. 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11 razones para viajar en un crucero a Alaska este verano | Blog de viajes de NCL, Alaska autntica, 14 das - Paquete terrestre "Cruisetours" hacia el norte | Norwegian Cruise Line, Alaska autntica, 14 das - Paquete terrestre "Cruisetours" hacia el sur | Planos de cubiertas | Norwegian Cruise Line, Transpacfico desde Tokio (Yokohama) y Alaska, 20 das | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 motivos para hacer un crucero a Alaska este verano | Blog de viaje de NCL, Swim with the Pigs On Your Bahamas Cruise to Great Stirrup Cay, 3 buenas razones para hacer un crucero a Great Stirrup Cay, Actividades para disfrutar en familia enGreat Stirrup Cay, El Caribe desde Orlando (Puerto Caaveral): Great Stirrup Cay y Cozumel, 7 das, El Caribe, de Nueva York a Nueva Orleans: Curazao y Aruba,14 das, El Caribe desde Tampa:Curazao, Aruba y Repblica Dominicana,11 das. Another option is to purchase a swimming with the pigs shore excursion while on a Bahamas cruise. If you want to get a picture of your ship, then Great Stirrup Cay is your best chance. To get to the island you must take a tender boat from the ship to the island. Tickets with early tender times go fast, so be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2679713. Hi what can you do if you want to swim with the pigs and the cruise goes to great stirrup cay? Fortunately, one of us decided he wasn't interested in getting in the water and was able to take pictures from the patio. Dress in weather-appropriate clothing. What about a jet ski tour? (which we all need to do more! Youll be able to reach speeds of up to 30 mph (48 kph) while enjoying a birds-eye view of the island and the sparkling waters surrounding it. The brand new Norwegian Encore will sail 7-day Eastern Caribbean itineraries stopping at Great Stirrup Cay. If youre looking for even more luxury, Great Stirrup Cays exclusive new Silver Cove area offers private villas for the day. Our most popular tours sell out quickly so we recommend that you book early to avoid disappointment. One of the most unique places to eat are Abaco Taco and Tropic Like Its Hot. All cabanas feature a sofa and several chairs, and a small patio. It has air conditioning, a TV, and an upgraded buffet. One exception is transportation to Silver Cove, since its a bit of a hike from where youll exit your tender. Rentals run for $39/hr per person. Or upgrade to a Premier Cabana with room for eight guests. 15 Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian's Private Island) The island has two courses featuring six zips and a ropes course of cargo nets, chimney climbs, and V net bridges. You wont have to deal with crowds, and it could be a perfect day of relaxation when the pool deck, restaurants, and bars are almost empty. As you approach the island, the lighthouse will be the first thing you notice, and its the tallest structure on the island. Great Stirrup Cay sits about 140 miles from Miami and is a picturesque tropical island. The tour offers both single as well as two-person wave runners. The island zipline adventure is a brand new shore excursion offered on Great Stirrup Cay. To find out more, please. If youre really looking to relax in comfort on your Great Stirrup Cay beach day, you can rent a private cabana or villa for the day. Yes, all of the food service on the private island is included in your cruise fare, so you can fill your tummy care free. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Norwegian Cruise Line has a shore excursion that visits Treasure Island, which is just a 10 minute speedboat ride from their private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Have a look on our Map here of where is the island with pigs. You should also get priority tendering with a villa, which is great when everyone's trying to get to the island - it can take hours to get all the passengers tendered over. Prices have been skyrocked. However, you cant pre-order a wheelchair, and the staff issues them on a first-come, first-served basis. 2023 Cruzely.com | Laisman Publishing, LLC, 17 Tips, Answers, and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay, Complete Guide to Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line (What Its Like), Royal Caribbean vs. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): 10 Major Differences Between The Lines, 17 tips and things to know for the island, 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of), Park & Cruise Hotels for Every Port in America, 107 Best Cruise Tips, Secrets, Tricks, and Freebies, Worth It? Travel to a private isle nestled among the northern Berry Islands. Explore the Eastern Caribbean for seven days, roundtrip from Miami and experience the picturesque island of St. Thomas. The pigs are actually located on nearby Treasure Island, a 10-minute boat ride from Great Stirrup Cay. At a height of 110 feet, you can soar up to 30 miles per hour to gain a whole new perspective of this private island oasis. Everyone loves dolphins, who also seem to love us. The tender then docks in a small, calm cove to let passengers off. After the hair-whipping ride over to the island on a 15-person speedboat, we arrived at the tiny Treasure Island. Age and weight restrictions do apply, and cruisers need to wear closed-toe shoes to participate. Speaking only for the "original" swimming pigs at Big Majors Cay in the Exumas, it is not an "organized" pig swim. Bonus: . Hit the Beach There is no actual swimming with the pigs involved. Classic Cabanas are located on Fiesta Beach, closest to the Silver Cove villas. All Rights Reserved. . 2023 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. 11-Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Northbound Cruisetour | Norwegian Cruise Line, 14-Day Authentic Alaska - Southbound Cruisetour | Deck Plans | Norwegian Cruise Line, 20-Day Transpacific from Tokyo (Yokohama) & Alaska | Norwegian Cruise Line, 11 Reasons to Cruise to Alaska this Summer | NCL Travel Blog, The Former Canal Zone History & Miraflores Locks, Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports youll be visiting, No hidden costs for transfers or entrance fees - the price you see is what you pay, Dedicated pre-cruise and onboard specialists are available to assist you, Leverage the knowledge and experience of onboard consultants during your cruise, Be one of the first off the ship in every port of call, Never get left behind. We know that pigs can't fly, but who knew that pigs swim? STORMY SEAS: 5 Tips for Traveling to Mexico and . There are so many things to do on Great Stirrup Cay, whether you want an active day or just some relaxation! You pay for drinks with your cruise card as you would onboard. Its open to all, but its a bit of a walk from the main beach area. Take Photos with Pigs. Classic Cabanas are near Fiesta Beach, and Premier Cabanas are located close to Cabana Beach. There is this cool feature on CC where you can actually search for a topic to see if it already being discussed! HomeBlogCruise Tips Cruise News Cruise DestinationsAboutContactResourcesFeatured PressPrivacy PolicyCookie PolicyDisclosure PolicyTerms of Use. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'shouldbecruising_com-leader-3','ezslot_16',605,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-leader-3-0');Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay for the day have a range of activities to choose from, and the island offers something for every activity level and budget. Bahamas: Berry Islands, Great Stirrup Cay WP; Bahamas: Douglas Passage WP; Bahamas: Mid White & Yellow Bank WP; Thu 9 Jul 11:15 Bahamas: Exumas, Allens Cay (anchor) Wed 8 Jul 14:10 I recommend taking an inexpensive waterproof pouch that you can hang around your neck. It is a region known as the Exuma Cays. If youre not sure exactly where to go, just ask the staff at Susans Rock Snorkel Center. But the place that serves the most cruisers is the buffet. Guests who book a villa or a Mandara Spa treatment on the island have access to an additional complimentary restaurant. university of illinois women's swimming roster; what happens if you don't pay a seatbelt ticket; maid cafe miami Swimming pigs in The Bahamas - Berry Islands Forum - Tripadvisor Paddle your way in a kayak through a protected mangrove forest. Great Stirrup Cay & Key West Norwegian Pearl 2024-02-19 You don't actually swim with pigs. Today, it's a regular stop for 13 Norwegian ships, offering guests a straw market, snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing, and plenty . Each set of swings is a little different, including the one near the Bacardi Bar that gives you a fantastic photo in front of the water with the cruise ship in the background. Currently, there are three dining options available to all guests on the island. Norwegian employs staff members that resides on the island to prepare for ship visits. Tip: If your Bahamas cruise also stops in Freeport, I recommend the Swim With The Pigs excursion that NCL offers thereyou can take unlimited photos and video at no additional charge. Unlike some other cruise line private islands, GSC doesnt have a regular shuttle or tram to transport guests around. NCL Norwegian Cruise Line | Hi what can you do if you want to swim with Two lounge chairs with a beach umbrella will be reserved for you at the beach. Drink charges on Great Stirrup Cay work much as they do on board the ship. Or maybe you forgot something like your hat or sunglasses? Look for Turtles in the Landing Cove Whether you want to work on your tan, play on the beach, swim in the water, or find a shady spot under a palm tree, its all here for you to enjoy the paradise. Now, people flock to these beaches to see and feed the pigs. Free Things to do on Great Stirrup Cay. There were a series of three flights starting 130 feet above ground from a replica lighthouse and the experience lasted about an hour. Unlike the cabanas, villas are fully enclosed, air-conditioned day rooms, with a sliding glass door to let in the breeze and a TV with complimentary on-demand movies. The Premier Cabanas are located on Cabana Beach, right next to the Main Beach. This 1.5-hour adventure brings you up-close with swimming pigs as you watch them swim at a private island. By that time, many (if not all) of the restaurants and bars on the island will be closed. Or go for a snorkel beneath the sea and discover tropical fish . Ten minutes later, the group in the water was ushered out, and we made our way onto the small beach and into the ocean with about 10 pigs of varying sizes, though the smallest was still the size of a fat Rottweiler. The very first cruise line private island, Great Stirrup Cayis a 268-acre piece of paradise in theBerry Islandsin theBahamas. Norwegian's website currently offers 22 shore excursions to choose from, including cabana and equipment rentals. Spend a day on Great Stirrup Cay, one of Norwegian Cruise Line's private islands. Read more: Everything You Need to Know About Tender Ports on a Cruise. The Berry Islands in The Bahamas - Unparalleled Big Game Fishing *Trminos y condiciones Paquete no disponible en viajes de menos de 5 das ni en viajes chrter. But what have I noticed with my first 2023 update? A Classic Cabana is priced from $425 (all pricing is itinerary dependent) and accommodates up to six guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $25 each. Really interesting. Beach wheelchairs are available on Great Stirrup Cay, free of charge. Taking a cruise to the Bahamas aboard Norwegian? If you want the best photo of yourself, then Norwegian has you covered. 16 Secrets To Know About Great Stirrup Cay - Cruise Mummy Available for purchase through Norwegian, this shore excursion starts at the small marina at Great Stirrup Cay. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig_Beach. Singles Cruise Vacations | Singles Getaways Swimming Pig Beach Big Major Cay Bahamas | Royal Caribbean Cruises Ive never heard of this place before! When your heart is as full as a pigs belly, its time to head back to Great Stirrup Cay and induce some serious swine envy amongst your friends and family! GSC Villas sell out early because people want that luxury experienceand there are lots of us with pandemic cruise credits looking for a way to redeem our missed vacations. Early last year you could have enjoyed a Silver Cove Villa for less than half the price that you now see in 2023. There arent any lockers available on the island for passengers to secure their valuables. Youll want to bring all your beach day gear, including: Towels are provided on island, so you do not need to bring your own from the ship. If you want an exclusive hangout with even more amenities, youll want to reserve one of the Silver Cove villas. Paddle your way in a kayak through a protected mangrove forest. The closest inhabited island to Big Mayor Cay is Staniel Cay - a tiny island with a population of around 110 people, but luckily it has an airport. The Exumas are an exotic part of the Bahamas and can be seen from the air with turquoise waters, lush . The island features a sweeping shoreline that features several different coves with white sand and gorgeous blue water. If you want to relax in style, then check out one of the open-air cabanas. This 1.5-hour adventure brings you up-close with swimming pigs as you watch them swim at a private island. Copyright Cruise Blog Media LLC 2023. Youll need to pick up a complimentary ticket with a specific time to board the tender, or you can wait until Open Tender is called. However, part of NCLs improvement plan for the future includes a swimming pool complex and water features including a lazy river. Inside you have a couch, chairs, a ceiling fan, plus a mini-fridge. The first zip-line was 100 feet long. This 268-acre cay has been privately owned by Norwegian Cruise Line since 1977 and is the site of the Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse. Up until recently, youd have to endure an hours-long journey by tiny boat from Nassau or George Town for a chance to play with some piggies in the waves. There, visitors can swim with the pigs and feed them, or watch them from the observation deck. It's much more private and luxurious, and you'll have the added benefit of access to the Silver Cove amenities. However, Norwegian is always updating the island and expanding its attractions, so perhaps a pool will make an appearance someday in the future. A staff member handed us a skewer and two apple pieces, and even as we put an apple onto the skewer a pig spotted the juicy morsel and quickly swam over. Where is Pig Beach Bahamas. To save your favorites, you'll need to either create a new account or login. The islands rental center can hook you up with snorkel gear to explore the underwater sculpture garden in Bertrams Cove off the main beach. Beach views: Chill out on a beachfront observation deck. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_21',609,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-shouldbecruising_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Island Zipline Adventure ($119/$85 kids) A combination of the Osprey Zipline plus the Seahawk Zipline for a total of six zips plus a series of V-net bridges, chimney climbs, and cargo nets. All the beauty of Great Exuma is brought to life on this fun-filled adventure. You wont find splash pads, playgrounds, kid pools, or water slides. Weve mentioned the food trucks. They also offer a "Kayak Tour" along the coastline. We work with reputable, local tour operators to offer you a wide variety of excursions to choose from, in every port youll visit. What You Need to Know, Expert Tips for Choosing the Best Shore Excursions, How to Prepare for a Snorkel and Dive Cruise, Best Travel Medicine Kits for a Cruise and What to Put in Them, 10 Things You Should Never Do on a Cruise Line Private Island, Swimming with pigs shore excursion in the Bahamas (Photo: BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock). Want more on visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Lagoon One-Bedroom Villas start at $899 and accommodate 10 guests, with up to two additional guests charged at $49 each. We were considering getting a small cabana and splitting the cost between us and a friend who is also going. We were out of the water and back on the patio well before it was time to go. We enjoyed the shore excursion overall despite some of the disappointments, but found the price (nearly $100) too high for what the actual experience was. If a soothing spa treatment is more your style, be sure to book a facial or massage at Mandara Spa in Silver Cove. Celebrity Edge vs Equinox: Is newer always better? Hogs & kisses from Great Stirrup Cay! Swim With the Pigs ($149/$109 kids): Yes, you can swim with pigs during your visit to Great Stirrup Cay! Electronics: To expertly capture your pig island experience, bring along a GoPro Hero 10 Black, a floatie stick, a tripod, and a travel camera. Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. GSC doesnt offer WiFi, but there is a cell tower. Things to know before visiting Pig Beach in the Bahamas I had to look up this tour for kicks "World Famous Swimming Pigs Tour" - they seriously shouldn't be allowed to market it this way. Swim with the Pigs On Your Bahamas Cruise to Great Stirrup Cay | NCL 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. HELPFUL HINTS The original Pig Beach in The Bahamas is located on the uninhabited island of Big Major Cay. HIGHLIGHTS Disclaimer: I may receive a small commission when you make a purchase from a link on this site, at no added charge to you. You pay $109 per person to feed the pigs, they are NOT at the beach at all! The island currently does not have have Wi-Fi, so it will definitely be a day to disconnect. These two spots make a great stop if you dont want to eat the buffet thats served or if you simply want to grab a snack. While venturing around the Caribbean, Lisa Conant, her husband and their 15-year-old son and 12-year-old-daughter stopped at Big Major Cay in the Bahamas to see the swimming pigs for themselves. In several spots around the island there are double swings (usually out in the water). NCL, like many other cruise lines, reserves the right to deny boarding of their tenders to guests who cant enter or exit the boat on foot. Note that the operators of this shore excursion dont allow guests to take their own photos (but you can purchase pictures). Hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs, and jerk chicken are popular, along with pizza, salads, and corn-on-the-cob. Youll be able to fit a cell phone, cash, and your license inside while you enjoy the water. Since the island is uninhabited, your only options for shore excursions are those you book through the cruise line. Since its so easily accessible, its always the most crowded beach as well. You can rent an open-air cabana on the island, starting at $449 for a Classic Cabana that will accommodate six people. Great Stirrup Cay (pronounced "key") is Norwegian Cruise Lines private island in the Bahamas. Swim with stingrays Swim with pigs Adrenaline-filled Adventures**