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Overview: 'A very pleasant day at the beach' is the opinion of most passengers who spend time ashore on the pretty tropical Bahamian island of Great Stirrup Cay. The island is a private retreat, owned and operated exclusively for its passengers, by the Norwegian Cruise Line. Situated in the Berry Island chain, about 50 miles (80km) from Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay is tiny, surrounded by powdery white sand, crystalline water and a colourful coral reef inhabited by schools of neon-bright tropical fish. Inland lush wooded areas add to the ambience of a true 'castaway' island, although because visitors usually arrive en masse, tendered ashore from huge cruise ships, it is a place where it is difficult to play at being Robinson Crusoe. Still, with hammocks slung under the palms, plenty of sunbeds and parasols along the main crescent of beach, and the staff of the ship on hand to cater to every whim, a day on Great Stirrup Cay can certainly be paradisiacal. The more energetic and adventurous can take a hike up to the island's landmark feature, an 1863 lighthouse, to admire some lovely views and perhaps come across some ruined buildings among the foliage, legacy of some military occupation and an attempt at settlement in days of yore. A leisurely swim offshore reveals the wreck of a small, unidentified craft that provides some interest for snorkellers.

Shopping: Those who still lack for souvenirs and gifts to take home may find some worthy Bahamian arts and crafts items at the little Straw Market, which is set up daily on the island to give the guests a chance for a browsing break from the beach. Prices, though, tend to be higher than in Nassau.

 

Restaurants: Refreshments and a generous barbecue lunch are provided by staff of the visiting cruise liners, who come ashore with the passengers by tender and set up a bar and buffet eatery under open shelters around the beach. The lunch and bottled water is free, but passengers ashore have to pay for other drinks. A ship's band plays in the background, and offers entertainment in the form of a limbo challenge for those who want to work off their lunch.

 

Nightlife: When the stars come out Great Stirrup Cay remains empty, all the passengers having returned by tender to their cruise ship.

 

Activities: You can be as lazy or as lively as you like on Great Stirrup Cay. Just relax in a hammock or on a lounger and soak up the sun, or take to the water with a snorkel and explore the underwater world of fish, sponges and corals. Shore excursions include a guided outing for experienced snorkellers into the deeper waters, or novices can receive instruction in the shallows. Those who rather stay on top of the water can hire floats, inflatable rafts, paddle boats, kayaks or catamaran sailboats.