Not so when you're on a Bahamas cruise with Norwegian! If you are into Instagram, you wont find a better place for a snapshot. Located just a short 10-minute scenic boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay, are the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. 2023 Summer Cruises: Visit Bermuda, The Caribbean & Greek Isles | Blog You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Rentals arent that expensive, and if you are renting a cabana, then you get them complimentary. Berry Islands: Here's your chance to get up-close to the swimming pigs, with controlled supervised staff feedings.. Great tip about not having wifi outside of international cell service. Prices vary depending on the course you run: Rent Your Own Private Cabana Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! For a fee you can strap in and set off flying through the air, getting spectacular views of the island and the surrounding water. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape will also visit the island this year. It's a total fraud. Norwegian has a small staff that stays on the island, but there are no permanent residents. We could see the previous group of cruisers in the water with the pigs in an enclosed section of beach. They have everything you need to get started, as well as some advice on getting started if youre a novice. The rainiest time of year in the Berry Islands is June through September, with the islands seeing 4-6 inches (10-16 cm) of rain per month. Read more: Why You Need a Full Face Snorkel Mask for Your Next Cruise. Travel to a private isle nestled among the northern Berry Islands. Clinton Combs on LinkedIn: Las Vegas family-run business reduces food You can also rent several types of water sports equipment. Even if youre not a dancer, its fun to watch the high-energy staff interact with guests (who may or may not have had a couple of rum cocktails). Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Never feed them with your hand, always use the wooden skewers. Beach access is free, and complimentary loungers are available. Its neighbors with Royal Caribbeans private island, Perfect Day at Cococay you can see that island from your ship and the largest Berry Island, Great Harbour Cay. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Swim with the Pigs Excursion | Norwegian Later the island was a military installation, until it was claimed by the oil company that later leased the island to NCL. We booked it for cruise on the Escape in November. These include a snorkel excursion on a catamaran boat, zip lining, wave runner tours, a stingray encounter, and a guided kayak tour in two-person kayaks. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Whats a cruise without eating? 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). Choose a beef, chicken, or fish soft taco, and load it up! Hope to visit it one day. Abaco Taco is a make-your-own taco bar with a variety of toppings available. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Our Cash Bar offers Beer, Soft Drinks and More! 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. Zipline on Great Stirrup Cay 05 June 2020; Food 10 January 2020; Too crowded with two NCL . 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). . None of the pigs seemed interested in being scratched, and the pigs that had enough to eat headed to the beach to lounge and didn't want to be approached. 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. Its actually Treasure Island NOT Rose Island. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. 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. Tortola is the largest of more than 50 British Virgin Islands . At Great Stirrup Cay, you wont go hungry. Inside you have a couch, chairs, a ceiling fan, plus a mini-fridge. Now, people flock to these beaches to see and feed the pigs. GSC was a pirate hideout (!) Call us at the number below to speak with a Shore Excursion Specialist. Los trocitos de manzana, distribuidos por el personal, son abundantes yestn siempre a mano. Make new friends while you swim with pigs. The area closest to the entrance of Great Stirrup Cay will have the most people. Do Some Souvenir Shopping The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. We explore the new Silver Cove private villas on the island, go snorkeling,. Where is Pig Beach Bahamas. During these shore excursions, cruisers get into the water with the pigs, feed them apples and scratch their backs and tummies. Best Things to Do in Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas 2020 - EatSleepCruise.com Tip: If you dont want to spring for a clamshell, get to the island as early as possible. Anyone done "Swim with the Pigs" at Great Stirrup Cay? Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. A staunch advocate of cruising as an ideal family vacation, she has, on occasion, banned her own children from cruising with her. They love their stomachs to be scratched. 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. Norwegian Cruise Lines bought Great Stirrup Cay from an oil company in 1977, becoming the first cruise line to offer passengers a private island getaway. Bars on GSC that are open to all guests include the Patrn Bar, Bertrams Bar, Bacardi Bar, and the Lighthouse Beach Bar. Youll find just the thing here. No such thing as Treasure Island - it just sounds nice for the tourists as they take your money with the fake pigs excursion. Si bien los cerdos son tan mansos como simpticos, exigen un nivel adecuado de conciencia y respeto por parte de los visitantes. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. If a Norwegian organized tour is late, the ship will wait for you, Peace of mind knowing your tours are run by insured operators. At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Heres everything you need to know before your GSC visit. Soar Through the Sky with a Parasailing Adventure. How to Spend a Day on Great Stirrup Cay - cruiseline.com Im so glad youre here! Kayaking is one of several things to do at Great Stirrup Cay (Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line) Because Norwegian Cruise Line's entire private island is family-friendly, Great Stirrup Cay makes no distinction between family beaches and adult beaches. The Bahamas is famous for its swimming pigs, which you can see from Great Stirrup Cay. No cameras permitted. Ocean Villas start at $699 and accommodate six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. fvalanzola@gmail.com, September 18, 2018 in Norwegian Cruise Line. 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. Swimming pigs in The Bahamas - Berry Islands Forum - Tripadvisor Viewing Deck. Norwegian Cruise Line has a shore excursion that visits Treasure Island, which is just a 10 minute speedboat ride from their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. 6. Here Are Some of The Best Things to Do on Great Stirrup Cay 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. We actually just booked a cruise with NCL with a stop in GSC. Prices are as of 2022, so expect about a 10-15% increase from last years pricing: Kayak Tour ($59/$39 kids): Away from the crowds, youll join a group to paddle your two-person kayak in the waters south of Great Stirrup Cay. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. 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. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Here are the Great Stirrup Cay shore excursions for 2023: Wave Runner Tour (from $139): This 45-minute personal watercraft tour through the Berry Islands will let you see area highlights like the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, Slaughter Harbor, and the abandoned island community of Cistern Cay. Quin lo dira! Norwegian Cruise Lines. Dont forget to check out these resources before your Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line: Have you visited Great Stirrup Cay on a Norwegian cruise? ), Pam, I completely agree. Prices are based on availability and subject to change. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Exuma Tour Boat | The Cays to Exuma | Swimming Pigs It has air conditioning, a TV, and an upgraded buffet. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Is kayaking or paddle boarding not quite exciting enough? https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_Beach. The Ocean Villas are adjacent to the cabana area and front Fiesta Beach, not the Silver Cove Lagoon. The tiny island is a 10-minute speedboat ride away from Norwegian's private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Prices ranged from $4 for sides to $15 for a cracked conch entre. Visit the swimming pigs of Exuma on a luxury tour boat as we see all of the cays along the way. . There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. Este sitio web usa cookies. Don't Swim With The Dolphins, Swim With The Pigs. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. Free Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay. here in Kentucky, we can swim with the pigs and get a mud bath at the same time! Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. We are based out of Georgetown, Great Exuma. A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Prices vary depending on which villa you choose: Rent a Floating Mat Yes! Our 16 Islands The Abacos Acklins & Crooked Island Andros. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. The sculpture garden is located just in front of the large rock formations youll notice rising out of the water. My thoughts? 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. But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? Cruise Overview Cruise Itinerary Cabins & Prices Ship Information. Theres a spot to rent beach basics on the island, including snorkel gear. Additionally, there's concern that tourists are hurting the feral population, which in 2017 lost seven pigs to unknown causes. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Be careful of rocks in the water. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Refreshments. Whilst the duty-free shopping is perhaps the best in the Caribbean, its striking blue water and beaches, like Magen's Bay, are indescribably beautiful. Pig Beach Bahamas is located on a tiny island, Big Major Cay (Pig Island) in the south of the archipelago. Si crees que nadar entre la fauna de las Bahamas implica la presencia de rayas y delfines, pinsalo otra vez! It appears that they acquired a few pigs, not feral pigs found on Exuma. I had to look up this tour for kicks "World Famous Swimming Pigs Tour" - they seriously shouldn't be allowed to market it this way. Inside vs outside cabin: What's the best cruise room choice? There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. Half the price would have been a much more acceptable amount. These are at Pig Beach (Big Major Cay) on Exuma Island or at Piggyville (No-Name Cay) on Abaco Island. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! This spot has its own private cove with electric blue water and a gorgeous beach, along with its own restaurant, bars, and even a spa. Beach wheelchairs are available on request. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. Want more on visiting Great Stirrup Cay? The Berry Islands are warm enough for swimming year-round, making Great Stirrup Cay a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. 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. The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. royal caribbean shore excursions perfect day Foot Viewing Deck and also enjoy a refreshing swim in the beautiful blue Bahamian waters. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. GREAT STIRRUP CAY & COZUMEL 7 NIGHT CARIBBEAN. HIGHLIGHTS Bahamas: Travel by boat across crystal-clear blue waters, delighting in the beautiful scenery among the Berry Islands. CRUISES TO GREAT STIRRUP CAY ISLAND - Norwegian Cruise Line Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. It quickly became apparent that the pigs are most interested in the apples. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. 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. The warmest months are July and August, where highs average 91F (33C). Bahamas: Exumas_Big Majors Cay_Swimming Pigs (anchor) Bahamas: Galliot Cut WP_On Exumas Banks; Bahamas: Conch Cay Cut WP Exit; Thu 8 Mar 10:30 . Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. It appears that they acquired a few pigs, not feral pigs found on Exuma. Flexibility to modify or cancel excursions without penalty up to 48 hours prior to arrival into port. Photographer will be on site and photos will be available for purchase! Amenities are the same. GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. The signal usually works on board the ship when its anchored offshore as well. . The only people allowed on the island are Norwegian passengers and staff. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',603,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-2-0');Tropic Like Its Hot Food Trucks small menu features sandwiches including Mahi Mahi and BBQ pulled pork, ceviche, and grilled spiced chicken breast. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. It has been updated to show related itineraries. 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! This 1 hour course includes a series of six ziplines, net bridges, and other challenge obstacles. Get ready to have a blast. These grant you access to a private beach, bars, and restaurant, and come with fresh fruit, snacks, chilled drinks, and food and beverage service. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas Shore Excursions - Norwegian Cruise Line She was buried next to Captain Bertram. Great Stirrup Cay Bahamas - Cruise Port Advisor Theres plenty of room to dance on the sand, away from the crowds sunning on the 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. Dont worry if you dont want chicken, theres something for everyone on the buffet, and its all free. You have several options for lunch and snacks on Great Stirrup Cay, including a free buffet. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. But the place that serves the most cruisers is the buffet. Drinks at this bar start at $25, so none are covered by the Premium Beverage Package. Make new friends while you swim with pigs. The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. How to visit the Swimming Pigs Bahamas and Exuma Pigs Tour Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. Just off the coast of the beach, the cruise line installed a number of sculptures and things to explore. But for cruisers, the activity almost always features trained domesticated pigs on small islands much closer to Nassau and Freeport. Great Stirrup Cay- A Guide Norwegian's Private Island ~ Courtney Hit the Beach The big attraction on the beach at Great Stirrup Cay was the zipline. There are no adults-only beaches on the island. The first burial was Captain Allan Bertram (1790-1834), the namesake of Bertrams Cove. Fun fact: The island used to be a pirate hideout; however, weve heard no rumors of buried treasure or pirates curses. If a Silver Cove Villa for your family is in your budget in 2023, jump on it before prices go up again. It's easy to get caught up in chasing after a pig, but you don't want to go too fast -- unseen rocks can easily cause an injury. And the free food definitely caught my attention. Take a Tour of the Snorkel Garden . Most of Norwegians ships sail to Great Stirrup Cay at some point in their careers, usually as part of Bahamas or Caribbean cruises. Your ships signal doesnt reach the island. Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas: What You Need to Know (2023) - Cruise Hive You can add up to two extra guests to either size cabana, with a $35 charge per person. The two bedroom family suites hold up to 16 guests. 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. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. Prices have been skyrocked. 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. Silver Cove Restaurant and Bar offers an upscale buffet with elevated choices such as grilled lobster tail and jumbo shrimp ceviche. ), or you can take a day trip from Nassau. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. If you want there is a small market with several local vendors selling all sorts of merchandise, from sundresses to sunscreen. The most disappointing instruction? There is no actual swimming with the pigs involved. One tip is to head down the beach some to find smaller crowds. Voted "The Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line" 2013-2022 by World Travel Awards, This website uses cookies. Algunos de los cerdos ms activos se acercarn a ti en la playa, o nadarn hacia ti en las zonas poco profundas, y te olfatearn con sus hocicos. All Norwegian Bahamas cruises in 2023 include a day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island reserved for our cruise passengers. Villa guests also have access to complimentary floats and beach umbrellas. The front of each structure is open to the outside, but you can draw the curtains for privacy. Great Stirrup Cay - Marvelous Mouse Travels Take a Jet Ski Tour of the Island These two spots make a great stop if you dont want to eat the buffet thats served or if you simply want to grab a snack. 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. It was an amazing experience to see this sort of wildlife up close and completely unexpected. Get your photo taken with the swimming pigs and then head to the observation deck for sweeping views of the ocean.

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