Cruise News: “Cabanas on the Cay” Make Their Appearance on Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line was the first cruise line to offer an uninhabited tropical island experience exclusively for its guests. Great Stirrup Cay offers magnificent white sand beaches, majestic palms and calm, pristine waters where an abundance of colorful marine life inhabits the surrounding coral reefs. Activities on the island include snorkeling; Waverunner® tour; eco boat tour; kayaking; parasailing; shopping at the straw market; and more.

But there was something missing. One of the most coveted amenities on other cruise lines’ “private islands” has been their cabanas where guests could relax and enjoy the beach atmosphere in comfort and relative privacy. Norwegian Cruise Line has rectified that oversight and announced that “Cabanas on the Cay,” exclusive private cabanas with VIP service and amenities, are now available on Great Stirrup Cay, the line’s 250-acre private island in the Bahamas. The launch of “Cabanas on the Cay” marks another significant addition to the island as part of the $25 million dollar enhancement project.

Located to the west of the island’s main beach, these perfectly-appointed private Cabanas boast exclusive service and amenities to provide guests with the ultimate island escape and total relaxation. Available for $249 per day, each Cabana accommodates up to six guests and is fully furnished with lounge chairs, tables, cooler, beach towels and a shower. Cabana rental also includes a $50 food and beverage credit; up to six all-day passes to the Hippo Waterslide, a $120 value; and one large float, a $25 value; for guests to enjoy during their time on the island.

Guests who reserve one of the 10 “Cabanas on the Cay” will enjoy priority tender service to the island and, upon arrival to their private cabana, will receive six complimentary bottles of water and a refreshing fruit basket. As they relax on one of the comfortable lounge chairs, guests will have the opportunity to use their $50 food and beverage credit towards pre-ordered “Cabanas on the Cay” food and beverage selections. Norwegian has prepared an exclusive menu for Cabana guests consisting of delicious seafood, charcuterie, sushi, and fruit platters. Guests who choose to dine at the Island’s BBQ can use their credit towards one of the many beverage packages available exclusively for Cabana guests, or towards other beverage purchases on the island. For families, or other small groups cruising together, this is a real bargain compared to other private island cabana offerings.

Each of the 10 Cabanas on the Cay are available on a first-come-first-serve basis and can be pre-booked as a shore excursion on NCL.com or through the Shore Excursion Desk on board.

How To Get There
You will have to sail on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship to visit this island retreat, so here are the NCL ships scheduled to call there:

Norwegian Sky makes year-round stops at Great Stirrup Cay on her 3- and 4-day cruises from Miami. Norwegian Gem visits Great Stirrup Cay during her 7-day Bahamas and Florida itinerary from New York. Beginning in October, Norwegian Jewel will also stop at Great Stirrup Cay on her 7-day Bahamas and Florida cruises from New York. Norwegian Pearl will also visit Great Stirrup Cay this winter on her 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami. Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian’s newest ship launching next spring, will visit Great Stirrup Cay on 7-day cruises from New York to Bahamas and Florida beginning in mid-October 2013.

Image Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line