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Great Stirrup Cay - A Full Overview of NCL's Private Island in the Bahamas

Updated: Jul 30

Great Stirrup Cay, The Bahamas, NCL, Norwegian Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line Private Island, Cabana Beach, Harr Travel
Cabana Beach, Great Stirrup Cay | Photo Copyright: Harr Travel

NCL's private island, Great Stirrup Cay is an adventurous and relaxing experience, and one of Norwegian's most popular destinations in the Caribbean. The island is part of the Berry Islands chain- a tropical paradise with lush green vegetation, white sandy beaches, and the crystal clear aqua waters that the Bahamas is so famous for. At GSC, you can book excursions from snorkeling to ziplining, or simply relax on the beach, soak in the sun, and enjoy the delicious island food.


Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL, Bahamas Cruises, Private Island Experience
Map of Great Stirrup Cay | Credit: NCL

For an even more exclusive experience while on the Island, you can book a villa at Silver Cove. This is the private resort section of the island, where guests can reserve villas for their group, book a Mandara Spa treatment, float in the private lagoon or infinity pool, and enjoy elevated buffet food with a Caribbean flare. It feels like a 5-star resort that you can spend the whole day at, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the island.


Let's take a look at all the venues, activities, and food options that NCL and Great Stirrup Cay have to offer their guests on the island:


Beaches

Infinity Beach, Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's Private Island, The Bahamas, The Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL
Infinity Beach | Photo Copyright: Harr Travel

There are many incredible beaches to relax at on the island. Grab a lounger in the sun, or under the shade of the umbrellas and palm trees, and cool off with a dip in the crystal blue waters of the Bahamas.


INFINITY BEACH | This is the first beach you will encounter once you step off the tender and onto the island. This large, white sandy beach has many comfortable loungers, and is just steps away from bars and delicious dining options.


LIGHTHOUSE BEACH | Stretch out under the palm trees on any of the hundreds of loungers you will find on Lighthouse Beach. Located in the shadow of the lighthouse, with the zipline suspended above, Lighthouse Beach is a great spot to relax and enjoy the sounds of water hitting the shore.


CABANA BEACH | The smallest of the 3 beaches, Cabana beach offers not only loungers, but rentable cabanas as well. The "Tropic Like It's Hot" food truck is located here, a great option for a mid-day snack!



Dining & Bars
Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL, Norwegian's Private Island, Great Stirrup Cay, GSC, Tropic Like It's Hot Food Truck, Harr Travel
Tropic Like It's Hot Food Truck | Photo Copyright: Harr Travel

The food and bar scene on Great Stirrup Cay is top-notch, with plenty of delicious options for a snack or refreshing drink.


ABACO TACO | This is the delicious taco spot on the island, where you can enjoy fish, chicken, or beef tacos with all kinds of delicious toppings!


JUMBEY BEACH GRILL | This is the main buffet on the island, serving up bbq food that includes ribs, corn-on-the-cob, chicken, and delicious fresh salads.


TROPIC LIKE IT'S HOT FOOD TRUCK | This food truck is where you can order up some delicious Bahamian inspired sandwiches that include pulled pork, spicy chicken, and ceviche.


BARS | Grab a quick drink or delicious cocktail at any of the 4 bars on the island- Patron Bar, Bertram's Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Bar.



Activities
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Overwater Swings | Photo Copyright: Harr Travel

There are plenty of activities and excursions you can enjoy on the island. Some are complimentary, while others should be booked ahead of time when they become available in the weeks leading up to your cruise.


SNORKEL CENTER | Here you can collect all your gear and head out for snorkeling excursions. Excursions include the Underwater Snorkel Garden, and there is even an option where you can head out on a catamaran and snorkel.


WAVERUNNER TOURS | This is a 45 minute tour where you can take the waverunners and explore the nearby Berry Island with a guide!


PREMIUM & CLASSIC CABANAS | You can rent your own private cabanas for the day while at Great Stirrup Cay. The Premium Cabanas house up to 8 guests, and offer comfortable chair and sofas for relaxing, a ceiling fan, bottled water, and complimentary floating mats. The Classic Cabanas house up to 6 guests, and offer a comfortable and relaxing space with all the amenities you will need for a great beach day!


OVER THE WATER SWINGS | Throughout the island you will find the famous over-the-water swings, the perfect place to stop and sit a while, or take those incredible shots to remember your special trip.


ZIPLINES | There are several incredible ziplines on the island, including from the famous lighthouse at Lighthouse Beach. Strap in and enjoy flying across the sky above the coastline in this zipline/ropes course tour!


SWIMMING WITH PIGS | Jump in a boat and head over to the nearby Treasure Island for an unforgettable adventure swimming with the pigs in the crystal clear waters of the Bahamas!


KAYAKING & STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING | Enjoy a bit of kayaking and SUP in the beautiful blue waters along the shoreline.



Silver Cove
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Silver Cove Lagoon | Photo Copyright: Harr Travel

This is the exclusive private area of the island, reserved specially for guests staying in the private villas for the day. This area includes private beaches, the Mandara Spa, a delicious buffet, several bars, and of course the famous Silver Cove Villas.


SILVER COVE RECEPTION | Step into the beautiful reception space, where you will check in and be given everything you need to begin your stay at Silver Cove. Sit and relax on the swinging daybed, or out on the patio overlooking the beautiful lagoon.


SILVER COVE GAZEBO | Located on the furthest tip of the lagoon is the Silver Cove Gazebo. The giant shaded structure holds several relaxing lounge spaces, and opens up to the beautiful infinity pool where you can sit in the pool loungers and look out over the incredible ocean view to where your ship is anchored.


MANDARA SPA AT SILVER COVE | Located right on the water, the Mandara Spa is set peacefully away from all the other venues in Silver Cove. Here you can book a variety of spa treatments, and can relax in the lounge space on the patio outside your treatment room, as well as the hot tubs tucked away amongst the trees on the edge of the water.


Guests do not have to book a villa in order to book a spa treatment, and along with their spa access, they will be given entry to the public spaces at Silver Cove. Spa treatments at the Silver Cove spa can be booked in the weeks leading up to your cruise. As always, guests in the Haven will have first access to booking before the rest of the ship.


MOËT & CHANDON BAR | One of the most popular venues at Silver Cove is the Moët & Chandon bar. Located in the midst of the villas, overlooking the turquoise blue lagoon, here you can grab a glass of bubbly, or even purchase a bottle to enjoy with your friends.


SILVER COVE RESTAURANT & BAR | This beautiful outdoor buffet at Silver Cove offers truly elevated cuisine. You will enjoy delicious grilled options, the freshest of fruit and coconuts, and unique desserts featuring Caribbean flavors. And don't forget to stop by the bar and grab a delicious cocktail or beer to enjoy with friends.


VILLA BEACH | Tucked away behind the Mandara spa is the beautiful Villa beach, the perfect place to relax, away from all the noise and bustle of the rest of the island.


SILVER COVE LAGOON | The lagoon is beach space reserved for Silver Cove guests only. Here you can enjoy a relaxing time on the comfortable loungers or in the water on the complimentary floating mats guests can use.



Silver Cove Villas
Harr Travel, Norwegian Cruise Line, NCL, Great Stirrup Cay, GSC, Silver Cove, Silver Cove Villas
Silver Cove Villas | Photo Copyright: Harr Travel


These ultra-luxurious private villas at Silver Cove are available to rent. With options from 6-16 guests, these air-conditioned spaces are a game changer, and will make you feel as though you are staying in a luxury tropical resort for the day!


TWO BEDROOM FAMILY VILLA | Housing up to 16 guests, the 2-Bedroom Family Villa is the perfect escape for extended family or friend groups. Within this villa you will find 2 beautifully furnished bedrooms, 2 private bathrooms, a large living and dining space, and a flat-screen tv with complimentary on-demand movies. The expansive outdoor patio features extra-comfy loungers, a sofa, and full dining table, and the large floor-to-ceiling windows retract to create the perfect indoor/outdoor feel.


With this villa you will have complimentary dining at the Silver Cove Buffet, or food and drink service for you and your guests to enjoy inside your villa.


Note: Villa pricing varies based on sail date and ship, but the price is per villa, so only one member of your party needs to reserve the villa. While this villa houses up to 16 guests, there is the ability to add up to 4 additional guests for a $49 per person fee.


ONE BEDROOM VILLA | This incredible villa is large enough to house up to 10 guests. Featuring a large bedroom and private bathroom, living area, dining space, and large outdoor patio with extra comfy loungers, this villa is the perfect space for a family or group to relax in a peaceful beach setting. The large floor-to-ceiling windows retract for an indoor/outdoor living space, and there is a flat screen tv with complimentary on-demand movies for you and your group to enjoy.


With this villa you will have complimentary dining at the Silver Cove Buffet, or food and drink service that can be delivered right to your villa.


Note: Villa pricing varies based on sail date and ship, but the price is per villa, so only one member of your party needs to reserve the villa. While this villa houses up to 10 guests, there is the ability to add up to 2 additional guests for a $49 per person fee.


LAGOON VILLA | This gorgeous villa houses 8 guests, an incredible addition to your vacation with your friends and family. The space features a large living area, dining area, flat screen tv with complimentary on-demand movies, a private bathroom, and a large patio with loungers that can be joined with the indoor spaces upon retracting the large floor-to-ceiling windows.


With this villa you will have complimentary dining at the Silver Cove Buffet, or food and drink service for you and your guests to enjoy in the privacy of your own villa


Note: Villa pricing varies based on sail date and ship, but the price is per villa, so only one member of your party needs to reserve the villa. While this villa houses up to 8 guests, there is the ability to add up to 2 additional guests for a $49 per person fee.


OCEAN VILLA | For those looking for a more intimate space for smaller groups of up to 6, the Ocean Villa is the perfect option. This beautiful villa features a large sofa, small dining space, private bathroom, and retractable windows that join the outdoor patio with the indoors for even more space to relax.


With this villa you will have complimentary dining at the Silver Cove Buffet, or food and drink service that can be delivered to your villa for a more private dining experience.


Note: Villa pricing varies based on sail date and ship, but the price is per villa, so only one member of your party needs to reserve the villa. While this villa houses up to 6 guests, there is the ability to add up to 2 additional guests for a $49 per person fee.



Booking Your Cruise

Now that you are ready to book your Norwegian Cruise to the beautiful Great Stirrup Cay, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We know the island inside and out, and have an amazing relationship with NCL. Our advisors with help craft the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you, your friends, family, or group at an incredible rate, and give you the Harr Travel signature service every step of the way.



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