Great Stirrup Cay: NCL Private Island Destination Guide: 2026 Updates, Dining, Activities, and Map
Great Stirrup Cay is the private island destination owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line and is a featured port of call on many Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries. As Norwegian Cruise Line continues to invest in its private island, Great Stirrup Cay has received major upgrades, including a new ship pier, a large pool complex, and expanded premium and adults only areas.
This Great Stirrup Cay guide covers everything cruisers need to know before visiting in 2026, including island transportation, beaches, dining, bars, cabanas, shore excursions, and how Norwegian Cruise Line beverage packages work on the island.
Watch our video tour below, and keep scrolling for the rest of the guide!
Great Stirrup Cay Map
Detailed maps of Great Stirrup Cay are available throughout the island and at the Welcome Plaza. Maps show tram routes, beaches, dining venues, pool areas, and upcharge attractions, making it easy for guests to plan their day on Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.
Great Stirrup Cay Map © Freestyle Travelers
How To Get to Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay is located in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas and is used exclusively by Norwegian Cruise Line and its sister brands. Only guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries can visit the island.
One of the most important updates to Great Stirrup Cay is the addition of a permanent ship pier. Previously, ships anchored offshore and guests arrived by tender boats. Ships now dock directly at the pier, allowing guests to walk off the ship and onto the island. This improves arrival efficiency and allows guests to return to the ship easily throughout the day. While the pier currently accommodates one ship, an additional berth is scheduled to open, allowing two ships to dock at the same time.
At the end of the pier is the Welcome Plaza, which serves as the main arrival hub. The plaza includes restrooms, seating areas, island maps, directional signage, and photo locations with views of docked ships. Guests can walk to nearby attractions or board the complimentary tram system from this area.
Getting Around the Island
Great Stirrup Cay is easy to navigate. Complimentary trams operate continuously between major locations, including the Welcome Plaza, Great Life Lagoon pool area, beach zones, and premium areas such as Silver Cove and Vibe Shore Club. A future tram stop is planned for the Great Tides Waterpark once construction is complete.
Paved walking paths connect most parts of the island. Wayfinding signs and markers are placed throughout the island, making it easy for guests to explore on foot.
Great Life Lagoon Pool Area
Great Life Lagoon © Freestyle Travelers
Great Life Lagoon is the main pool attraction at Great Stirrup Cay and a centerpiece of Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island upgrades. Located near the passenger pier, it is one of the first features guests see upon arrival. The pool has a zero entry design, allowing easy access for both adults and children.
The pool spans approximately 28,000 square feet, making it one of the largest pools on any cruise private island. The surrounding deck features a large number of complimentary loungers available on a first come basis, along with shaded seating, restrooms, and outdoor showers.
Great Life Lagoon includes two swim up bars, Reef Bar and Waves Bar, allowing guests to order drinks without leaving the water. Poolside cabanas are available to rent and provide reserved seating and shade. Water features, ocean views, a poolside DJ, and nearby dining options make this one of the most active areas on Great Stirrup Cay.
Splash Harbor Family Area
Splash Harbor © Freestyle Travelers
Splash Harbor is a complimentary kids splash pad on Great Stirrup Cay, located between the Great Life Lagoon pool and the Abaco Taco dining area. Designed for families with younger children, Splash Harbor offers a safe water play area close to the island’s main amenities.
The splash pad includes small slides, interactive water features, and a large tipping bucket. Soft safety surfacing and shaded seating with umbrellas allow parents to relax nearby while supervising children. The minimum height requirement for the slides is 36 inches.
Beaches on Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay Beach © Freestyle Travelers
Great Stirrup Cay features a long stretch of sandy beach with complimentary loungers available on a first come basis. Seating is not assigned, allowing guests to choose any open location along the shoreline. Loungers are placed in both sunny areas and shaded areas beneath umbrellas and palm trees.
The calm, clear water around the island makes the beaches ideal for swimming and floating. Public beach areas also include restrooms, outdoor showers, and space for casual recreation. Public beach areas also feature sand volleyball courts and hammocks placed throughout the island.
Guests should bring beach towels from the ship, as towels are not provided on the island. Beach environments range from active areas near bars and dining to quieter sections farther from the main attractions. Clamshell cabanas and traditional beach cabanas are available for rent in select areas and provide guaranteed shade.
Cabana and Villa Rentals
Great Life Lagoon Cabana © Freestyle Travelers
Great Stirrup Cay offers a wide selection of cabanas and villas for guests seeking additional comfort and privacy. Options range from simple two person covered daybeds to large permanent cabanas designed for groups. Cabana rentals are available near the beach and at the Great Life Lagoon pool area.
Most cabanas and villas include reserved seating, shade, and attendant service. Some locations offer food and drink delivery. Availability and pricing vary by sailing, and advance reservations are recommended.
Premium Cabanas accommodate up to eight guests and include cushioned seating, sofas, ceiling fans, bottled water, and complimentary floating mats. Classic Cabanas accommodate up to six guests and provide a shaded, comfortable space for a full day on the island.
Food on Great Stirrup Cay
Dining on Great Stirrup Cay is included for all guests and does not require a dining package. Norwegian Cruise Line operates several food venues across the island, allowing guests to eat without returning to the ship. On most sailings, island dining venues operate from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Jumbey Beach Grill
Jumbey Beach Grill is the main buffet on Great Stirrup Cay. It serves barbecue favorites such as ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, and fresh salads. This is the primary lunch location on the island. In addition to Jumbey Beach Grill, multiple smaller food locations are spread throughout Great Stirrup Cay.
Abaco Taco
Abaco Taco is a casual taco stand offering made to order tacos with fish, chicken, or beef, along with toppings and chips with salsa. It is a popular quick dining option near the beach and pool areas.
Tropic Like It’s Hot
Tropic Like It’s Hot is a food truck serving Bahamian inspired sandwiches and lighter fare. Menu items include pulled pork, spicy chicken, and grilled fish sandwiches, along with Bahamian inspired desserts like coconut fudge cake and rum cake. Its location near high traffic areas makes it a convenient option between activities.
Since food venues are distributed across the island, guests can easily grab a meal near the beach, Great Life Lagoon pool, or premium areas like Silver Cove and Vibe Shore Club. This layout allows for a relaxed dining experience and makes it easy to spend the entire day on Great Stirrup Cay without interruption.
Drinks and Beverage Packages on the Island
Great Stirrup Cay © Freestyle Travelers
Drink policies on Great Stirrup Cay change in 2026. Beginning March 1, 2026, standard Free at Sea beverage packages no longer include drinks on the island. Guests with this package will pay menu prices for alcoholic and specialty beverages.
Free at Sea Plus includes unlimited drinks on Great Stirrup Cay, including at swim up bars. Non alcoholic drinks such as water are available at food locations, but guests should confirm package details before arrival.
Bars Across the Island
Bars are spread throughout Great Stirrup Cay, making it easy for guests to grab a drink without leaving the beach or pool area. The Great Life Lagoon pool is home to two swim up bars where guests can order from a choice of seven frozen cocktails on tap, along with beer, wine, and other cocktails and mocktails without exiting the water. These bars are among the busiest spots on the island, especially during peak midday hours.
Additional beach bars are positioned near major lounging and dining areas, offering convenient service to guests relaxing on nearby loungers or walking between attractions. Expect classic tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, and basic mixed beverages. Two of these locations feature branding partnerships with well known spirits with the Bacardi Bar and PatronBar , with these bars featuring a curated selection of rum and tequila cocktails.
Premium areas such as Vibe Shore Club and Silver Cove feature exclusive bars that are only accessible to guests with the appropriate pass or villa rental. While drink menus are generally consistent across the island, service in premium areas is typically less crowded and more relaxed.
Vibe Shore Club Adults Only Area
Vibe Shore Club is a dedicated adults only retreat on Great Stirrup Cay, designed for guests seeking a quieter and more upscale beach experience. This area is completely separate from the onboard Vibe Beach Club and requires a separate pass that must be purchased in advance or onboard, subject to availability.
The space includes a private beach with upgraded loungers, an exclusive bar, and villa style cabanas that provide shade and comfortable seating. Compared to the main public beach areas, Vibe Shore Club is less crowded and offers a more relaxed atmosphere with roaming bar service.
Guests with access to Vibe Shore Club also enjoy a private buffet similar to Jumbey Beach Grill, but with additional menu items. Typical offerings include seafood options such as shrimp ceviche, grilled fish, fresh salads, and desserts like pineapple upside down cake. This private dining option allows guests to avoid lines during peak lunch hours.
Click here for our full detailed guide to Vibe Shore Club at Great Stirrup Cay!
Silver Cove Premium Area
Silver Cove is the most exclusive and upscale area on Great Stirrup Cay, offering a “private island within a private island” experience. Access to Silver Cove is provided through villa rentals, which can accommodate groups ranging from six to sixteen guests, making it ideal for families or groups traveling together.
The Silver Cove area includes a large lagoon style pool, a dedicated restaurant, a private bar, and upgraded seating throughout the space. Villas are designed to provide privacy, shade, and premium amenities, creating a resort style atmosphere that is separate from the rest of the island.
Guests staying in Silver Cove also have access to enhanced facilities and personalized service. Spa services are available at the Silver Cove Spa, allowing guests to book massages and treatments during their island day. This area is designed for travelers looking for a quieter, more exclusive experience away from the island’s busiest attractions.
Shore Excursions and Activities
Great Stirrup Cay offers a wide range of shore excursions and self guided activities for guests who want more than just a beach day. Popular water based activities include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and guided jet ski tours that explore the surrounding waters of the Berry Islands.
On land, guests can enjoy beach volleyball courts, hammocks placed throughout the island, and casual walking paths with ocean views. Photo opportunities are plentiful, including the popular over the water swings and scenic viewpoints near the shoreline.
Many excursions can be booked in advance through Norwegian Cruise Line or directly onboard. Availability may vary by sailing, and some activities are weather dependent. Guests who prefer a more relaxed day can easily enjoy the island without booking any excursions at all.
Great Tides Waterpark - Coming Soon
Great Tides Waterpark is scheduled to open later in 2026 and will become one of the largest new attractions on Great Stirrup Cay. The waterpark is expected to feature multiple waterslides, a lazy river, and splash zones designed for both kids and adults.
Once open, Great Tides Waterpark will be located in a newly developed area of the island and will require a separate ticket for entry. This attraction is designed to expand the island’s appeal for families and active travelers, adding a theme park style experience to the existing beach and pool offerings.
Specific details regarding pricing, height requirements, and operating hours are expected to be released closer to the official opening.
What to Bring to Great Stirrup Cay
Guests visiting Great Stirrup Cay should bring their cruise keycard and a photo ID, as both are required to leave and re board the ship. Beach towels should be brought from the ship, since towels are not provided on the island (with the exception of guests in the Vibe Shore Club and Silver Cove).
Other recommended items include sunscreen, swimwear, cover ups, sunglasses, and comfortable footwear for walking on paved paths or sand. Guests planning to shop at the Bahamian Straw Market should bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards.
Lockers are limited on the island, so valuables should either be left onboard or kept with you at all times. Waterproof phone cases and small bags can be useful for carrying essentials throughout the day.
Great Stirrup Cay Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to pay to visit Great Stirrup Cay?
No. Access to the island and food is included with your cruise fare.
Are drinks included on the island?
Only if you have Free at Sea Plus or access to a premium area where drinks are included.
Can you go back to the ship during the day?
Yes. With the new pier, guests can return to the ship at any time.
Is Great Stirrup Cay good for families?
Yes. The beach, splash area, and calm water make it family-friendly.
Is there shade on the island?
Yes, but shaded seating is limited. Renting a cabana provides guaranteed shade.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay © Freestyle Travelers
With the addition of a permanent pier, a large pool complex, expanded dining options, and multiple premium areas, Great Stirrup Cay continues to develop into a full day private island destination for Norwegian Cruise Line guests.
Whether you prefer relaxing on the beach, spending time at the pool, booking water based excursions, or enjoying quieter adults only or premium spaces, the island offers a wide range of experiences. As new attractions such as Great Tides Waterpark are introduced, Great Stirrup Cay is positioned to remain a highlight of Norwegian Cruise Line itineraries in 2026 and beyond.
Want to see more? Watch our full 2026 tour of the island here!
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