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Cruise Port Advisor

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Cruise Port Guide

Explore Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas on your cruise. Discover the best shore excursions, beaches, things to do, and travel tips for your port day ashore.

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, located in the Berry Island chain approximately 130 nautical miles east of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Purchased by NCL in 1977, the 250-acre island has been continuously upgraded and now features a full resort experience exclusively for Norwegian guests.

The island offers beaches, a large pool complex, water activities, zip-lining, dining, and exclusive relaxation spots including the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and the premium Silver Cove villas. NCL's beverage packages are honored on the island, and meal venues are included in your cruise fare.

Occasionally, Norwegian's sister lines โ€” Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises โ€” also stop at Great Stirrup Cay.

๐Ÿ†• 2026 Update โ€” Ships Now Dock Directly: Great Stirrup Cay has a permanent pier. Ships dock directly โ€” no tender boats required. Simply walk from the gangway to shore at your own pace (5โ€“10 minutes from gangway to end of pier).
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Know Before You Go

Ships now dock directly at the permanent pier โ€” no tender required. Norwegian continues to invest in major upgrades including the Great Life Lagoon pool complex and a new tram system. From March 2026, regular drink packages do not apply on the island unless you have Free at Sea Plus or purchase the Great Stirrup Cay drinks package separately โ€” confirm your package before arriving. Bring water shoes as the surrounding coral can cause cuts. There are no lockers on the island โ€” leave valuables on the ship. Bring your own towel from the ship.
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Hot Tip

Walk to the far eastern end of the beach โ€” fewer people, quieter, and the water is just as beautiful. The main arrival area gets congested quickly; just 10 minutes of walking makes a huge difference to your experience.

Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas โ€“ Quick Facts

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CurrencyThe U.S. dollar is the accepted currency. The straw market accepts cash only. You can use your stateroom key card for drinks, shore excursions and souvenirs. Credit cards are not accepted on the island and there are no ATMs.
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LanguageEnglish is spoken on Great Stirrup Cay.
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WiFi & PhoneThere is no WiFi on Great Stirrup Cay. There is, however, a cell phone tower.
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Where You DockGreat Stirrup Cay Private Island, Berry Islands, Bahamas (Norwegian Cruise Line)
BAHAMAS WEATHER

Where You Dock in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.

๐Ÿ†• 2026 โ€” Direct Docking: Ships now dock directly at Great Stirrup Cay's permanent pier. Walk from the gangway to shore in 5โ€“10 minutes at your own pace โ€” no tender scheduling required.

Once ashore, a Welcome Plaza serves as the central hub. From here the new tram system runs continuously to all beach areas, the pool complex, and Silver Cove. If you have mobility concerns, ADA-accessible tram cars are available โ€” beach wheelchairs can also be requested in advance.

Map of Great Stirrup Cay

Map of Great Stirrup Cay โ€” courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Getting Around Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Transportation options once you're ashore.

๐Ÿ†• 2026 โ€” Direct Docking: Ships now dock directly at Great Stirrup Cay's permanent pier. Walk from the gangway to shore in 5โ€“10 minutes at your own pace โ€” no tender scheduling required.

Once ashore, a Welcome Plaza serves as the central hub. From here the new tram system runs continuously to all beach areas, the pool complex, and Silver Cove. If you have mobility concerns, ADA-accessible tram cars are available โ€” beach wheelchairs can also be requested in advance.

Map of Great Stirrup Cay

Map of Great Stirrup Cay โ€” courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Things To Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Make the most of your time ashore.

๐ŸŽฏ Great Stirrup Cay packs a full resort-style day into one island โ€” here's what's available:

๐ŸŠ Great Life Lagoon

The island's main new attraction โ€” a large resort-style heated pool complex with swim-up Reef Bars at both ends, a zero-entry section for small children, in-pool loungers throughout, and multiple cabana options. The centerpiece of Great Stirrup Cay's 2026 upgrades.

๐Ÿ‘ถ Splash Harbor

A dedicated family splash pad area for younger kids with a separate bar for parents and plenty of surrounding seating. Keeps little ones entertained while parents relax nearby.

๐Ÿคฟ Water Activities

Snorkeling โ€” Equipment rental available in advance or day-of. The underwater sculpture garden in Bertram's Cove is a highlight. Good reef snorkeling off the northern point of the main beach.

Wave Runners, Paddleboards & Kayaks โ€” Rentals available at the water sports center. Float mats also available for rent.

Parasailing โ€” A two-person parasail glider towed 400 feet above the water for panoramic views of the cay and surrounding Berry Islands.

๐Ÿช‚ Zip Lines & Ropes Course

Six zip lines and a ropes course of cargo nets, V-net bridges, and chimney climbs at the Flight House. Platforms are 120 feet above the ground reaching speeds up to 50 mph. A 5-hole mini golf course is also available nearby.

๐ŸŒŸ Premium Areas

Vibe Shore Club โ€” Adults-only area requiring a separately purchased day pass (note: different from the ship's Vibe Beach Club pass โ€” they are not interchangeable). A quieter, more exclusive experience away from the main beach crowds.

Silver Cove โ€” The island's most private and upscale retreat with an infinity pool, Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, and private villas. Day passes are now available for guests who want access without booking a full villa or spa treatment.

Cabanas & Villas โ€” 22 cabanas available (10 large on Cabana Beach, 12 smaller on Fiesta Beach) plus 38 Silver Cove villas ranging from one to two bedrooms. All include loungers, stocked refreshments, towels, and a private shower. Book cabanas and villas here. These sell out months in advance.

๐Ÿท Shore Excursions

Swim With The Pigs โ€” A 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay takes you to the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. Feed and swim with these famously friendly animals โ€” a uniquely memorable experience you won't find many other places in the world.

Swimming pig at Great Stirrup Cay

Image courtesy of Tom Roesser, NCL Travel Blog

Wave Runner Tour โ€” A 45-minute personal watercraft tour of the Berry Islands covering highlights including the Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned community of Cistern Cay. Single or double wave runners available. Age and weight restrictions apply.

Catamaran & Snorkel โ€” A scenic boat ride before plunging into the Bahamian waters to snorkel. See an abundance of fish and sea life before a relaxed cruise back with music, light refreshments, and beverages.

๐Ÿง– Mandara Spa

Open-air massages at Silver Cove with sea views and several outdoor hot tubs. Treatment rooms open to the Caribbean breeze โ€” a peaceful way to spend a few hours on the island.

Beaches & Outdoors in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.

๐Ÿ–๏ธ Beach Chairs: All beach chairs are complimentary on a first-come, first-served basis. Clamshell cabanas are available for advance reservation or day-of rental.

Bertram's Cove (Main Beach)

The main beach closest to the pier โ€” busiest but well-equipped with a volleyball court, organized family entertainment throughout the day, and the underwater sculpture garden just offshore. Good snorkeling off the northern point.

Cabana Beach

In the middle of the island โ€” home to the large rentable cabanas and close to the Bikardi Bar with its DJ booth. A livelier beach with music and a social atmosphere.

Fiesta Beach

The farthest public-access beach from the pier โ€” about a 7-minute walk or a quick tram ride. More cabanas and private villas here, close to the Tropic Like It's Hot food truck. Generally quieter than Bertram's Cove.

Silver Cove

A private cove reserved for guests who have booked a villa or spa treatment. Surrounded by villas and the spa โ€” the farthest point from the pier. Day passes are now available for those who want access without booking a full villa.

Shopping in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Where to shop and what to look for.

Stirrup Cay Marketplace straw market

๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Stirrup Cay Marketplace is a straw market with beachwear, Bahamian crafts, and souvenirs โ€” paintings, wooden carvings, woven items, sculptures, and jewelry all make great gifts to take home.

๐Ÿ’ต Cash Only: The straw market is not operated by NCL โ€” your cruise card is not accepted here. Bring cash if you plan to shop at the marketplace.

Dining in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas

Where to eat and drink ashore.

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Dining on Great Stirrup Cay is included in your cruise fare โ€” think of it as an extension of the ship's restaurants. Drinks can be charged to your cruise card, but note the 2026 beverage package change below.

โš ๏ธ 2026 Drink Package Change: From March 2026, standard drink packages do not apply on the island. You must have Free at Sea Plus or purchase the Great Stirrup Cay drinks package separately to have drinks included. Confirm your package before arriving.

Food Venues (Complimentary)

  • Jumby Bar & Grill โ€” Main complimentary BBQ buffet. Burgers, tropical salads, fruit, and corn on the cob. Open 11:30amโ€“2:00pm.
  • Abico Taco โ€” Build-your-own taco bar with beef, pork, or shrimp and a full range of toppings including sour cream, guacamole, and salsas.
  • Tropic Like It's Hot โ€” Food truck serving ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, fish sandwiches, spiced chicken, and rum cakes.
  • Starbucks Coffee Bike โ€” Cold brew coffee service available around the island.

Bars & Drinks

  • Reef Bar โ€” Swim-up bars at both ends of the Great Life Lagoon pool complex.
  • Bikardi Bar โ€” Known for mojitos and a DJ booth. A livelier, music-driven spot near Cabana Beach.
  • Patron Bar โ€” The place for margaritas.
  • Sand Bar & Tiki Zoom โ€” Mobile bar and additional beach bar options throughout the island.

Premium Dining

Guests booking Silver Cove villas or day passes have access to the Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar โ€” a more upscale dining option with sea views.

Top Tours & Shore Excursions

Book before you board for best availability and pricing.

Great Stirrup Cay Beach Day

Enjoy Norwegian's beautiful private island with white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and tropical surroundings. The ...

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Snorkel Adventure

Snorkel the vibrant reefs surrounding Great Stirrup Cay โ€” excellent marine life and clear warm water make this a highlig...

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Great Stirrup Cay Cabana

Reserve a private over-water cabana at Great Stirrup Cay for an exclusive beach experience with stunning views and perso...

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Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas โ€“ FAQ

Common questions from cruise passengers.

What is Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. NCL has invested heavily in the island in recent years, adding over-water bungalows, new beach areas, and expanded amenities.

Which cruise line owns Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay is owned and operated exclusively by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).

What are the over-water bungalows at Great Stirrup Cay?

NCL has added a collection of over-water bungalows at Great Stirrup Cay โ€” private structures built on stilts over the turquoise Bahamian water. They include a deck, sun loungers, and direct water access. They must be reserved in advance and are very popular.

Cruise Passenger Tips & Photos

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