Great Stirrup Cay: Norwegian Cruise Line’s One-and-Only Private Island in the Bahamas

See the full list of islands and beaches owned by cruise lines

The 268-acre Bahamian island of Great Stirrup Cay is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and is exclusive to NCL guests sailing on Bahamian itineraries, as well as guests on some MSC voyages. Great Stirrup Cay was purchased by NCL from the Belcher Oil Company in 1977 and was the first-ever private island owned by a cruise line.

Great Stirrup Cay’s main attraction is its gorgeous, 1,500-foot-long, white-sand beach furnished with 3,000 sun loungers to accommodate guests. Around the beach is a multitude of bars and restaurants, beachfront cabanas, a spa with ocean views, and attractions to entertain cruisers, including a zip line, an overwater swing, and even an underwater sculpture garden. The island is also home to luxurious, air-conditioned, beachfront villas that cruisers can rent for the day. Shore excursions are available and include kayak and Jet Ski tours, and a visit to nearby Treasure Island where visitors can swim with pigs and stingrays. At the time of writing, ships cannot dock directly at Great Stirrup Cay and guests must be transported from the ship to the island via tender boats. However, a multi-ship pier will be completed by the end of 2025.