Complete Guide to Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Private Island - 2026 Updates, Menus, Amenities, and Activities
Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas and a featured stop on many Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries. The island has recently undergone major upgrades, including a new ship pier, a large resort-style pool, and expanded adults-only areas. This guide covers everything you need to know before visiting, including island layout, beaches, food and drink, excursions, and how Norwegian’s Free at Sea and Free at Sea Plus packages work on the island.
Watch our video tour below, and keep scrolling for the rest of the guide!
Great Stirrup Cay Map
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 exclusively used by Norwegian Cruise Line and its sister brands.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of a new ship pier. In the past, guests had to use tender boats to reach the island. Now ships dock directly at the pier, allowing guests to walk off the ship and onto the island. This makes arrival faster and allows guests to return to the ship easily throughout the day. While there is currently only one berth at the new pier, a second slot will open up in the coming months, allowing two ships to dock at the island simultaneously.
At the end of the pier is the Welcome Plaza, which serves as the main arrival point. From here, guests can walk to nearby areas or use the complimentary island tram system. The Welcome Plaza also houses restrooms, benches, large maps of the island, and photography spots to take photos of your ship.
Getting Around the Island
Great Stirrup Cay is easy to navigate. Complimentary trams run continuously between major areas, including the Welcome Plaza, the pool complex, beach zones, and premium areas like Silver Cove and Vibe Shore Club, with a future stop being added upon completion of the Great Tides Waterpark.
Paved walking paths also connect most parts of the island, making it easy to explore on foot if you prefer not to use the tram. The Island also has numerous wayfinding posts and signs along walking paths and near major attractions, which make navigation easier for guests.
Great Life Lagoon: Brand New Pool Area
Great Life Lagoon © Freestyle Travelers
The Great Life Lagoon is the main pool attraction at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas. Located next to the new passenger pier, this pool area is one of the first features guests encounter when stepping onto the island. Its zero entry design allows easy access for both adults and children, making it a popular gathering spot throughout the day.
Spanning roughly 28,000 square feet, Great Life Lagoon is one of the largest pools on any cruise private island. The surrounding deck offers a large amount of complimentary loungers on a first come basis, along with shaded seating and nearby restrooms and showers for convenience.
The pool features two swim up bars, Reef Bar and Waves Bar, where guests can order drinks without leaving the water. Poolside cabanas are available to rent and provide reserved seating and shade close to the pool. Water features, ocean views, a poolside DJ, and nearby food locations help make Great Life Lagoon one of the most lively and active areas on Great Stirrup Cay.
Splash Harbor: Family Splash 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, this area offers a safe and engaging water play space close to the island’s main attractions.
Splash Harbor features small slides, interactive water elements, and a large tipping bucket. The splash pad uses soft safety surfacing and includes shaded seating with umbrellas, allowing parents to relax nearby while keeping an eye on children. The minimum height requirement for the slides is 36 inches, making Splash Harbor a popular family friendly option during a day on Great Stirrup Cay.
Beaches at 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 spot along the shoreline. Many loungers are positioned both in the sun and under natural shade from umbrellas and palm trees.
The calm, clear water around the island makes the beaches well suited for swimming, floating, and relaxing throughout the day. Public beach areas also include nearby restrooms and showers, as well as open space for casual activities like beach volleyball.
Guests should note that beach towels are not provided on the island and must be brought from the ship. Beach environments range from lively areas near bars and dining to quieter stretches farther from the main activity zones. Clamshell cabanas and traditional beach cabanas are available to rent in select locations and provide guaranteed shade.
In addition to swimming and lounging, public beach areas feature activities such as sand volleyball courts and hammocks scattered throughout the island.
Cabana and Villa Rentals
Great Life Lagoon Cabana © Freestyle Travelers
Great Stirrup Cay offers a wide variety of cabanas and villas for rent, providing guests with extra comfort and privacy during their day on the island. Options range from simple two-person covered daybeds to large permanent structures designed for groups, with a variety of seating and additional amenities. These options exist at both the Great Life Lagoon pool as well as along the beach.
Cabanas and villas typically include reserved seating and shade, attendant service, and in some areas, food and drink delivery. Availability and pricing vary by sailing, and reservations are recommended in advance to secure preferred locations.
Premium Cabanas can accommodate up to eight guests and feature comfortable chairs and sofas, ceiling fans, bottled water, and complimentary floating mats for use in the ocean or pool. Classic Cabanas house up to six guests and offer a shaded, comfortable space with seating and amenities ideal for a full day of relaxation on the beach.
Cabanas and villas provide an elevated island experience, combining privacy, comfort, and convenience for guests who want a more exclusive day at Great Stirrup Cay.
Food Options on Great Stirrup Cay
Dining on Great Stirrup Cay is included for all guests and does not require a dining package or additional charge. Norwegian Cruise Line offers multiple food locations across the island, allowing guests to enjoy meals and snacks throughout the day without returning to the ship. During daytime calls to the island, all dining venues on the island are open from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM.
Jumbey Beach Grill
The primary dining venue is Jumbey Beach Grill, the main buffet on the island. This location serves barbecue favorites such as ribs, chicken, corn on the cob, and fresh salads, making it the most popular option for lunch. In addition to the buffet, several smaller food locations are spread throughout Great Stirrup Cay.
Abaco Taco
Abaco Taco is a dedicated taco stand on Great Stirrup Cay that offers made to order tacos in a casual outdoor setting. Guests can choose from protein options including fish, chicken, and beef, along with a selection of toppings, as well as chips and salsa as a side or snack.
This location is popular for a quick and customizable meal and is a convenient alternative to the main buffet, especially for guests spending time near the beach or pool areas.
Tropic Like It’s Hot
Tropic Like It’s Hot is a food truck on Great Stirrup Cay that serves Bahamian inspired sandwiches and lighter fare. Menu items typically include options such as pulled pork, spicy chicken, and seafood based dishes like ceviche.
The food truck offers a faster service option for guests looking to grab a meal between activities. Its location near high traffic areas makes it a convenient stop for guests who want to eat without leaving the island attractions.
Because 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 the Free at Sea Program
Great Stirrup Cay © Freestyle Travelers
Understanding how drinks work on Great Stirrup Cay is important, as policies will change significantly in 2026.
As of March 1, 2026, standard Free at Sea beverage packages will no longer include drinks on the island. Guests with this package will be charged regular menu prices for alcoholic and specialty drinks ordered at island bars.
Free at Sea Plus includes unlimited drinks on Great Stirrup Cay. Guests with this package can order beverages at all island bars, including swim-up bars, without additional charges.
Non-alcoholic beverages like water are available at food outlets such as Jumbey Beach Grill, but it’s still recommended to review your package details before arrival.
Bars on the Island
Bars are spread throughout Great Stirrup Cay, giving guests convenient access to drinks whether they are relaxing by the water or exploring different areas of the island. Two swim up bars are located at the main pool, at Great Life Lagoon allowing guests to enjoy beverages without leaving the water, including six frozen cocktails on tap ranging from standard poolside favorites like Pina Coladas and Margaritas to NCL signatures like the Mango Meltdown.
Additional beach bars can be found near popular lounging and swimming areas, offering shaded seating and quick service. These themed bars include specially curated bars from Bacardi and Patron which offer a curated list of rum and tequila cocktails.
Premium areas of the island also feature exclusive bars reserved for guests with the appropriate access. Bar menus and pricing are generally consistent across Great Stirrup Cay. Whether drinks are included in your visit depends on your onboard beverage package or any premium passes purchased for areas such as Silver Cove or Vibe Shore Club.
Vibe Shore Club: Adults-Only Area
Vibe Shore Club is an adults-only retreat on Great Stirrup Cay and is separate from the Vibe Beach Club found onboard Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Access to this area requires the purchase of a separate pass, and availability is limited.
The Vibe Shore Club includes a private beach area reserved exclusively for guests, along with an exclusive bar serving a full drink menu. Guests also have access to upgraded loungers designed for comfort throughout the day. For those seeking a more private experience, villa style cabanas are available to rent at an additional cost.
Vibe Shore Club also features a private buffet that serves most of the same foods found at the Jumbey Beach Grill, with the addition of some elevated selections like shrimp ceviche, grilled fish, and pineapple upside down cake that cannot be found at the public dining venues.
This section of the island is designed to offer a quieter atmosphere and is a popular choice for guests looking to relax away from the main pool and family friendly areas.
Read our full experience and review of Vibe Shore Club here!
Silver Cove: Premium Villa Area
Silver Cove is a premium area of Great Stirrup Cay that offers enhanced amenities and upgraded spaces. Guests enjoy access to Silver Cove through renting one of the area’s numerous villas, which can host between six and sixteen guests for the ultimate exclusive beach day.
Amenities in Silver Cove include a lagoon style pool, a dedicated restaurant, and a private bar. Guests also have access to upgraded lounge seating and improved facilities compared to the general island areas. Guests can also purchase spa services at the dedicated Silver Cove Spa located on the island.
Shore Excursions and Activities
Great Stirrup Cay offers a wide range of activities and shore excursions, making it an ideal destination for both adventure seekers and families. Many activities can be booked directly through Norwegian Cruise Line, while some experiences are available on a first come, first served basis on the island.
Water activities are a highlight of the island. Guests can enjoy snorkeling in the crystal clear Bahamian waters, with options ranging from guided excursions to self-guided exploration. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are available along the shoreline for guests who want to explore at their own pace. For thrill seekers, jet ski tours offer guided trips around the nearby Berry Islands.
In addition to water sports, the island offers recreational options on land. Guests can participate in beach games such as volleyball, relax in hammocks scattered throughout public beach areas, or enjoy other casual activities in the sand. Over the water swings and photo opportunities are also located at several points on the island.
Great Tides Waterpark: Coming Soon
A major addition coming in 2026 is the Great Tides Waterpark. This large family-friendly waterpark will feature waterslides, a lazy river, and splash zones for children and adults. Access to the waterpark will require a separate ticket once it opens.
With this variety of excursions, water sports, and recreational options, Great Stirrup Cay provides something for everyone, from relaxing beach activities to high-energy adventures, making it one of the most popular private islands in the Bahamas for cruise guests.
What to Bring With You
Before heading to the island, it’s a good idea to bring:
Your cruise keycard and a photo ID
A beach towel from the ship
Sunscreen
Swimwear and cover-ups
Cash for purchases at the Bahamian Straw Market
Lockers are limited, so plan to keep valuables with you or leave them on the ship.
Frequently Asked Questions About Great Stirrup Cay
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?
Drinks at Great Stirrup Cay are currently included for guests with a Free at Sea package. However, policies will change beginning March 1, 2026, with Great Stirrup Cay requiring a new, separate beverage package. More details will be released at a later date.
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 ship pier, a large pool complex, and expanded premium areas, Great Stirrup Cay now offers a more complete private island experience. Whether you want a beach day, pool time, family activities, or a quieter adults-only space, the island has options for all types of cruisers.
Understanding how food, drinks, and premium access work ahead of time can help you plan your day and avoid surprises, making your visit to Great Stirrup Cay smooth and enjoyable.
Want to see more? Watch our full 2026 tour of the island here!
