Great Stirrup Cay cruise - pretty beaches, a wide variety of water sports and more
Great Stirrup Cay was the cruise industry’s first private island playground. Many of Norwegian's Caribbean itineraries include a port call to the island, while Regent Seven Seas makes an occasional stop. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers into the marina. It is part of Bahama’s Berry Island chain and lies about 50 miles from Nassau. This private retreat is an unspoiled paradise of powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Lush wooded areas add to the beauty of this setting. As the island is surrounded by a reef, coral and fish are abundant in the waters of the peaceful cove. Hammocks, swaying palm trees, lounge chairs lining the beach and a private mansion complete the landscape. The island even boasts its own lighthouse. As this private island is in the Bahamas, English is the preferred language and if not using your shipboard credit account, US Currency is accepted (needed if you plan to shop at the Straw Market). NCL provides a very nice barbeque luncheon and an enclosed bar offers tropical drinks, soda and beer. 'A very pleasant day at the beach' is the opinion of most passengers who spend time ashore on the pretty tropical Bahamian island of Great Stirrup Cay. The island is a private retreat, owned and operated exclusively for its passengers, by the Norwegian Cruise Line. Situated in the Berry Island chain, about 50 miles (80km) from Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay is tiny, surrounded by powdery white sand, crystalline water and a colourful coral reef inhabited by schools of neon-bright tropical fish. Inland lush wooded areas add to the ambience of a true 'castaway' island, although because visitors usually arrive en masse, tendered ashore from huge cruise ships, it is a place where it is difficult to play at being Robinson Crusoe. Still, with hammocks slung under the palms, plenty of sunbeds and parasols along the main crescent of beach, and the staff of the ship on hand to cater to every whim, a day on Great Stirrup Cay can certainly be paradisiacal. The more energetic and adventurous can take a hike up to the island's landmark feature, an 1863 lighthouse, to admire some lovely views and perhaps come across some ruined buildings among the foliage, legacy of some military occupation and an attempt at settlement in days of yore. A leisurely swim offshore reveals the wreck of a small, unidentified craft that provides some interest for snorkellers. Those who still lack for souvenirs and gifts to take home may find some worthy Bahamian arts and crafts items at the little Straw Market, which is set up daily on the island to give the guests a chance for a browsing break from the beach. Prices, though, tend to be higher than in Nassau.
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Great Stirrup Cay Vacations site
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