Island Escape: My Getaway on Great Stirrup Cay

In April 2025, Jill and I embarked on two unforgettable three-night cruises, both marking historic inaugural sailings. Our first adventure was aboard MSC World America, followed by NCL Aqua. Each ship showcased its unique charm and promised exhilarating experiences at sea—promises they effortlessly fulfilled.  

Between cruises, we made the most of our day in vibrant Miami, where we strolled through a captivating sculptural garden and explored an intriguing science museum.

Click HERE to read a short introduction to our fun-filled week.

This story captures my day of fun in the sun on Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in The Bahamas.  ​

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Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas (April 15, 2025) The tender boat bobbed gently alongside Norwegian Aqua, ready to ferry me to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in The Bahamas. As I stepped aboard, I caught the scent of salt carried by the warm ocean breeze. Soon after I settled into my seat, the engines roared to life, and the tender eased away from the towering decks of the massive ship.

Ahead, the open sea shimmered in an endless mosaic of greens and blues—turquoise, aqua, emerald, and sapphire—with no distinct pattern as each shade blended seamlessly with the next. Though the sea was calm, the tender swayed gently, gliding through glistening waters—the movement a subtle reminder of the ocean’s quiet rhythm.

The journey was brief, and as the tender slipped into a tranquil cove, it nestled alongside the pier. The crew sprang into action, securing the vessel as they had done hundreds of times before. Then, one by one, passengers stepped onto the landing, eager to begin their day in paradise. 

The map above is courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which is to say, I downloaded it from NCL’s website. It highlights ‘existing experiences’ with red markers and ‘coming soon’ with yellow markers. Recently, NCL unveiled a series of exciting new additions, including a 28,000-square-foot heated pool, a tram system, a state-of-the-art pier, and a modern arrival center. These enhancements should elevate Great Stirrup Cay from simply ‘great’ to truly ‘outstanding!’ 

The weather was delightfully balmy—79 degrees with 54% humidity, and a gentle northerly breeze. It was the perfect invitation for a leisurely stroll on soft, white sand. Fortunately, there were several pristine beaches just minutes away!

As a history buff, I naturally gravitated toward Bertram’s Cove, the main stretch of sand on Great Stirrup Cay, drawn by its historical significance. Named in honor of Captain Allan Bertram, a Royal Navy officer who served as the commander of HMS Tweed, the beach marks the place where he wished to be buried, facing the island’s shoreline. Later, I came across a blog that noted, “NCL placed a marker on his grave near the flagpole”—though I couldn’t say for certain whether it was the one in the photo I had taken.

With its sweeping expanse of soft, white sand, comfortable loungers, and effortless access to beachfront bars and eateries, Bertram’s Cove was the perfect spot to unwind as I soaked up the sun and enjoyed the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas!

I wasn’t quite ready to sink into a lounger or let the warm, 80-degree ocean lap at my feet, as my inner explorer whispered, “There’s more to discover.” I set my beach bag on a chaise, and with my cell phone in hand—because, of course, I’d need a few snapshots along the way—I ventured out on my mini-adventure. Lighthouse Beach was to my left as I faced the water, and that was the direction I headed. 

​The beach was named after a faux lighthouse, wrapped in stunning ocean-themed mural designed by Guy Harvey, the world-renowned marine artist. NCL partnered with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to bring this masterpiece to life. It features vibrant depictions of sea turtles, mantra rays, dolphins, and other marine creatures.

Towering nearly 100 feet tall, the lighthouse also launches thrill-seekers down the island’s 1,200-foot-long zip line, making it a centerpiece for both adventure and conservation awareness.
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Earlier, while still aboard Norwegian Aqua, I read a blurb about the zip line, an “adrenaline-pumping experience that lets you soar over the island’s beaches and reefs.” Watching from afar, I saw adventurers propel themselves off the platform, then glide effortlessly at speeds of up to 50 mph. While I embraced adventure, I realized I’d be happier passing on the zip line in favor of more laid-back experiences—one that let me soak in the island experience at my own pace. 

On a side note, there is another lighthouse on the island—this one is a historic landmark originally built in 1863. It stands just 46 feet above sea level, and while it once was operated manually, it is now solar powered. I snapped this photo from the top deck of Norwegian Aqua just before we set sail for Miami.

As I stood on Lighthouse Beach, I looked out across the ocean to another, smaller island where two cruise ships were docked. This was Little Stirrup Cay, a private owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. RCCL renamed this island A Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2019 after it completed a $250 million renovation. I visited this island twice last year, first aboard the Icon of the Sea, followed by the Allure of the Sea. It was great fun! 

Incidently, the two ships were Independence of the Sea and Vision of the Sea.

I walked the full length of Lighthouse Beach and back before I settled into my lounger, where I flagged a beach attendant who was kind enough to raise an umbrella over me. Here’s my view. 

Just so you know. the book I was reading—Open Carry by Marc Cameron—had caught my attention with its promise of action-packed suspense set in Alaska, a state I’ve grown fond of for its breathtaking landscapes. Intrigued by the setting, I downloaded it to my Kindle, expecting a gripping adventure.  While some might find the story thrilling, I was less engaged in the storyline than I had hoped. I pushed through to the final page, but honestly, I doubt I’ll read the next book in the series. 

By early afternoon, the warm temperatures and rising humidity settled over me, turning the air heavy and oppressive. The solution? A refreshing dip into the ocean, where the water immediately cooled my skin and rinsed away the sticky feeling humidity had created.  
 
Just days earlier, at Ocean Cay—MSC’s private island in the Bahamas—I literally swam with sharks. They were nurse sharks, to be precise—slow-moving, bottom-dwellers known for their docile nature. Whew! I remember thinking, relieved at their calm presence. 

In contrast, the waters surrounding Great Stirrup Cay were filled with schools of Atlantic silversides—a small, shimmering fish, mostly translucent, with round, black eyes positioned near the front its head. As I gazed at the fish, they darted in synchronized bursts as they reacted to every movement around them.  How fun they were to watch!   

Mentally, I ran through my short list of island adventures.

Soak up the sun? Check. Stroll along the white sand beach? Check. Take a dip in crystal-clear waters? Check. Explore the island? Check.

I had done it all—every experience I set out to enjoy. Satisfied, I made my way to the pier, where I stepped aboard a tender that carried me back to the ship.

Within minutes, we cleared the mouth of the cove, and Norwegian Aqua came into view. In all my years of cruising, I’ve never had a better opportunity to photograph the ship I sailed on, and as it loomed larger the closer we got, I snapped off photos from multiple angles. This was my favorite.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the island—beautiful beaches, clear waters, a laid-back atmosphere, and even a touch of history to explore. I look forward to returning someday—after NCL completes the enhancements underway— to experience the island at its very best.