Norwegian

 Norwegian Cruise Line Set to Enhance Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced plans to improve its 250-acre private Bahamian island – Great Stirrup Cay – as part of its larger $400 million Norwegian Edge enhancement program. The island improvements outlined below will be implemented through summer 2017.

Activities

From the macro to the micro, all details of the island are being considered and begin with the island’s 10-acre beach where a new boardwalk will line 100,000-square-feet of path as well as benches and shade. There will also be a new adjacent half-acre entertainment and activity center with a live event stage, basketball and volleyball courts and bleachers, ping-pong tables and a shaded picnic zone. Plus, a new air-conditioned reception hub will act as a relaxed planning center.

Taking cues from its other private destination – Harvest Caye – new activities will include an over 1,000-foot zip line course with two parallel descents. Less intense will be a new underwater sculpture garden to snorkel through, guided by a waterproof map. In total, over $1 million worth of new landscaping will be planted, and new restroom and locker facilities will also be erected.

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Lagoon

For an exclusive experience, a new lagoon retreat is being developed for a summer 2017 opening that will encompass its own beach, restaurant, Mandara Spa, family area and 22 private villas for rent. The air-conditioned accommodations start with studios and ramp up to two bedrooms in size. The lagoon will be made available on a complimentary basis to The Haven and Suite guests as well as those who purchase shoreside spa services or limited passes.

Lagoon guests will be greeted at an air-conditioned reception area where they can also sign up for activities and equipment rentals, and in the middle of the lagoon itself, a swim-up bar will be positioned. For families, the dedicated beach zone will be separated and shallow and also have grassy areas with swing sets and picnic tables. Large groups will alternatively be able to reserve a private function room that holds up to 75 for special occasions.

Villa guests will get even more with air-conditioned shuttle service from the tender area plus studio amenities for two to four people like an outdoor terrace, private bathroom and a living and dining area; or one-bedroom outfits for four to six people with the added bedroom and whirlpool at the terrace. Stepping up yet again will be two-bedroom villas for up to 10 people with two private bathrooms and an extra dining area at the terrace.

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Plus, only lagoon guests will have access to the double-decker Silver Palm restaurant and indoor, outdoor and rooftop complimentary dining, and villa guests will get in-room dining services as desired.

Dining

Otherwise, island-wide dining will also be enhanced with new decking, shade and seating. Abaco Taco will be a new free-of-charge venue that will let guests craft their own favorites, and the 8,500-square-foot buffet will also be redone for greater efficiency. In partnership with Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, there will also be a new al fresco a la carte priced LandShark Bar & Grill.

With MSC Cruises developing two new private destinations of its own, competition in the sector is stiffer. Norwegian Cruise Line’s improved Great Stirrup Cay will be featured on several Caribbean and Bahamas sailings in 2017.