{"id":47830,"date":"2014-09-04T15:00:35","date_gmt":"2014-09-04T19:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/?p=47830"},"modified":"2016-04-21T15:34:56","modified_gmt":"2016-04-21T19:34:56","slug":"5-places-to-see-in-great-stirrup-cay-when-on-a-norwegian-caribbean-cruise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/2014\/09\/04\/5-places-to-see-in-great-stirrup-cay-when-on-a-norwegian-caribbean-cruise\/","title":{"rendered":"5 places to see in Great Stirrup Cay when on a Norwegian Caribbean cruise"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Great Stirrup Cay is a small, privately owned island in the Berry Island chain in the Bahamas. Owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), it&#8217;s an exciting stop on any <a href=\"http:\/\/res.cruiseexperts.com\/travel\/cruise\/search.rvlx?date_search_type=1&amp;search_type=cruise_search&amp;destination_list%5B%5D=5&amp;cruise_duration=0-9999&amp;cruise_month=9&amp;cruise_day=5&amp;cruise_year=2014&amp;cruise_month2=9&amp;cruise_day2=3&amp;cruise_year2=2016&amp;portid=&amp;VendorID%5B%5D=5&amp;search_cruises=Start+Search&amp;DestinationID=5\" target=\"_blank\">NCL Bahamas cruise<\/a>. The island is considered one of the best stops in the Berry Islands, and a must see destination on any Caribbean cruise.<\/p>\n<p>When on Great Stirrup Cay there are a wide variety of activities and things to see across the island. Of course, the island is small, so there will be plenty of time to take in most of the sites it has to offer. Particularly exciting for those interested in snorkeling or waterfront activities because the northern part of the island is scattered with beaches and diving areas. At CruiseExperts.com we put our heads together to come up with the best places to visit on this fascinating island.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_47863\" style=\"width: 586px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141.jpeg\"><picture data-avif-picture=\"1\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141-200x200.avif 200w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141-400x244.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141.avif 576w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\"><img data-avif-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47863\" class=\"wp-image-47863 size-full\" title=\"5 places to see in Great Stirrup Cay when on a Norwegian Caribbean cruise\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141.jpeg\" alt=\"ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-08152014\" width=\"576\" height=\"352\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Aerials_104-081520141-400x244.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-47863\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Here are our top five picks:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>The beach <\/strong>&#8211; Of course, no Caribbean island is complete without plenty of beach area. The beaches at Great Stirrup Cay are particularly beautiful and offer plenty of sun, swimming and snorkeling for all visitors. There are multiple beach areas, some more secluded than the rest, for visitors to relax on or investigate the local waters on a dive. There are also hammocks for visitors to relax in, as well as\u00a0a wide variety of hosted activities from volleyball to a scavenger hunt.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_47862\" style=\"width: 621px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\"><picture data-avif-picture=\"1\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141-200x200.avif 200w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141-400x299.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141.avif 611w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px\"><img data-avif-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47862\" class=\"wp-image-47862 size-full\" title=\"5 places to see in Great Stirrup Cay when on a Norwegian Caribbean cruise\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141.jpeg\" alt=\"ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-08152014\" width=\"611\" height=\"456\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141.jpeg 611w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahms_GSC_Couple-081520141-400x299.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 611px) 100vw, 611px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-47862\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Water slide<\/strong> &#8211; The large Hippo slide is another ideal attraction for adults and children alike, with plenty of excitement to offer right off of the beachfront. Many visitors spend their entire time on the island at the water slide and beaches enjoying the sun and water to full extent.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exploration &#8211; <\/strong>Plenty of opportunities exist to explore this uninhabited Caribbean island. Take an ecoboat tour, kayak or waverunner to cruise around the waters and get a sense of how isolated the island is, or take\u00a0a walk around Grand Stirrup Cay to enjoy the vegetation, ocean breezes and sun on foot. Guests can also take a parasail adventure for an aerial view.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_47861\" style=\"width: 465px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\"><picture data-avif-picture=\"1\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014-200x200.avif 200w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014-300x400.avif 300w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014-200x200@2x.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014.avif 455w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px\"><img data-avif-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47861\" class=\"wp-image-47861 size-full\" title=\"5 places to see in Great Stirrup Cay when on a Norwegian Caribbean cruise\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014.jpeg\" alt=\"ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014\" width=\"455\" height=\"606\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014.jpeg 455w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_Bahamas_GSC_Parasail-08152014-300x400.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 455px) 100vw, 455px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-47861\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Snorkeling Excursions<\/strong> &#8211; A booked tour of the waters with specially-trained stingrays is another amazing opportunity at Grand Stirrup Cay. Guests can snorkel with these aquatic creatures, feed them and even hold them. Located inside Bertram&#8217;s Cove, the Stingray Encounter also includes use of a mask, snorkel and snorkel vest so that guests can peer below the surface to examine the rays up close. In addition to the Stingray Excursion, the island offers a snorkeling tour of a shipwreck, &#8220;The Fancy.&#8221; The tour takes guests on an interactive treasure hunt for the lost ship and its cargo.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_47864\" style=\"width: 586px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141.jpeg\" target=\"_blank\"><picture data-avif-picture=\"1\"><source type=\"image\/avif\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141-200x200.avif 200w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141-400x267.avif 400w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141.avif 576w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\"><img data-avif-wrap=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-47864\" class=\"wp-image-47864 size-full\" title=\"5 places to see in Great Stirrup Cay when on a Norwegian Caribbean cruise\" src=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141.jpeg\" alt=\"ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-08152014\" width=\"576\" height=\"384\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141.jpeg 576w, https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/ncl_GSC_Snorkel_Cpl-081520141-400x267.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 576px) 100vw, 576px\" \/><\/picture><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-47864\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Lines<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>The lighthouse <\/strong>&#8211; Perhaps the most impressive structure on Grand Stirrup Cay is the lighthouse. Though the tower itself is close to the public, visitors can see the site and enjoy walking around the historic landmark, leftover from the 1800s, when the lighthouse was built. The light is still in operation, powered by solar panels and set to a timer to flash every 20 seconds.<\/p>\n<p>Get an up close and personal look at Grand Stirrup Cay\u00a0cruise by watching this short video clip:\u00a0[youtube]https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=YkwoTcPYbYc[\/youtube]<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re ready to head off on an exciting cruise vacation, now is the time to start planning. At CruiseExperts.com, we&#8217;d love to help you design an itinerary for your trip of a lifetime. We also provide tips for the best places to visit.<\/p>\n<p>Not interested in cruising through the Caribbean? No problem! Ask us about our <a href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/river-cruise\/river-cruise-vacation.php\">European river cruises<\/a> and Alaskan cruise tours. Call us today at 1-888-804-CRUISE (2784), visit our website, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.CruiseExperts.com\">www.CruiseExperts.com<\/a>, or email us at info@cruiseexperts.com.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #555555;\">To stay\u00a0updated with what\u2019s \u201chot\u201d in\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #4f81d8;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/cruise_specials.php\" target=\"_blank\">ocean cruising<\/a><span style=\"color: #555555;\">\u00a0and receive information on\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #4f81d8;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/closeout_cruise_deals.php\" target=\"_blank\">hot deals<\/a><span style=\"color: #555555;\">, sign up for our\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #4f81d8;\" href=\"http:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/innercircle.php\">Inner Circle\u00a0<\/a><span style=\"color: #555555;\">or \u201clike\u201d us on\u00a0<\/span><a style=\"color: #4f81d8;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/CruiseExperts\">Facebook<\/a><span style=\"color: #555555;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The island is considered one of the best stops in the Berry Islands, and a must see destination on any Caribbean cruise.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":47860,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[33],"tags":[374,74,376,73,405,377,72],"class_list":["post-47830","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bermudabahamas","tag-european-river-cruises","tag-facebook","tag-hot-deals","tag-inner-circle","tag-ncl-bahamas-cruise","tag-ocean-cruising","tag-www-cruiseexperts-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47830","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=47830"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47830\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47860"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47830"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=47830"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cruiseexperts.com\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=47830"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}