Clam Shells - Great Stirrup Cay

[Turtles06]

We booked a small cabana exactly for that reason! I don't want to be anywhere near the main (crazy crowded) beach! It's well worth the cost, IMO! What did you order with your $50 credit? I doubt we will even eat the BBQ ... between the UBP and the $50 food credit, we are set for the day.

 

The food choices for which you can use that food credit are very limited (and the stuff is pricey, so the $50 goes fast); we wound up ordering shrimp cocktails and fruit. They were nice snacks, but not enough for a real meal if you are off the ship the whole day. We actually enjoyed the BBQ,

[MisterFidgetpants]

Do they care if you bring your own, or has anybody here brought their own? I forgot we have one of those little quick setup ones that we use for outdoor concerts and for the baby to play in the shade. It's not as big as the NCL ones but should do the trick.

[SissasMomE]

The food choices for which you can use that food credit are very limited (and the stuff is pricey, so the $50 goes fast); we wound up ordering shrimp cocktails and fruit. They were nice snacks, but not enough for a real meal if you are off the ship the whole day. We actually enjoyed the BBQ,

 

They give you fruit ... why did you order it? You get fruit and chips and 3 different dips, plus the waters.

[Saraphine]

Are the BBQ offerings by the lagoon the same as the BBQ offerings at the main beach?

 

If you reserve your CS onboard, do you just tender across in the morning, grab an unoccupied CS, and the attendant will come and take a confirmation from you? Or how does that work?

[Turtles06]

They give you fruit ... why did you order it? You get fruit and chips and 3 different dips, plus the waters.

 

The fruit they give you is a small plate. What we ordered was much more (and better). I thought the menu items were very limited, and our order was based on what those traveling with us (including our 7-year-old niece) like to eat. It worked out well for us.

 

Are the BBQ offerings by the lagoon the same as the BBQ offerings at the main beach?

 

 

There's only one BBQ, a huge one at the main beach. Fairly long lines (unless you go very late)....

[mking8288]

Hmmm, interesting - maybe for the Breakaway with more pax, they opened up the 2nd. BBQ as we're at the lagoon all day to the west of the main beach & buildings, we had our own food station, beverages & bar service - literally 50 steps away and virtually no lines all day long - still, there're not more than two hundred people who found/came to this little secret hideway.

 

I can't tell whether it's the same food as the main BBQ, we had sweet corn & maybe even some ribs (possibly, sausages as well - don't recall) - with a few people in front, there was basically no wait.

 

It's possible that for the smaller ships like the GEM, they don't need to open up the BBQ at the lagoon. Extended familiy sailed the GA this month but they didn't call on GSC & had a Nassau day as part of their Caribbean itinerary.

 

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Edited May 15, 2015 by mking8288

[Turtles06]

Hmmm, interesting - maybe for the Breakaway with more pax, they opened up the 2nd. BBQ as we're at the lagoon all day to the west of the main beach & buildings, we had our own food station, beverages & bar service - literally 50 steps away and virtually no lines all day long - still, there're not more than two hundred people who found/came to this little secret hideway.

 

I can't tell whether it's the same food as the main BBQ, we had sweet corn & maybe even some ribs (possibly, sausages as well - don't recall) - with a few people in front, there was basically no wait.

 

It's possible that for the smaller ships like the GEM, they don't need to open up the BBQ at the lagoon. Extended familiy sailed the GA this month but they didn't call on GSC & had a Nassau day as part of their Caribbean itinerary.

 

 

Thanks for this additional info. We were on the Gem, and as far as anyone knew, there was only one BBQ. The day was overcast (and a little rainy), and a lot of folks stayed on the ship. Even so, it was quite crowded at the BBQ, I can't imagine what it would be like on a gorgeous day.

[conandrob240]

If you pre-book a clam shell, do you priority tender tickets to go ashore at GSC?

 

I've read less-than-pleasant stories about the line up for tender tickets on the pool deck.

 

We have 3 people- will one clam chair get us 3 priority tender tickets?

[Orangepost-it]

Love this idea! The nominal 30$ seems worth it just for priority tender. I hate lines 😩😩

 

Is there drink service at the lagoon? can we bring our own floats?

[esm54687]

If you pre-book a clam shell, do you priority tender tickets to go ashore at GSC?

 

I've read less-than-pleasant stories about the line up for tender tickets on the pool deck.

 

We have 3 people- will one clam chair get us 3 priority tender tickets?

 

Yes, members of your party are allowed to tender with you (they frown upon 15 people going for one clamshell but 3 will not be an issue). On the Breakaway, all excursions meet in the theater and then you are escorted to the tender. Just have your third go with you.

 

You can only pre-book the clamshell at the Excursion Desk on board and if you have the Excursion credit.... the $50 will pay for the clamshell. You will actually reserve a clamshell for a particular beach (main, cabana, lagoon) and you choose from any of the clamshells when you get there. Make sure to ask for a clamshell that has a mesh panel.... most do not and it is nice to have the air pass through or it may get pretty warm. The attendant will set it up for you and he may not understand "mesh" so don't be afraid to make sure to ask. The clamshells are not connected to the lounge chairs so they can mix & match.

Edited August 11, 2016 by esm54687

[RIvacationgirl]

Yes, I agree go with the mesh clam shell.

You will need the air. We have reserved them twice and have really enjoyed them. I try to get one in the last row, so not a big walk to the bathroom and the buffet. I do not get one on an end either, as you will have people walking by you all day. The walk down to the water is not far. They will also come by and offer cocktail service (with a fee).

[conandrob240]

This sounds like the perfect solution for our priority tender need! If we choose lagoon, does a shuttle take you down that far? Will there be regular drink service there?

[esm54687]

Yes, the shuttle will go to the lagoon.

 

I'm not sure when you are cruising or when they are actually starting construction at the lagoon so that may change everything but they will know at the Excursion Desk when you reserve the clamshell

Edited August 12, 2016 by esm54687

[mking8288]

From the tender pier, turn left for the tram shuttle (signs posted) for the short 10 minutes ride over - it will drop some folks off at the cabanas - to the lagoon. It will be quiet if you take the first tender over, choice of loungers & clam shells. The bar, food & beverage stations are nearby - 25 yards or less, and bathrooms are behind the main building with picnic style tables & chairs to sit down & eat.

 

Be careful with leaving your food out in the open, the patrolling seagulls will dive in and help themselves to a nice meal.

 

That's assuming, as above, pre-constructions and changes not being done. When ready to go back to the ship, just go back to the drop-off area and wait for the next tram, they run every 15 minutes or so, continuously. Of course, you can walk back to the tender pier ... a good walking exercise ;)

[sparks1093]

From the tender pier, turn left for the tram shuttle (signs posted) for the short 10 minutes ride over - it will drop some folks off at the cabanas - to the lagoon. It will be quiet if you take the first tender over, choice of loungers & clam shells. The bar, food & beverage stations are nearby - 25 yards or less, and bathrooms are behind the main building with picnic style tables & chairs to sit down & eat.

 

Be careful with leaving your food out in the open, the patrolling seagulls will dive in and help themselves to a nice meal.

 

That's assuming, as above, pre-constructions and changes not being done. When ready to go back to the ship, just go back to the drop-off area and wait for the next tram, they run every 15 minutes or so, continuously. Of course, you can walk back to the tender pier ... a good walking exercise ;)

 

When we were there on the Gem a member of the ShorEx staff told us that the food pavilion by the lagoon was only open when an Away ship was calling on the Cay. I don't know if it's changed or not.

[mking8288]

When we were there on the Gem a member of the ShorEx staff told us that the food pavilion by the lagoon was only open when an Away ship was calling on the Cay. I don't know if it's changed or not.

Excel point. Standard disclaimer these days - info is provided as a guide, everything & anything is subject to change, with and often without timely advance notice to passengers sailing the ships.

 

That's a logical one to only open the main food pavillion b/c the lagoon was not crowded and never more than 50% full, and that was with 4,500+ on our Breakaway last year. With Gem/Jewel class ships carried far fewer pax - and, not everyone leave the ship to go ashore, some stayed onboard.

Edited August 12, 2016 by mking8288

[conandrob240]

Many from Gem have reported the food pavilion at lagoon area open furing their cruise. Yes, everything subject to change but it seems from live reports that the lagoon food area is not only open on -away class ship days.

[conandrob240]

We arrive to GSC next Tuesday. What's the plan for lagoon area construction?

[sparks1093]

Many from Gem have reported the food pavilion at lagoon area open furing their cruise. Yes, everything subject to change but it seems from live reports that the lagoon food area is not only open on -away class ship days.

 

That would be a plus.

[Red-Sol]

When we were there on the Gem a member of the ShorEx staff told us that the food pavilion by the lagoon was only open when an Away ship was calling on the Cay. I don't know if it's changed or not.

 

Interesting...I would think/wonder if the Epic might also be included in that scenario.

 

I realize there will be a lot of construction/renovation at GSC in the near future...but still looking forward to go.

[Zippeedee]

The lagoon area bbq was open for my Gem cruise last August. It was a cloudy day and tendering was delayed for a rain storm but I had lunch there. I have a bad feeling that this will all be a moot point after they finish upgrading. It looks like that area will be for suite guests and those who buy a beach spa treatment. That is out of my league $$$$.

[conandrob240]

Honestly, the artist renderings of that soace after the construction look like it'll be well worth the extra cost

[esm54687]

I may be completely wrong but my understanding is that it will be for suite \ Haven guests..... so the cost will be substantial to enjoy for 5 hours (because you have to factor in the suite / haven cost)

Edited August 13, 2016 by esm54687

[Zippeedee]

I may be completely wrong but my understanding is that it will be for suite \ Haven guests..... so the cost will be substantial to enjoy for 5 hours (because you have to factor in the suite / haven cost)

 

I really enjoyed the lagoon area so have been following this closely. They have stated that the new lagoon area will be for suite/haven guests and those purchasing spa treatments on the island. I am holding out hope that this is a different area on another part of the island, but in reality it is likely another improvement that will price out most of us (well, me at least).