Great Stirrup Cay Updates and Photos

[thecatsmeow]

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread. We will be checking back often for updates. 10 monthes to go until we get to see it again. Our last visit was in October 2006.

Joyce

[OnTheGoMom921]

..

It's the first "official" cabana photo from NCL's Facebook page.

Hope they add a cooler or refrigerator and maybe a cabinet to stow your belongings...otherwise, it's looking good!! There is also a shower on the outside back of the cabana, which you cannot see in the photo.

~Michele:D

 

[turning40withMickey]

..

It's the first "official" cabana photo from NCL's Facebook page.

Hope they add a cooler or refrigerator and maybe a cabinet to stow your belongings...otherwise, it's looking good!! There is also a shower on the outside back of the cabana, which you cannot see in the photo.

~Michele:D

 

 

Beautiful!

[mitsugirly]

There is a new review from a passenger with tons of great pictures of GSC...

 

here's the link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=33990073#post33990073

 

It starts at post #13

[AmandaAnn718]

..

It's the first "official" cabana photo from NCL's Facebook page.

Hope they add a cooler or refrigerator and maybe a cabinet to stow your belongings...otherwise, it's looking good!! There is also a shower on the outside back of the cabana, which you cannot see in the photo.

~Michele:D

 

 

Wow! Is that the size of the normal float that you rent? If so I may get a clamshell and a float when we're there next month. (Fingers crossed we actually make it as last time we didn't.)

[mitsugirly]

Wow! Is that the size of the normal float that you rent? If so I may get a clamshell and a float when we're there next month. (Fingers crossed we actually make it as last time we didn't.)

 

Yes the floats are huge (and then they have smaller ones too). But when we were there, they were not clear blue like this. They were the bright yellow.

[grammieo]

When you say "they have smaller ones too", does that mean there is an option to take smaller ones rather than the one huge one?

 

It is just two of us and I think the one would be too much.

 

Thank you.:)

[Laszlo]

Just uploaded these to YouTube today from the Gem 6-19 - 6-23 cruise.

 

As a 1st timer to GSC............the place needs work. Lazy river? I can't tell what the heck its going to be, all I know is the walls look like sand paper. I ask a few people working there and no one was talking. The sea's were 4-6 foot and the day was almost cancelled. I personally did not think the sea's were too large but I can see how I would not want to be the pilot running those tenders thru the cut nor would I want to try and hug the side of the ship

 

 

[Laszlo]

A few photo's......

[CruisinCrow]

Thanks, Laszlo. It doesn't look like they've accomplished much since we were there in November. They really need to plant some greenery!

[Laszlo]

Thanks, Laszlo. It doesn't look like they've accomplished much since we were there in November. They really need to plant some greenery!

 

And some sand!!! Beaches in the Keys have more sand and we all know how little that is:D

[CroNich]

Is that meant to be the lazy river? maybe they are just going for an al-natural look :confused:

[chrismass]

There's no way that would be a lazy river, it's too narrow and the (too high) sides look like cement which would cut people as they floated by...

But why would they make a run-off that fancy?

[Laszlo]

There's no way that would be a lazy river, it's too narrow and the (too high) sides look like cement which would cut people as they floated by...

But why would they make a run-off that fancy?

 

Not concrete but coral, which makes up 99% of the island with a little sprinkling of sand on top. When I saw it all I could think of is WTH

[GateGuardian]

Has anyone try their Wave Runner excursions? Is it any good? Also are there any storage/lockers to store belongings?

[tweekster]

Wave runners are a really fun time.

There are storage shelves to hold your belongings while you go out on the excursion.

 

The used to make you wear a wetsuit[provided], but last month, it was optional...

[RBKL]

Wave runners are a really fun time.

There are storage shelves to hold your belongings while you go out on the excursion.

 

The used to make you wear a wetsuit[provided], but last month, it was optional...

 

 

We've never been on a wave runner before. Is it good for first timers or more for experienced riders?

[tweekster]

Both the times I went, only about 50% have ever been on one before.

 

It is a good time for all who do this.

 

If the weather is too bad out, they will cancel this excursion if it is not safe out, and you will get your full refund.

[TITISSA]

..

It's the first "official" cabana photo from NCL's Facebook page.

Hope they add a cooler or refrigerator and maybe a cabinet to stow your belongings...otherwise, it's looking good!! There is also a shower on the outside back of the cabana, which you cannot see in the photo.

~Michele:D

 

 

How do they close it down to protect it from the elements? Or is it always open like that?

[kittymommax4]

My sailing leaves on Saturday morning (5/26) and we have a cabana rented for our day on GSC. I'll come back with a full report!

 

Irish_EyesNJ:

Were you able to tender to GSC on your cruise? Do you have any info/photos to share about the cabana?

[kittymommax4]

The $50 food and beverage credit is for a special menu provided on GSC that you can order from. I was told for example you can order a platter of shrimp or other specialties not available at the BBQ.

 

I'm pretty sure the $50 food/beverage credit can be used to order beverages from the bar in addition to the special menu items. Can anyone who has rented a cabana on GSC confirm this? I'll be there in Sept & reserved a cabana.

[OnTheGoMom921]

I'm pretty sure the $50 food/beverage credit can be used to order beverages from the bar in addition to the special menu items. Can anyone who has rented a cabana on GSC confirm this? I'll be there in Sept & reserved a cabana.

 

We had a cabana on our 6/30 gem sailing. Yes, you can use the $50 credit for beverages on the island. Just make sure you check your on board account to make sure credit was applied. They "charged back" our $50 credit saying that it was "unused" although, clearly our account was charged for much more than $50 of drinks on the island. Just double check as a precaution. The front desk fixed the problem before our disembarkation, so not a big deal.

 

~Michele

 

The view from cabana #5

[ibcnusoon]

Just saw this on NCL's facebook page:

 

We just announced three incredible new enhancements on Great Stirrup Cay: the official launch of our new Stingray Encounter, an exciting underwater snorkel trail called "Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure," and coming soon, a brand new Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron!

[ibcnusoon]

someone posted this updated on the NCL board:

 

Norwegian Enhances Great Stirrup Cay with Three New Interactive Experiences

 

Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that a new Stingray Encounter and Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. In addition, coming soon is a brand new Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron. The launch of these three brand new experiences marks more exciting additions to the island as part of the ongoing $30 million enhancement project.

 

Located inside Bertram’s Cove, on the right hand side of the main beach, the Stingray Encounter invites guests to interact with 18 specially-trained stingrays in an enclosed area. This exciting and unique excursion introduces guests to these smooth and graceful creatures. Each of the stingrays has a name and its own unique personality, and guests will enjoy feeding, watching and holding them, for the perfect photo opportunity. Also included in the Stingray Encounter experience is use of a mask, snorkel and snorkel vest so that guests can peer below the surface to examine the rays up close. The hour-long excursion includes 45-minutes of interaction with the rays and is $29 per adult and $19 per child.

 

Norwegian is also launching a new snorkel trail experience called, “Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure,” for guests to enjoy during their time on Norwegian’s private island. Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities on the island and Norwegian has now enhanced that experience with the snorkel trail.

 

Located near the Stingray Encounter in Bertram’s Cove, the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure is the first private island snorkel trail to depict an actual legend as it portrays the tale of a shipwreck. As the legend goes, “The Fancy,” sailing from Nassau, Bahamas in 1696, encountered a mythical creature named Lusca that was half-shark, half-octopus. It is believed that Lusca was responsible for the ship disappearing near the Berry Islands, the location of Great Stirrup Cay. Guests can explore discover and look for clues underwater that lead to the treasure that the Fancy was carrying, highlighted by 17 different underwater scenes that depict the shipwreck and Lusca’s legend, including cannons, a sunken piano, treasure chests, swords and more.

 

Developed in conjunction with IDEA Inc., an Orlando-based company with experience in developing theme park experiences, the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure features some authentic artifacts that are more than 300 years old. In addition, all of the artifacts are eco-friendly and will stimulate additional marine life in the area.

 

To experience the snorkel trail, guests can rent snorkel equipment at a rate of $29 per adult or $15 per child for the entire day. Guests wishing to experience both the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Adventure and the Stingray Encounter during their time on the island can purchase a combination package that includes both tours at a discounted price of $49 per adult, a $9 savings, and $29 per child, a $5 savings.

 

Norwegian has also partnered with the popular spirits brand, Patron, to introduce a new island bar experience to Great Stirrup Cay called, Lighthouse Beach Bar presented by Patron.This is the first private island bar that Patron has sponsored. It will feature Patron products, as well as a full range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The bar will be completely redesigned and will be outfitted with beach-inspired décor, Patron branded materials, including bar stools, umbrellas and menu boards, as well as two large flat-screen TVs that will showcase a variety of entertainment from music videos to sporting events. The new bar is set to open in September 2012.

 

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/7722-norwegian-enhances-great-stirrup-cay-with-three-new-interactive-experiences.html

[thecatsmeow]

Oh yay! It seems that GSC is just getting better and better. Can hardly wait until next april fools day!

 

Joyce