Great Stirrup Cay (NCL Private Island)

What Sets Great Stirrup Cay Apart From Other Private Islands

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The island’s biggest advantage? It hasn’t been Disney-fied into oblivion. You’ll find three distinct beaches – Cabana Beach, Fiesta Beach, and Infinity Beach – each offering different experiences without the manufactured “zones” other cruise lines force on you. The northern section features excellent snorkeling around natural coral formations, while the southern area houses remnants of a Cold War-era U.S. military satellite tracking station – concrete blocks and helicopter landing pads that add an intriguing historical layer most private islands lack.

The 1863 lighthouse isn’t a replica built for Instagram photos. It’s the real deal – an 80-foot Imperial Lighthouse Service structure that’s been guiding ships for over 160 years, now solar-powered and fully automated. Two people are actually buried on this island: Royal Navy Captain Allan Bertram (who owned the island and requested burial there when he died in 1834) and one other soul, both resting in a fenced grassy area near the visitor center.

The Massive Transformation Coming Your Way

Forget everything you think you know about Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian is investing $150 million in renovations that will fundamentally change this destination. The biggest game-changer arrives late this year: a massive pier capable of docking two ships simultaneously, eliminating the tender boats that currently ferry you to shore.

Here’s what’s rolling out in phases:

Late 2025:

• Brand new pier (no more tender boats)
• 28,000-square-foot heated oceanfront pool with swim-up bars
• Kids’ splash zone with water features
• Island-wide tram system
• Welcome center with overlook bridge
• Vibe Beach Club (adults-only area)
• Horizon Park recreation area

Summer 2026:

• Great Tides Waterpark spanning several football fields
• Sea-inspired water slides
• Lazy river with hidden tunnels
• Cliff-jumping platforms

The construction is carefully managed to avoid disrupting current operations, but these additions will increase annual visitors from the current 500,000 to over one million.

Activities Worth Your Time (And Money)

The Free Stuff That Actually Delivers

All meals are included with your cruise fare across three venues:

• Jumbey Beach Grill: Island-style BBQ with burgers, jerk chicken, pizza, and salads
• Abaco Taco: Build-your-own taco station (often overlooked due to its tucked-away location)
• Tropic Like It’s Hot Food Truck: Caribbean-themed dishes and sandwiches

Your ship’s beverage package works at all five bars: Bacardi Bar, Bertram’s Bar, Patrón Bar, Lighthouse Beach Bar, and for Silver Cove guests, the Moët Bar.

Standard beach chairs and umbrellas are free, first-come-first-served. Smart cruisers book early tender times and head straight past the first beach area to find better spots with fewer crowds.

The Paid Experiences Worth Considering

Ziplines and Adventure Courses The island offers multiple zipline experiences, not just one. The Seahawk is the star attraction at 1,600 feet of open-air flight over water, while the Osprey Traverse features three flights starting 120 feet above ground. The newer adventure course includes six ziplines, net bridges, and challenge obstacles reaching speeds up to 30 mph.

Swimming with Pigs A 10-minute boat ride takes you to nearby Treasure Island for this quintessentially Bahamian experience. Unlike the overcrowded Big Major Cay tours from Nassau, this smaller operation offers more intimate encounters. The reality check: you’re swimming with farm animals, and yes, the water quality reflects that fact.

Water Sports WaveRunner tours keep you with the group – no solo adventures allowed. Kayaking is only available through guided excursions, while paddleboard rentals let you explore independently in designated areas.

The Hidden Gem Most Cruisers Miss

The underwater sculpture garden near the snorkeling area contains multiple art installations that attract marine life. Most visitors snorkel near the main beach, but the sculpture garden is located further along the shoreline. Rent your gear for $30 (adults) or $15 (kids) and make multiple trips throughout the day – the staff doesn’t limit your exploration time.

Silver Cove: The VIP Experience

Silver Cove represents NCL’s answer to Royal Caribbean’s exclusive beach clubs. This private retreat offers air-conditioned villas (starting around $500 for studio villas accommodating two people, up to two-bedroom villas for 16+ guests), infinity pool access, private beaches, and upscale dining.

The catch? You’re essentially paying cruise ship suite prices for beach access. The perks include personal concierge service, exclusive buffet, and Mandara Spa access without villa rental requirements.

Practical Insider Tips

Timing Your Visit

• Board the first available tender to secure better beach spots
• Return to ship at least an hour before departure to avoid tender queues
• Morning hours offer calmest seas for water activities

What to Bring

• Cash for straw market vendors and staff tips
• Your own snorkel gear if space allows
• Reef-safe sunscreen (the island is a protected marine sanctuary)
• Water shoes for rocky snorkeling areas

What to Skip

• Expensive cabana rentals if you can return to the ship midday (once the pier opens)
• The first beach area where most crowds congregate
• Overpriced retail therapy at the marketplace

Transportation and Accessibility

Until the pier opens, tender boats remain your only option. The newer accessible tenders feature covered top decks and wheelchair lifts. Once aboard, the island provides wheelchair access to most areas, though some paths present challenges. Contact NCL before your cruise to discuss specific mobility needs.

The upcoming tram system will connect all major areas, making the island significantly more accessible for guests with mobility limitations.

Planning Your Day Strategy

For Families: Start with complimentary snorkeling at the sculpture garden, grab lunch at Abaco Taco, then consider the zipline adventure for older kids. The new splash zone opening late this year will be game-changing for families with young children.

For Adventure Seekers: Book the pig swimming excursion and zipline combo. The new waterpark opening in summer 2026 will add significant thrill-factor.

For Relaxation: Head to the far end of Infinity Beach away from the main crowds. Consider Silver Cove villa rental for ultimate privacy and comfort.

For Cruise Ship Enthusiasts: This destination represents cruise industry history – the original private island model that sparked an entire category. The current transformation showcases how established destinations evolve to stay competitive.

Common Questions

Is the water really as clear as advertised? Yes, visibility typically exceeds 80 feet in the snorkeling areas. The Berry Islands location keeps Great Stirrup Cay away from the murky waters closer to Nassau’s shipping channels.

Can I bring my own alcohol to the island? No outside alcohol is permitted. Your ship’s beverage package covers all bars on the island, making this restriction less painful.

What happens if weather forces the ship to skip Great Stirrup Cay? Weather closures are rare due to the island’s protected location, but high winds can prevent tender operations. NCL typically substitutes with an extra sea day or alternative port when possible.

Are there any age restrictions for activities? Ziplines require minimum age of 8 and maximum weight of 250 pounds. Swimming with pigs welcomes all ages but requires basic swimming ability. WaveRunner drivers must be 18+, with passengers 8+.

How does Great Stirrup Cay compare to other cruise line private islands? More authentic and less manufactured than Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, but with fewer amenities (until the current expansion completes). Less developed than Carnival’s Half Moon Cay but with better snorkeling. The upcoming waterpark will close the amenities gap significantly.

The island’s protected marine sanctuary status means you can’t remove anything from the water – not even empty shells. This preservation approach maintains the natural environment that makes Great Stirrup Cay special.

Looking for the perfect luggage for your cruise adventures? Check out these premium travel cases that cruise veterans swear by.

For more Bahamas destinations, check out our Bahamas & Turks and Caicos Cruise Destinations guide. Curious about other private islands? Compare with Celebration Key (Carnival’s New Private Destination) or Half Moon Cay (Holland America Private Island).

For more Caribbean cruise insights, explore our guides to Mediterranean cruises, family cruising, and cruise ship tips and tricks. Planning a no-fly adventure? Our no-fly cruises guide covers all your options.

About the Author

Sofia Martinez has sailed over 50 cruises across the Caribbean and US waters, specializing in private island destinations and family-friendly cruise experiences. Her expertise in cruise destinations, onboard experiences, and industry trends helps travelers make informed decisions about their cruise holidays. When not at sea, Sofia explores new destinations and tests the latest cruise innovations. Read more about Sofia our cruise expert.