Great Stirrup Cay... Help a newbie!!

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Ok, I realize that after Matthew things may be different (trust me, there is angst over Castaway Cay on Disney forums as well), but...

 

I'm booked on my first NCL cruise on the Breakaway on the 4/9 sailing, and am starting to do my research - just on this one as I'm pretty familiar with Nassau and VERY familiar with the Orlando area.

 

I found the map on the NCL site and see several places to rent clamshells. Is this super necessary? Or are there chairs and umbrellas around? Is there a place that's geared for 18+ like Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay? Or is everything for everyone - other than the part that's exclusive for Haven people?

 

What are the top tips for a newbie for a day at GSC?

 

Thanks!!

[BirdTravels]

There is little to no shade on the island. And the sun can be brutal. I highly recommend a clamshell. The clam shell attendant will set it up for you once you pay or provide a shore ex ticket. Make sure to get one with a ventilation panel on the back, else be a baked clam. They will sell out on he mega ships.

 

There are lots and lots of loungers. No problem gett a lounger. But no umbrellas and very very limited trees (maybe freer after today).

 

If he seas are calm, the wave runners between islands are fun. And the sting ray encounter is great. They are putting in a zip line and other activities during this refirb period.

[esm54687]

None of the loungers have umbrellas...... very few of the loungers have trees for shade

 

The clamshells are a welcome relief from the intense sun (make sure to ask for a clamshell with a mesh panel for air circulation). The clamshell also includes two loungers. You can only reserve these when on the ship through the Excursion Dept

 

Just want to clarify you are talking about clamshell.... NOT cabanas.

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

None of the loungers have umbrellas...... very few of the loungers have trees for shade

 

The clamshells are a welcome relief from the intense sun (make sure to ask for a clamshell with a mesh panel for air circulation). The clamshell also includes two loungers. You can only reserve these when on the ship through the Excursion Dept

 

Just want to clarify you are talking about clamshell.... NOT cabanas.

 

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Thanks! And correct, it's just me, so a clamshell would be great.

 

So you reserve them once on board only?

 

Thanks!

[esm54687]

Yes, can only reserve on board and you reserve a specific beach.... then when you get to that beach, you see an attendant and pick your clamshell (they are first come first serve).

 

Also, because they are an "excursion" then you get priority tender which is a bonus.

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Yes, can only reserve on board and you reserve a specific beach.... then when you get to that beach, you see an attendant and pick your clamshell (they are first come first serve).

 

Also, because they are an "excursion" then you get priority tender which is a bonus.

 

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Thanks.

 

Is one beach preferred over the other(s)? The map was kind of confusing.

[dennism]

Thanks.

 

Is one beach preferred over the other(s)? The map was kind of confusing.

 

If I were you I would lean towards being near or at the lagoon. The further from the main area you get the fewer people, the area right next to the tenders was far to crowded for my tastes. We had the lagoon to ourselves when we visited GSC in the Dawn.

 

Of course if you have mobility issues that may be a challenge.

[esm54687]

I personally like the main (Bacardi) because more going on (music, food, restrooms are close)

 

Cabana Beach is in the middle and quieter but a walk is required to the food.

 

Lagoon is the furthest away but a tram takes you there. Many enjoy it because the lagoon is really nice.

 

This is all depending on the construction and possible repositioning of buildings...... I have not seen a current map that reflects the renovations.

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

If I were you I would lean towards being near or at the lagoon. The further from the main area you get the fewer people, the area right next to the tenders was far to crowded for my tastes. We had the lagoon to ourselves when we visited GSC in the Dawn.

 

Of course if you have mobility issues that may be a challenge.

 

Thanks. No mobility issues (knock on wood)!

[SMerritt]

Ok, I realize that after Matthew things may be different (trust me, there is angst over Castaway Cay on Disney forums as well), but...

 

I'm booked on my first NCL cruise on the Breakaway on the 4/9 sailing, and am starting to do my research - just on this one as I'm pretty familiar with Nassau and VERY familiar with the Orlando area.

 

I found the map on the NCL site and see several places to rent clamshells. Is this super necessary? Or are there chairs and umbrellas around? Is there a place that's geared for 18+ like Serenity Bay on Castaway Cay? Or is everything for everyone - other than the part that's exclusive for Haven people?

 

What are the top tips for a newbie for a day at GSC?

 

Thanks!!

 

Yes reserve Clamshells - your concierge will do it for you, as posted, chairs galore but no umbrellas.

 

Haven Guests have priority tender boarding - your concierge will escort you onto a tender.

[esm54687]

Yes reserve Clamshells - your concierge will do it for you, as posted, chairs galore but no umbrellas.

 

Haven Guests have priority tender boarding - your concierge will escort you onto a tender.

I'm not sure the OP has a concierge or is in the Haven...... I think they made reference to "Haven area" based on the GSC renovations

 

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[WrittenOnYourHeart]

I'm not sure the OP has a concierge or is in the Haven...... I think they made reference to "Haven area" based on the GSC renovations

 

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Correct. That is why I mentioned the Haven area.

 

I'm in the opposite - a studio. I was just referencing that in terms of areas on the island.

[oregonian123]

Hi, does anyone have a current map? The one I saw still has the Hippo Slide on it. Thanks.

[BirdTravels]

Hi, does anyone have a current map? The one I saw still has the Hippo Slide on it. Thanks.

 

Since the island is closed for major refurbishment, there are no current maps.

[amydandrea]

since the island is closed right now, where do the cruises stop instead? I read that it reopens late October, I assume the lagoon does not reopen then as the renovations are more extensive. Any idea when the lagoon area is going to be ready....? Considering a January cruise..:)

love GSC!

[Sissaaaaaa]

since the island is closed right now, where do the cruises stop instead? I read that it reopens late October, I assume the lagoon does not reopen then as the renovations are more extensive. Any idea when the lagoon area is going to be ready....? Considering a January cruise..:)

love GSC!

 

We haven't gotten word on the damage at GSC yet. Both Sandals resorts in the Bahamas are closed though. That doesn't sound good for GSC :(

[amydandrea]

Not a lot of protection from storms out there. I hope it wasn't too bad

 

 

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[cb at sea]

There is NO NEED to pay for shade. Loungers abound..and trees provide shade...move your lounger where you want, if one isn't where you want to be!

 

Folks get so "caught up" in booking cabanas and clamshells...they aren't needed!

[luckyinpa]

Hi, does anyone have a current map? The one I saw still has the Hippo Slide on it. Thanks.

 

do you mean no more hippo slide?

[Pegsue06]

Does anyone know about how much this would cost? Thank you in advance!

[BirdTravels]

Does anyone know about how much this would cost? Thank you in advance!

 

Clam Shells have been running $30. In the past, they have sold out onboard on the mega ships.

 

There is little shade on the island and the sun can be brutal. The clam shell attendant will set up a shell for you on the beach. When you select a shell, pick one with the meshed ventilation panel along the back. The solid canvas clam shells get very hot and you could end up being a cooked clam if you pick one of those.