If Norwegian Cruise Line's new Cuban four-night itineraries weren't impressive enough with an overnight stop at Havana, they also feature Great Stirrup Cay.
The company's private island has been recently enhanced and continues to be improved with new features through the end of the year and beyond.
Norwegian has actually possessed the land since the 1970s, but what was once a postage stamp of an attraction has since bloomed into a tropical paradise. Personally, I had never before been to the Bahamian island until the Norwegian Sky's inaugural Cuban cruise, and I enjoyed most everything I experienced for the first time.
All I had to compare Great Stirrup Cay to was Norwegian's new Harvest Caye destination in Belize. While it's not quite to that level of excellence, Great Stirrup Cay is itself a wonderful stop for rest and relaxation following heavy Cuban touring.
The biggest difference really is that the company's first island does not have zip-lining, an eco center, pool nor interactive kids splash zone. It also doesn't have an attached pier, so tendering ashore is required.
It's best then to think of Great Stirrup Cay as Harvest Caye-Lite; It has most everything else or soon will.
Perhaps the best thing Stirrup has over Harvest is complimentary dining: The Jumbey Beach Grill is a free lunch buffet area that has been updated with more serving and patio seating space. Abaco Taco is an entirely new stand for yummy, including beef, chicken and fish tacos.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line Delivers Cuba in Grand Fashion[/READMORE]
Here and elsewhere, there are plans to add even more shade with umbrellas and trees to escape the sun. Altogether, a couple thousand trees are being brought in. In fact, existing trees that were once clumped in the middle of the property have been spread out to create curtains that better separate island areas.
One problem that does remain, however, is bird control. There are signs that ask guests not to feed the wildlife, but flocks of seagulls swiftly swoop down on their own to grab unattended food.
It's really the only negative experience on the whole island.
The two biggest aquatic sections are the main Bertram's Cove and another, more secluded one off the Bobolink Beach Bar. The main beach also is where guests will find the Fate of the Fancy Snorkel Trail Adventure-ideal for families with children since the deepest spot is only 12 feet. In this lagoon area, 30 new sculptures have been submerged for discovery among the corals and fishes.
Also being relocated is the island's spa facility, which will soon feature five ocean-view luxury bays.
Across the beaches, lounge chair capacity has been more than doubled from some 1,200 to 3,000, and there's even more beach to enjoy thanks to finer sand for a less rocky experience under foot. For even more privacy, there are 23 cabanas that can be reserved with menu service. Large ones accommodate up to 12, while small ones best pamper four to six.
Adding to that number are 16 oceanfront enclosed and air-conditioned villas for The Haven guests. These are being constructed for opening by the end of 2017. As available, passes will also be available for purchase.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Norwegian Joy's Commitment to China and Beyond[/READMORE]
Infrastructural enhancements are set to extend more paved walkways over the next year as well. In just the next few weeks, the island's new medical center is expected to open. Able to handle more than simple first aid, the facility is modeled after the shipboard ones, with five treatment rooms where families can stay together while dehydration, for example, is attended to.
Overall, 85 percent of the updates are based on passenger feedback and the remainder is operational in nature. Efficiency is key, as bar service has been sped up to serve guests two to three times faster than before thanks to better staffing and equipment such as new frozen drink machines. The island now even produces its own ice.
Also helping Norwegian's cause are the company's partners like Bacardi and Patron for branded shade structures.
It will be interesting to see the final product with the villas and new spa fully in place, but Great Stirrup Cay is already a gem of a cruise destination.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
