This is the only cruise island that offers a Swimming with Pigs Tour! First and foremost, Great Stirrup Cay is a gem for its beaches. For even more beach bliss, book a massage or other spa treatment at the Mandara Spa at Silver Cove. Just watch out for rocks and coral on the oceans floor when you go into the water. Our 16 Islands The Abacos Acklins & Crooked Island Andros. 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. Board and paddle rentals are $39 per hour, and theres no minimum age requirement, so the whole family can join in. Berry Islands: Here's your chance to get up-close to the swimming pigs, with controlled supervised staff feedings.. Este sitio web usa cookies. What about a jet ski tour? Or go for a snorkel beneath the sea and discover tropical fish of every colours. Paddle your way in a kayak through a protected mangrove forest. Highlights at Great Stirrup Cay include two lighthouses - a working lighthouse built in 1863 and a new lighthouse . Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. Spa therapists will work their magic while you relax to the song of the oceans waves. I love sharing my best cruise tips with you, along with reviews of cruise destinations, shore excursions, cruise ships and cruise lines. Thanks for watching, if you enjoyed the video please give it a thumbs up!Check out my Bahamas playlist here - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKEllNeh. Here, you can swim with pigs or stingrays, nap on the beach, or sip on a mojito at the Bacardi Bar. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. 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. HIGHLIGHTS Bahamas: Travel by boat across crystal-clear blue waters, delighting in the beautiful scenery among the Berry Islands. [email protected], September 18, 2018 in Norwegian Cruise Line. 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. Although these smaller beaches are generally where cabana guests go, theyre also open to anyone. Make new friends while you swim with pigs. We got our toes wet with a sounder of swine on a recent shore excursion to see if a swimming pigs tour is really worth the hype. But getting to Exuma is not easy, and the feral pigs have been known to bite. The largest and most popular dining venue is the Jumbey Beach Grill, an open-air buffet venue serving grilled burgers and chicken and sides like corn on the cob, salad, fruit, and dessert. Starting from the 110-foot (33.5 m) replica lighthouse, the new course features 2935 feet (895 m) of zipline! 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). Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. But yeah, it's not Rose Island, that's nowhere near GSC. Try Your Hand at Stand-Up Paddle Boarding or Kayaking Kids need to be 8 years old to ride as a passenger. Smaller boats, known as tenders, ferry passengers to and from the island. Speaking only for the "original" swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay in the Exumas, it is not an "organized" pig swim. 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. Currently, GSC doesnt have a swimming pool. Youll find just the thing here. You can also rent several types of water sports equipment. We visited the swimming pigs of Treasure Island on an excursion purchased through Norwegian Cruise Line. Is there a community of people who lived on the island before it was purchased? Voted "The Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line" 2013-2022 by World Travel Awards, This website uses cookies. Located by the Silver Cove lagoon, these villas have two bedrooms flanking a central indoor living space. 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. Today, it's a regular stop for 13 Norwegian ships, offering guests a straw market, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and plenty . Arrive: Wed 21 February 2024 at 06:30 / Depart: . spacex interview presentation; akron rubber ducks score; christiana care avenue north address Never feed them with your hand, always use the wooden skewers. . Check out how you can swim with the pigs: https://bddy.me/2SSp3Fd Travel to a private isle nestled among the northern Berry Islands. HELPFUL HINTS If youre looking for some out-of-the-ordinary things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, I have a couple of fun recommendations for you, especially if you enjoy history. Tip: Check your Freestyle Daily the day before you arrive at Great Stirrup Cay. Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Escape will also visit the island this year. Yes! Tortola is the largest of more than 50 British Virgin Islands . BUT the swimming with the pigs tour was ridiculous! Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. 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. I love visiting the ports and spending long days exploring, but private islands are a nice break from the busier days. There, guests can interact with and feed tame stingrays in an enclosed area offshore. The Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. I love the idea of a private island. Really interesting. Fortunately, one of us decided he wasn't interested in getting in the water and was able to take pictures from the patio. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. Youll no doubt see the new replica lighthouse that NCL uses for ziplining, since its in a very central location. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. Chances are high that youll make a stop at the cruise lines private island Great Stirrup Cay. Available for purchase through Norwegian, this shore excursion starts at the small marina at Great Stirrup Cay. Villa guests can also enjoy complimentary fresh fruit, chilled water, and a menu of on-demand movies. Water shoes to protect your feet from rocks and coral, Book, magazine, music-playing device and headphones, or other entertainment, Sand toys, beach balls, and other beach-day sports gear. You pay $109 per person to feed the pigs, they are NOT at the beach at all! Just started showing up last week in the cruise planners. All the beauty of Great Exuma is brought to life on this fun-filled adventure. The days soundtrack is provided by DJs and live bands at the Bacardi Bar or the bandstand. There were a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse and the experience lasted about an hour. Her articles have appeared on Cruise Critic, Porthole, TravelAge West, and USA Today. Lisa says, "It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying! The ocean swing sets provide a fantastic photo-op if you've been waiting for that picture perfect moment to share on Instagram. For the ultimate in relaxation, the new luxury Silver Cove area features villas and a private lagoon. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. Located just a short 10-minute scenic boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay, are the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. Norwegian anchors the ship offshore and smaller boats take guests into shore. Hope you have a fantastic cruise! Bring a swimsuit and towel. Make new friends while you swim with pigs. This 1.5-hour adventure brings you up-close with swimming pigs as you watch them swim at a private island. Live music with a Caribbean flair is played by local musicians at the bandstand directly across from the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Or maybe you forgot something like your hat or sunglasses? The beach is completely free to enjoy, including thousands of lounge chairs available for you to use. Read on to discover everything you need to know about Great Stirrup Cay. Swimming with the Pigs; hotels; photos; Book your trip. Do Some Souvenir Shopping The colorful open-air market offers clothing and accessories, as well as a variety of local crafts. At Great Stirrup Cay, you wont go hungry. And because of the islands shape, the shore is naturally protected, meaning that the water is almost always calm. They helped him find the spot next to Captain Bertrand's grave. HIGHLIGHTS Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. Prices vary depending on which villa you choose: Rent a Floating Mat Powered by Invision Community. I was curious if anyone has done it and their thoughts. Taking a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian? At the far end of the developed area is Silver Cove, a restricted-access area for those who rent the islands swanky villas. Its cash-only (US or Bahamian dollars) so be sure to bring cash for the market if you think you might want to do some shopping. For something different, belly up to the Abaco Taco bar for Mexican food made to order. You'll need at least five hours in port. 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. 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. The Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island. Treatment rooms open to the secluded beach on the north side of the lagoon. No wonder its such a popular activity. If swimming with the pigs is the highlight of your visit, ask for one that goes to Big Major Cay in the morning, when they're more active. 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 . Great Stirrup Cay: Everything you need to know about Norwegians private island, 5 must-see places you can visit on a Norwegian Cruise, I stayed in a $1,700 stateroom on Norwegian Bliss see what my room on this new cruise ship looked like, 10 Things Norwegian Cruise Line got right with the Bliss, 10 Things I loved and hated about Norwegian Bliss cruise ship. When I was researching the little cemetery, I learned that when Elizabeth's husband buried her on the island he met two men of African descent, assumed to be former slaves, living on the island. The tiny cemetery is located in a grassy area across from the main beach. Prices are based on availability and subject to change. From there, you can head out into the water and paddle around the beach no matter if you want to stand (paddle boarding) or sit (kayaking). Theres a spot to rent beach basics on the island, including snorkel gear. If you have a beverage package for your cruise, it will work on the island as well. Some of the sights you may see include the Lighthouse at Great Stirrup Cay, . Or a t-shirt? Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. The island has no pier, so you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. There are limited loungers in a shady area under the trees, but they go fast! university of illinois women's swimming roster; what happens if you don't pay a seatbelt ticket; maid cafe miami It is a region known as the Exuma Cays. We're here to answer them. Travel to a private isle nestled among the northern Berry Islands. Great Stirrup Cay is not Coco Cay. Foot Viewing Deck and also enjoy a refreshing swim in the beautiful blue Bahamian waters. Pick them up at Mat and Float Rentals, across from Bertrams Cove Beach. Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Los trocitos de manzana, distribuidos por el personal, son abundantes yestn siempre a mano. Having food included is one of my favorite parts about cruising :D, Private islands are always the highlight of a cruise for me - they're just so relaxing and a reminder to take things a bit slower. If you or one of your cruising group is unable to walk at all, tendering to the island might not be possible. Definitely take some closed-toe walking shoes if you want to do this short hike. Located just a short 10-minute boat ride from Norwegians private island, Great Stirrup Cay, are the Swimming Pigs of Treasure Island! 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. During these shore excursions, cruisers get into the water with the pigs, feed them apples and scratch their backs and tummies. The Exumas are an exotic part of the Bahamas and can be seen from the air with turquoise waters, lush . You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Just like the cabanas on the island, NCL allows two extra guests over the stated capacity, with an upcharge of $35 per person for the smaller villas, and $49 per person for the one- and two-bedroom villas. Do I need a passport for an Alaskan cruise? Great Stirrup Cay Food and Beverages Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. Seahawk Zipline ($89/$69 kids) This zipline also offers three flights, but theyre a bit more challenging. Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. The swimming area is the most protected of all the coves, and the beach is stunning, with overwater swings for a photo op and a gazebo overlooking the sea. As part of their Norwegian Edge program, NCL has spent about $250 million renovating and improving Great Stirrup Cay. As mentioned, you take a tender boat from the ship to Great Stirrup Cay. Pricing for most of their excursions falls within the range of $75-$140/adult and $55-$99/child. Posted September 19, 2018. This would be a great day to book a (possibly discounted) spa treatment! The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. SUP is easy to learn, and the staff will give you pointers before sending you out to paddle around Bertrams Cove. Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November. In addition to upgrading and enhancing the experience at the dining venues, and improving walkways and landscaping, theyve also added more sports and adventure activities. Paolo, I hope you're able to visit GSC - it's so nice to just relax there and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Cruise Critic makes no endorsements, representations or warranties with respect to the products, organizations or websites referenced in the above article, nor is any warranty created or extended by providing such information, and Cruise Critic shall not be liable for any damages arising therefrom. *Trminos y condiciones Paquete no disponible en viajes de menos de 5 das ni en viajes chrter. Los visitantes tambin aprenden un poco sobre los cerdos. 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. If a Norwegian organized tour is late, the ship will wait for you, Peace of mind knowing your tours are run by insured operators. 6. Hit the Beach. There is no way NCL is sending guests to Rose Island from GSC for a pigs excursion. Catamaran & Snorkel ($79/$59 kids): A double-decker, covered snorkel boat will take you to a live coral reef where you can swim with native fish and marine life. Is kayaking or paddle boarding not quite exciting enough? If you want to visit Great Stirrup Cay in addition to other islands, look for a . Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Great Stirrup Cay . 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. Just off the coast of the beach, the cruise line installed a number of sculptures and things to explore. Zipline on Great Stirrup Cay Jun 05, 2020; Food Jan 10, 2020; Too crowded with two NCL ships . This excursion actually takes place on a small island off the shore of Great Stirrup Cay, around a 10-minute journey away by speedboat. Zipline on Great Stirrup Cay 05 June 2020; Food 10 January 2020; Too crowded with two NCL . used cars naples, fl under $3,000. 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. My thoughts? COMBS and LAS VEGAS LIVESTOCK working together to meet the needs of our clients and the community. Canaveral), FL . 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. Everyone loves dolphins, who also seem to love us. These visits are part of longer Caribbean sailings or even around-the-world cruises. Hi what can you do if you want to swim with the pigs and the cruise goes to great stirrup cay? Vegetarian main dishes are limited on the island, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed if youre concerned about gluten, nuts, or other allergens. There is no actual swimming with the pigs involved. Elizabeth had been ill and hoped that the climate in Florida, where her brother lived, would help her condition. 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. 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. 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. One of the most popular excursions at Great Stirrup Cay is swimming with pigs. Lagoon Villas start at $799 and accommodate eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. Hi, We'll be on the Breakaway in June 2022 with a stop at Great Stirrup Cay and thinking of doing the Swim with Pigs excursion. Clinton Combs on LinkedIn: Las Vegas family-run business reduces food waste by turning food scraps The beach is certainly family-friendly, and older kids can enjoy the various activities and shore excursions. You can also rent wave runners, standup paddleboards, and floating mats. Theyll encourage guests to come up and dance with them. For cruisers not going to Great Stirrup Cay or CocoCay, a swimming pigs excursion can also be booked through third-party operators if you're on a cruise stopping at Grand Bahama Island. Ships planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay often will cancel during rough sea conditions because its a tender port. Note: There are also several shore excursions from 2022 that arent currently offered, but may return in 2023. Or go for a snorkel beneath the sea and discover tropical fish . Although the station was manned for many years, the light is currently fully-automated and solar-powered. Viewing Deck. 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. Rentals of beach gear and private cabanas are also handled by the shore excursions desk. 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. The menu at Abaco Taco is obviously taco-centric. It's not an NCL beach, it's Rose Island, a Sandy Toes excursion that can be booked privately from Nassau. HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. Returning to the ship and tendering back to the island likely wont be practical. Its simply a larger version of the Classic Cabana, accommodating eight guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. 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. Snorkeling is a very popular activity for visitors to Great Stirrup Cay! The best beach on Great Stirrup Cay will depend on your preferences because they're all beautiful. What is your opinion on the cabana vs villa? They are two different islands. 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. This is beneficial, as there can be up to two ships that visit per day, which is common during the summer months. Have you been swimming with the pigs? But did you know theres a real lighthouse on the island as well? The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. Back on the Norwegian Pearl, the music and activities never stop, with five onboard venues stacked with special performances, collaborations . But the biggest price hikes have been with the luxury experiences in Silver Cove. Its not a real lighthouse, instead, its a staging point for the zipline that criss-cross Great Stirrup Cay. All Norwegian Bahamas cruises in 2023 include a day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island reserved for our cruise passengers. Not only do you get your own villa, complete with air conditioning, a private bathroom, fridge, a bedroom, and private porch, but you also get access to the entire Silver Cove area. 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. Thankfully, most of the action on the island is centrally located by the main beach at Bertrams Cove. Check out the latest web stories from Should Be Cruising! It was an amazing experience to see this sort of wildlife up close and completely unexpected. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. To save your favorites, you'll need to either create a new account or login. It smells amazing and tastes just as great. 70 Fun Things to Do on the Ship, Norwegian Cruise Line Sharply Raises Service Charges Again (Up to 25%), 10 Tips and Things to Know Before Cruising With a Teenager, 57 Must-Have Tips, Advice, and Info For First-Time Cruisers, 18 Orlando Hotels with Shuttles to Disney World & Universal, Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Tricks, Secrets, and Freebies, 39 Useful Things to Pack For Your Cruise (Including 17 Youd Never Think Of), Swimming With the Pigs Excursion: $139 adult/$99 child. 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? The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. 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. We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port youll visit. Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. This is entirely for the safety of guests as well as the safety of crew members who assist people entering and exiting tenders. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. Get ready to have a blast. They have everything you need to get started, as well as some advice on getting started if youre a novice. We could see the previous group of cruisers in the water with the pigs in an enclosed section of beach.