk chicken served at several grills and bars, to newly added complimentary dining options like a taco shack and food truck, there's something to suit every palate. Norwegian Cruise Line has made sure that guests can enjoy a variety of culinary options to enhance their island experience.
Jumbey Beach Grill
Jumbey Beach Grill © Norwegian Cruise Line
Jumbey Beach Grill serves up island-style barbecue lunch, including burgers, hot dogs, jerk chicken, salads, pizza, and desserts. It's the ideal spot to grab a bite in between activities, and with its proximity to the beach, you can enjoy your meal while soaking up the sun. Keep in mind that lunch is typically served between 11-2, but the schedule may vary depending on your ship's schedule, so be sure to check before heading over.
Abaco Taco
Abaco Taco Stand © Norwegian Cruise Line
Abaco Taco is another popular dining option for those visiting Great Stirrup Cay. This food shack offers a variety of tasty tacos, including fish, chicken, and beef. You can choose from a range of delicious fillings and toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream.
Tropic Like It’s Hot Food Truck
GSC Food Truck © Freestyle Travelers
GSC Food Truck Menu © Freestyle Travelers
The Tropic Like It's Hot food truck is a popular dining spot located on Great Stirrup Cay, just a stone's throw away from the beach cabanas and the lighthouse bar. The food truck is known for its delicious and fresh food, with menu items such as fish sandwiches, pork sandwiches, ceviche, and chicken sandwiches. It's a great option for guests who want to grab a quick bite to eat while enjoying the island's stunning scenery.
Silver Cove Exclusive Retreat
Silver Cove Welcome Center © Freestyle Travelers
Silver Cove is a private retreat on Great Stirrup Cay, owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line. It offers guests an exclusive and luxurious experience, with its own private beach, pool, and cabanas. The beach is beautifully maintained, with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing. The pool area has ample loungers and cabanas, and the bar serves a variety of refreshing drinks and cocktails.
Silver Cove Lagoon Villa © Norwegian Cruise Line
In addition to the luxurious amenities offered at the Silver Cove Resort, guests can also rent beach villas for the day. These cabanas come in varying sizes, from the cozy Studio Villa for two people, to the larger Family Villa for up to eight people, to the spacious Two-Bedroom Villa that can accommodate over 16 people. Each villa comes with comfortable seating, a cooler stocked with water and soda, and a ceiling fan to keep you cool.
Silver Cove Two Bedroom Villa © Norwegian Cruise Line
Drinks at Great Stirrup Cay
If you've purchased a Norwegian Cruise Line beverage package that works on the ship, you'll be happy to know that it also works on Great Stirrup Cay. This means that you can continue to enjoy unlimited drinks, including alcoholic beverages, while on the island without having to worry about additional charges. The same rules apply on the island as they do on the ship, so you'll need to show your key card to receive your drinks. The beverage package includes a variety of options, from beer and wine to cocktails and premium spirits. There are also non-alcoholic options available, such as soda and bottled water, which are included in the package as well.
Margarita from the Beach Bar © Freestyle Travelers
Great Stirrup Cay offers a variety of bars for guests to enjoy during their visit. The Lighthouse Bar is located near the island's lighthouse and offers stunning views of the ocean. The Bacardi Bar is situated near the island's main beach and serves up a range of tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, and beer. The Beach Bar is another popular option and offers a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of shade to cool off from the sun. Bertram's Bar is located on Bertram's Beach and offers a great selection of drinks and light bites.
Silver Cove Exclusive Restaurant & Bar © Freestyle Travelers
Great Stirrup Cay is a unique destination in the Bahamas that sets itself apart from other cruise line private islands. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, the island offers a range of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy, making it a popular destination for first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world, or try your hand at a watersport, there's something for everyone on Great Stirrup Cay. So if you're planning a Bahamas cruise, be sure to add Great Stirrup Cay to your itinerary and experience the beauty and adventure of this idyllic island getaway.
Great Stirrup Cay can be found on itineraries for almost all Norwegian Cruise Line ships including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Encore, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Getaway, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Sky, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, and Norwegian Viva. The Pride of America only does Hawaii sailings and does not call at Great Stirrup Cay.
