Taking a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian? Paddle your way in a kayak through a protected mangrove forest. The main attraction at Great Stirrup Cay is the beach, with plentiful lounge chairs and protected coves for swimming and snorkeling. They made a . . The advice and strategies contained herein may not be suitable for every situation. But, to be clear, the experience centers on the pigs doing all the swimming. What You Need to Know, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, How to Prepare for a Snorkel and Dive Cruise, Best Travel Medicine Kits for a Cruise and What to Put in Them, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, Swimming with pigs shore excursion in the Bahamas (Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock). Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. In 1979, Norwegian Cruise Line installed a stone marker and plaque on the location of his grave. There is no actual swimming with the pigs involved. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. This excursion actually takes place on a small island off the shore of Great Stirrup Cay, around a 10-minute journey away by speedboat. Norwegian Cruise Line lists a Swim with the Pigs excursion departing from its Bahamas Great Stirrup Cay private island, an experience described on the cruise line's blog. Located just a short 10-minute boat ride from Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay, are the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island!Available for purchase through Norwegian, this shore excursion starts at the small marina at Great Stirrup Cay. Dont worry if you dont want chicken, theres something for everyone on the buffet, and its all free. You'll learn all about these animals and then have the chance to step into the waters of a shallow beach and be involved in a controlled and professionally supervised environment. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. Non-meat options including nachos, mixed veggies, and french fries were also available. If you are into Instagram, you wont find a better place for a snapshot. Or maybe you forgot something like your hat or sunglasses? During our visit, we spotted sea turtles swimming in the cove. Come swim and interact with the World Famous Swimming Pigs of The Bahamas. With that in mind, Ive been updating this Ultimate Guide to Great Stirrup Cay about every six months. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. One of the most unique places to eat are Abaco Taco and Tropic Like Its Hot. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. .css-18jw8gc{-webkit-appearance:none;-moz-appearance:none;-ms-appearance:none;appearance:none;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;-webkit-user-select:none;-moz-user-select:none;-ms-user-select:none;user-select:none;position:relative;white-space:nowrap;vertical-align:middle;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;line-height:1.2;border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-md);transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-normal);height:auto;min-width:var(--chakra-sizes-10);font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);background:none;border:0;color:black;display:inline;margin:0px;padding:0!important;font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-Roboto);font-weight:500;padding-top:0.625rem;padding-bottom:0.625rem;-webkit-padding-start:1rem;padding-inline-start:1rem;-webkit-padding-end:1rem;padding-inline-end:1rem;}.css-18jw8gc:focus-visible,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-18jw8gc:disabled,.css-18jw8gc[disabled],.css-18jw8gc[aria-disabled=true],.css-18jw8gc[data-disabled]{opacity:0.4;cursor:not-allowed;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}.css-18jw8gc:active,.css-18jw8gc[data-active]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:hover,.css-18jw8gc[data-hover]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);background:none;}.css-18jw8gc:focus,.css-18jw8gc[data-focus]{border:var(--chakra-borders-none);outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-none);}Cookie Consent, Cruise Itinerary Changes: 5 Stages of Grief, 10 Ways to Relax on a Port-Intensive Cruise, 4 Underwater Alternatives to Snorkelling and Diving, Can I Cruise While Pregnant? There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. If you have an international plan on your phone, you should be able to access cellular data. We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port youll visit. There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! No such thing as Treasure Island - it just sounds nice for the tourists as they take your money with the fake pigs excursion. As of 2023, there are 14 ships featuring itineraries that include Great Stirrup Cay: When I first published this post about Great Stirrup Cay in 2020 (yup, I actually cruised to GSC in mid-February 2020 right before the world shut down) I planned to update the info about Great Stirrup Cay I had gathered for my readers about once a year. Finally, if youve rented a Silver Cove villa for the day or have a spa treatment booked at the on-island Mandara Spa, you can enjoy a more upscale buffet experience at the Silver Cove Restaurant, located within the restricted-access area of the island. Hi Ronald, if you're on the fence about cabana vs. villa (and don't mind spending a bit more), I'd say go with the villa. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. These boats give you a great unobstructed view of the ship for photos, but there are also photo opportunities on the island. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. You have several options for lunch and snacks on Great Stirrup Cay, including a free buffet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It has been updated to show related itineraries. Sabas que los cerdos son ms inteligentes que los perros? Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Refreshments. To find out more, please. Photographer will be on site and photos will be available for purchase! Call now 01246 819 819 to book. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses - a working lighthouse built in 1863 and a new lighthouse . Aqua shoes are recommended. Really interesting. Speaking only for the "original" swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay in the Exumas, it is not an "organized" pig swim. They also offer a "Kayak Tour" along the coastline. If there are two or more people together, consider swapping turns so someone can take photos (and bring a real camera with an actual zoom rather than relying on a cellphone). To get to the lighthouse, walk back and to the left of the tenders and look for the Lighthouse Trail. If a Norwegian organized tour is late, the ship will wait for you, Peace of mind knowing your tours are run by insured operators. Pigs have a natural affinity for the water, and when visitors discovered a colony of feral pigs living beachside on Bahamas' Exuma islands, a popular tourist attraction was born. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. Weve mentioned the food trucks. I'd like to know more about life on the island for the employees who stay there, too! But the place that serves the most cruisers is the buffet. Swimming with pigs; Swimming with stingrays The island has a good selection of cabanas including super luxurious ocean and lagoon villas which are furnished with beds to fully relax. Norwegian offers a tour lasting about 90 minutes that takes you to the pigs to have the joy of swimming with the cute creatures and be able to grab some memorable photos. If you love pigs, then this excursion is worth it; just don't hope for something more than simply feeding them. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. Any exceptions are noted in the tour descriptions. Was looking though and wondering if the studio villa would be better. Get ready to have a blast. This unique and popular experience is offered as a shore excursion that includes round-trip transportation to the island and interaction with these playful swimming pigs. The menu at Abaco Taco is obviously taco-centric. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Norwegian offers a 90-minute tour that takes you to the pigs so you can enjoy swimming with the cute creatures and take some memorable photos. Explore the waters of Great Stirrup Cay by stand-up paddle board (SUP) or kayak. They love their stomachs to be scratched. NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. Como parte de la excursin, se distribuyen palitos y manzanas entre los visitantes. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines' Great Stirrup Cay? If you approach the beach in a motorized boat, the feral pigs that live there associate the sound of the outboard with a food handout. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. When your heart is as full as a pigs belly, its time to head back to Great Stirrup Cay and induce some serious swine envy amongst your friends and family! Theres a spot to rent beach basics on the island, including snorkel gear. Si bien los cerdos son tan mansos como simpticos, exigen un nivel adecuado de conciencia y respeto por parte de los visitantes. But for cruisers, the activity almost always features trained domesticated pigs on small islands much closer to Nassau and Freeport. I never knew cruise lines could own private islands. Get a Photo of Your Ship The same goes for kayaking. HIGHLIGHTS Bahamas: Travel by boat across crystal-clear blue waters, delighting in the beautiful scenery among the Berry Islands. Great story from Channel 8 news just in time for EARTH DAY! Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise? Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Stingray City Bahamas ($99/$79 kids): Not to be confused with the famous Stingray City off of Grand Cayman where you can feed wild rays, this excursion takes you on a speedboat ride to Stingray City Bahamas. Have Questions About Your Shore Excursions? The original Pig Beach in The Bahamas is located on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay. Its actually Treasure Island NOT Rose Island. Jumbey Beach Grill is the largest dining venue, offering barbecue-style food in a buffet setting. Hidden beneath the calm ocean is an underwater snorkel garden. Great Stirrup Cay offers gorgeous white sand beaches, ideal for snorkeling and swimming with pigs, and the island of Cozumel is perfect for exploring beautiful beach resorts or historic Mayan ruins. Even the people working at the straw market dont live herethey take the ferry over from nearby Great Harbour Cay. DETAILS. In several spots around the island there are double swings (usually out in the water). On the second flight, youll soar 850 feet out to the next landing, then 900 feet out to return to the starting point. Bring a swimsuit and towel. Im so glad youre here! Soar Across Great Stirrup Cay. Im Carrie Ann, the writer behind Should Be Cruising. Prep tips: Pack plenty of sunscreen and a towel, and bring cash for the shark encounter, lunch and tips. Al seguir navegando en el sitio aceptas nuestro uso de cookies. Sand bars, iguanas, swim with the sharks at Compass Cay and snorkel thunderball grotto. It doesnt get much more relaxing than to float in the water, drink in hand, on your own private mat. If you want to relax in style, then check out one of the open-air cabanas. It quickly became apparent that the pigs are most interested in the apples. Let me know in the comments below! Im seeing 10 to 15% jumps in pricing for shore excursions in just the past six monthsand thats after the usual annual increases. Entertainment on the private island focuses on music and dancing, centered around the bars and the bandstand. The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, The Former Canal Zone History & Miraflores Locks, Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports youll be visiting, No hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees - the price you see is what you pay, Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard specialists are available to assist you, Leverage the knowledge and experience of onboard consultants during your cruise, Be one of the first off the ship in every port of call, Never get left behind. They are slightly larger than the Ocean Villas and are located on the lagoon. Make new friends while you swim with pigs. These villas offers the same amenities as the one-bedroom versions. Both locations are equi-distant (30 minute flights), from Nassau the capital of the Bahamas and transportation hub for travellers by air or sea. Be sure to bring some cash with you. On your return, snacks and complimentary adult beverages are available. The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. The pigs are friendly and eager to get a piece of fruit. The same excursion can be booked through Royal Caribbean for cruisers stopping at that line's . spacex interview presentation; akron rubber ducks score; christiana care avenue north address Here along the white-sand shoreline you'll meet a friendly group of pigs that call the island's tropical setting their home. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. Sabas que los cerdos pueden comer ms de cinco libras de comida al da? Wander westward, and youll get to Cabana and Fiesta Beaches, which are flanked by rental cabanasand can be a bit quieter. I sailed on my first Norwegian Cruise Line Breakaway Plus class ship: Norwegian Bliss review, Life working on a cruise ship: Day in a life of a cruise ship crew member. We explore the new Silver Cove private villas on the island, go snorkeling,. Yes! Complete Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) Drink Package Guide, Full Ships! 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. Try Your Hand at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. The nearly 80-foot (24 m) lighthouses beam is visible for over 20 miles! 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 17 Tips, Answers, and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay, Complete Guide to Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line (What Its Like), Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): 10 Major Differences Between The Lines, 17 tips and things to know for the island, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Worth It? Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Our 16 Islands The Abacos Acklins & Crooked Island Andros. And because of the islands shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. If youre simply trying to avoid bread or dairy because its your preference (rather than a medical condition), youll find plenty of meat, fruit, and vegetable dishes that should meet your needs. Most bars and restaurants are in this area, and restrooms are just a quick walk from the beach. Starting about an hour before the buffet opens, youll see open grills where the staff cooks up the jerk chicken fresh. . Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas, offers gorgeous white sand beaches, water sports and activities, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Whats your favorite excursion on Great Stirrup Cay? Or go for a snorkel beneath the sea and discover tropical fish . And you should swim with them whenever you can, but you won't get many opportunities to swim with the pigs, so don't miss out . The menu still revolves around salads, grilled fare, and tropical fruits and desserts, but the options are fancier than at Jumbey and the presentation more sophisticated. With any villa rental, youll also have access to the exclusive Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar, the Mot Bar, as well as the private beach at Silver Cove Lagoon (with its new overwater swings). Get your photo taken with the swimming pigs and then head to the observation deck for sweeping views of the ocean. Have a look on our Map here of where is the island with pigs. As well, the Bacardi Bar in the middle of Great Stirrup Cay has an area that can give you a great view of the ship and the islands coastline. Hope to visit it one day. Some of the sights you may see include the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, . Another option is to purchase a swimming with the pigs shore excursion while on a Bahamas cruise. These villas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed in addition to the living area, with a dining table on the patio. Here, you can swim with pigs or stingrays, nap on the beach, or sip on a mojito at the Bacardi Bar. Chances are high that youll make a stop at the cruise lines private island Great Stirrup Cay. They also offer desserts: rum cake and coconut fudge bars. If you have a shore excursion that departs from the dock on the south side of the island, shuttles will take you to and from that location. You will not be permitted to bring a camera onto the beach or into the water with you. The only reason to bring cash is to go shopping at the islands straw market. Powered by Invision Community. Is Norwegians go-kart racing on a cruise ship worth $15? Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Has anyone tried this yet? If you want to visit Great Stirrup Cay in addition to other islands, look for a . Rest and relax on our 1400 Sq. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Its not an NCL beach, its Rose Island, a Sandy Toes excursion that can be booked privately from Nassau. At Great Stirrup Cay, you wont go hungry. Booking Price + Times. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. university of illinois women's swimming roster; what happens if you don't pay a seatbelt ticket; maid cafe miami The Great Stirrup Cay Island is gorgeous, we love it. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. Las pezuas duras de los cerdos y los dedos suaves de los seres humanos no se mezclan! We could see the previous group of cruisers in the water with the pigs in an enclosed section of beach. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Celebrity Edge vs Equinox: Is newer always better? There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. If youre looking for some beachy thrills, sign up for a zip-line adventure. All the beauty of Great Exuma is brought to life on this fun-filled adventure. Arrive: Wed 21 February 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: . Any reviews would be appreciated. The most disappointing instruction? Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Hit the Beach. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day. We enjoyed the shore excursion overall despite some of the disappointments, but found the price (nearly $100) too high for what the actual experience was. Firstly, there are actually 2 locations you can visit the swimming pigs Bahamas. Thanks for stopping by! Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. Ships sailing to the private island include: Ships from Norwegians sister cruise lines, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, make the occasional stop at Great Stirrup Cay, as well. Hit the Beach By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. No cameras permitted. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. You can rent snorkel equipment for the day ($37/adult, $22/child) but we prefer to pack our own full-face snorkel masks. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. Then I noticed that offerings (and prices!) HIGHLIGHTS Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. These venues are are completely free; you just head up and let them know what you want. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. While venturing around the Caribbean, Lisa Conant, her husband and their 15-year-old son and 12-year-old-daughter stopped at Big Major Cay in the Bahamas to see the swimming pigs for themselves. When it comes to cruising, it's hard to beat a port-of-call that's a private island. The Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. There is no way NCL is sending guests to Rose Island from GSC for a pigs excursion. Thanks to recent TV-shows and growing popularity on social media, swimming with the pigs is quickly becoming the coolest thing you can do while cruising to The Bahamas. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_Beach. Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. We chose to "Swim With The Pigs" during our . Then when your feeding them, you need to be pretty careful they don't confuse your fingers for the beef hot dogs you feed them. Bertrams Cove Beach, the main beach on the island, is the largest and closest to the tender dock. The island offers plenty of activities, and you can even take an excursion to a nearby island to see the famous swimming pigs. Norwegian Cruise Lines. This 1.5-hour adventure brings you up-close with swimming pigs as you watch them swim at a private island. Half the price would have been a much more acceptable amount. As mentioned, you take a tender boat from the ship to Great Stirrup Cay. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. It has air conditioning, a TV, and an upgraded buffet. Its not a real lighthouse, instead, its a staging point for the zipline that criss-cross Great Stirrup Cay. January is the coldest month, with highs of 79F (26C). Life can be so hectic that it's important to take some time to just relax and enjoy :D, Learning that an island is owned by a Cruise line is surprising. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. One of the newest attractions at GSC is the ziplining course. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Stop to swim with comical paddling pigs . You can rent snorkel gear (including fins and floating vest) and head out to see what most people dont get a chance to experience. Free Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay. You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Take a Jet Ski Tour of the Island Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for awe-inspiring views. Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Or go for a snorkel beneath the sea and discover tropical fish of every colours. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Great Stirrup Cay is a tender port- For my fellow first-time cruisers, a "tender port" means there is no big pier to dock at. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. We tried scratching a stomach or two, but as soon as the pig realizes there's no food, it moves on to the next person. Just off the coast of the beach, the cruise line installed a number of sculptures and things to explore. The expansive outdoor patio features several padded lounge chairs, outdoor couch, and a dining table for eight. The ships dining venues are open while the ship is anchored off the island, so if youre highly allergic or concerned about dietary restrictions, youll have better luck eating on the ship. They're hooves are quite sharp, one guy in our group got his foot cut up pretty bad.
European Doberman Kennel,
Fell Compassionate Broken Analogy,
Articles G