The original cruise line private island — 268 acres of turquoise Bahamian water, powdery beaches, and a laid-back vibe that feels worlds away from the megaship parks. Norwegian Cruise Line has owned it since 1977, and a major $150M upgrade is underway.
NCL’s 4 August 2026 release states that the new two-berth pier is officially open, as checked 3 October 2026. Confirm your ship’s actual docking or tender arrangements in its daily program; pier availability and weather can still affect a call. https://www.ncl.com/newsroom/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-first-look-at-the-all-new-great-tides-waterpark-on-its-private-island-great-stirrup-cay/
💡 Pro move: The old late-July reopening target is not current advice: NCL states the pier is open. Check the ship’s morning announcements for actual arrival arrangements and any weather-related changes.
NCL’s 4 August 2026 release states that the new two-berth pier is officially open, as checked 3 October 2026. Confirm your ship’s actual docking or tender arrangements in its daily program; pier availability and weather can still affect a call. https://www.ncl.com/newsroom/norwegian-cruise-line-unveils-first-look-at-the-all-new-great-tides-waterpark-on-its-private-island-great-stirrup-cay/ Other brands’ berth arrangements have not been independently confirmed.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Norwegian Cruise Line — only if your sailing is instructed to tender | Assigned tender landing at Great Stirrup Cay; confirm aboard.📍 | Tendered |
| Norwegian Cruise Line — open pier confirmed by NCL 4 Aug 2026 | New two-berth pier, Great Stirrup Cay; follow NCL’s instructions.📍 | Docked |
| Oceania Cruises / Regent Seven Seas | Assigned landing at Great Stirrup Cay; confirm with your operator.📍 | Tendered |
Everything on the island is NCL-operated — book excursions and rentals on the ship or via the NCL app before arrival to secure spots, especially for zip-lining and cabanas.
NCL’s Flighthouse Zipline offers paid zipline adventures above the island. Confirm current availability, requirements and pricing with NCL.
Book zip line in advance →Explore NCL’s underwater sculpture garden just off the beach. Check equipment rental, conditions and staff instructions before entering the water.
Find snorkel gear rentals →Reserve a beach cabana or an air-conditioned Silver Cove villa through NCL. Silver Cove is exclusive to its reserved guests; amenities and capacity depend on the booking.
Reserve a cabana or villa →NCL offers guided Wave Runner rides around the island waters. Confirm current tour requirements and availability with NCL.
Book water sports →NCL offers kayak and paddle-board activities in the island waters. Check current guided-tour or rental arrangements and conditions with NCL.
Find paddleboard rentals →The island is compact enough to walk end-to-end, though the free tram makes longer stretches easy.
Follow NCL’s current island map and signs from your assigned pier or tender landing. At the Welcome Plaza, the tram provides access around the island and the panoramic bridge leads toward Great Life Lagoon.
Climate normals for Great Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 74°F / 23°C | 71°F / 22°C | 11 | 7:00 AM | 5:42 PM |
| Feb | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 7 | 6:46 AM | 6:05 PM |
| Mar | 75°F / 24°C | 72°F / 22°C | 7 | 7:20 AM | 7:20 PM |
| Apr | 77°F / 25°C | 74°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:48 AM | 7:34 PM |
| May | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:25 AM | 7:50 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 16 | 6:20 AM | 8:04 PM |
| Jul | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:29 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Aug | 85°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 15 | 6:44 AM | 7:46 PM |
| Sep | 84°F / 29°C | 81°F / 27°C | 16 | 6:57 AM | 7:15 PM |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 17 | 7:10 AM | 6:43 PM |
| Nov | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 11 | 6:29 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Dec | 76°F / 24°C | 73°F / 23°C | 10 | 6:51 AM | 5:22 PM |
Climate source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
NCL confirms its two-berth pier is open in its 4 August 2026 release. Follow your ship’s daily instructions for walking ashore or any tender arrangements; do not assume all calls are tender-only.
NCL’s tram is available from the Welcome Plaza for travel around the island. Follow current stops and staff instructions.
The island is compact and easily walkable. Most beach areas, bars, and dining spots are reachable on foot from the pier or tender landing.
Paid activities booked through NCL include kayak tours (~$65–$85), wave runners (~$185–$220), ziplines (~$110–$155), paddleboards (~$40–$45/hr), and swim-with-pigs excursions (~$205–$220).
Upcoming cruises that call at Great Stirrup Cay, Berry Islands, Bahamas. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.