Norwegian Gem - December 30, 2025 (5 Nights)

Great Stirrup Cay is a small island in the geographical center of the Bahamas, owned since 1977 by Norwegian Cruise Line. Since that time many have enjoyed the peaceful, remote island as part of an exciting NCL cruise, and for those wanting an out-of-the-way-destination and the feel of having their own private vacation spot, Great Stirrup Cay is an obvious choice. Its coral and limestone formation and breathtaking white beaches make this a truly memorable stop on a Caribbean cruise, away from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities and tourist attractions.

NCL ships arrive at Great Stirrup Cay and remain anchored offshore; passengers are ferried to the beaches in a specially designed LT-1 landing craft. On arrival visitors can go immediately to one of the shops or restaurants constructed near the waterfront, or are free to relax and explore. NCL has a strict schedule for arrival and departure of the landing craft, so access to and from the ship is limited during the day.

Because of its remote location and uninhabited spaces, the island is perfect for leisure and exploration. The sand beaches stretch far to the north and south of the main landing area, and visitors will find numerous plant and animal species in their native habitat. Lizards, land crabs, iguanas, great snowy egrets and even arctic terns are seen at Great Stirrup Cay on a regular basis. The beaches are lined with majestic coconut palms and there is an abundance of marine life to be explored beneath the gentle surf. One of the highlights of a visit to this island is the ability to rent snorkel gear for the entire day, complete with lessons for those who have little or no experience. NCL's Dive-In programs also includes paddle boating, parasailing, kayaks, 2-person sailboats and special boogie boards with underwater viewing. A live Calypso band is usually on hand to perform day and night.

There are two full service bars near the beach, an island barbeque restaurant that offers up chicken, hot dogs, pizza, salads and a wide variety of fruits, and full restroom facility, all located near the landing craft arrival area. Food is served buffet style and is available throughout the day. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for those who want to take their food to a private area.

Most of the organized activities at Great Stirrup Cay take place near the landing area, but there are a number of things to see and do simply by walking. Nature trails take visitors to the center of the island, and the nearby building remains from a one-time U.S. military installation and satellite tracking station are within easy reach for the curious. A special jogging path is located near the restaurant area and the new beach volleyball courts and games area is also only a few minutes walking from the landing zone.

Access to the island is restricted to passengers enjoying a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, as the company owns the property outright. There are no banks or traditional stores located on the island, although cash sales are allowed for certain items bought at the Straw Market shops located on the beach.

Nassau is the capital and largest city of Bahamas. A popular tourist destination, Nassau is a favorite cruise port and offers visitors a stunning mix of architecture, white sand beaches and entertaining nightlife. The downtown area of the city is the hub for all tourist attractions, walking tours and gift purchasing; visitors will find no end to the scenic wonders of this historical but ultra-modern metropolis.

Cruise ships arriving in Nassau generally dock at the Prince George Wharf, directly in front of the downtown area. Nearby Rawson Square and the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism are excellent starting points for walking tours and getting acclimated to the bustling activity in the city. A great number of shops in this district have brochures and street maps available for visitors, printed in English and in other languages. Festival Place is the exit point at the port for those arriving by ship and here visitors will find internet cafes, call booths, currency exchange centers and a number of local tour companies offering day trip packages.

The Bay Street thoroughfare and Woodes Rogers Walk are the two busiest streets near the waterfront, and tourists can take in the Pirates of Nassau Museum or visit the historical Vendue House and Christ Church Cathedral. The famous Straw Market is a magnetic draw for tourists; the original facility was burned to the ground in 2001 and a new construction site is underway, but the activities continue at present on the waterfront side of Woodes Rogers Walk. At the Straw Market everything a visitor could hope to purchase as memorabilia can be found. The Ardastra Gardens are famous for their drill formation flamingo parades, and the 18th century Balcony House, the oldest wooden structure in Nassau, is the perfect place for panoramic views and photo opportunities. Blue Lagoon Island has dolphin shows and stunning beaches. Fort Charlotte is an amazing tour that includes a visit to the old dungeons and breathtaking views of the harbor.

Nassau has a truly international flair when it comes to either casual or fine dining. Near the waterfront one can find a huge number of open air restaurants as well as smaller outdoor establishments that serve up snacks and cocktails. Barbeque beef, pork and chicken are local favorites, but a number of restaurants specialize in European continental cuisine. At night there is no shortage of watering holes; these taverns and nightclubs are open very late in Nassau.

Nassau has what are called Jitney buses, which run on a regular schedule between Paradise Island, Cable Beach and the downtown area. Taxis can be hailed at any street corner, and a number of rental car agencies operate in the city; visitors should remember that driving in the Bahamas is on the left side of the road. Most of the major tourist attractions in the city itself are within walking distance of the cruise docks.

The official currency in Nassau is the Bahamian dollar, which is valued as much as the US dollar. Visitors can make change on board ship or at a number of locations in the port area. You can, however, use both US and Bahamian dollars for your shopping. Unless a cell phone is used, calling internationally from a public telephone requires the purchase of a local BATELCO card. Although English is the most common language spoken in the Bahamas, many of the locals speak some French and/or Spanish. Should you need to use the Internet, there are a number of cyber cafes in downtown area that you can utilize.