Great Stirrup Cay:

We mentioned earlier that Great Stirrup Cay was the first domino to fall in the continuous Private Island wars between the major cruise lines. NCL purchased rights to a portion of the Cay in 1977 and has expanded its footprint on the island every since, now taking up the whole Cay for the relaxation of its passengers. Great Stirrup Cay is part of the Berry Islands, in the Bahamas.

You will access Great Stirrup Cay via tender boats launched from your anchored cruise ship. Many of NCL's itineraries will include a stop at great Stirrup Cay, but be sure to check with the cruise line or your travel agent to make sure.

Activities available at great Stirrup Cay will typically include; volleyball, kayaking, sailing, ping-pong, parasailing and snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, water-sport craft rentals, massage huts, and live music. Be sure and book your massage on board in order to insure a reservation. The Straw Market (operated by locals from Great Harbor Cay) is a good place to find T-shirts, hats, shells and other regional souvenirs. Make sure to bring cash if you are planning on picking up a few trinkets.

As we noted in our earlier Guide to Cruising With Kids: NCL (Cruising With Kids: Norwegian Cruise Line), there is no dedicated Kid's area at Great Stirrup Cay. Do you require a little more peace and quiet than the average person? Find a deserted beach, without lounge chairs or drinks, the beaches on the eastern and western extremes of the Cay will provide such refuge. The island lunch buffets will keep you pretty well satiated as long you you don't mind traditional beach BBQ fare, along with some pizza, salads and fresh fruit. The Cay include two bar areas, as well.

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if you turn right when you get off the tender and walk over the bridge very quiet there ..... real nice.

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