Trip Report: Great Stirrup Cay VS Little Stirrup Cay

Nowadays each major cruise line leases and operates a "private island" in the Bahamas. They are pretty widely scattered apart except for these two side-by-side islands located within the Berry Island chain. Both islands are visible from the other. Pictured is Great Stirrup Cay operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines with cruise ship Norwegian Luna at their new dock. The dock just opened a month ago and it was a necessity to eliminate the need for tender boats to bring guests to the island.

There's a large welcome pavilion a few minutes walk from the ship and this is home to bathrooms, selfie spots and tram rides to more distant ports. 

 

Great Stirrup Cay, as the name would indicate, is the larger of the two islands we're comparing today.

There are beaches.

There are pools with DJ's.

Also new to GSC, there is a water park (extra charge).

Visible from GSC is Royal Caribbean's private island, Little Stirrup Cay. In this photo taken yesterday, cruise ships Jewel of the Seas (forward) and Wonder of the Seas (rear) were visible.

But you'll never hear it referred to as Little Stirrup Cay because Royal Caribbean markets it as either Coco Cay or Perfect Day at Coco Cay.

Much smaller than Great Stirrup Cay, Royal Caribbean uses a larger percentage of the island.

There are beaches.

There are pools with DJ's.

There is a large water park (extra charge). We can't really say one island is superior to the other. Both water parks are expensive compared to going to a water park in Orlando but if you're from up north and have a limited amount of vacation, it may still be a bargain. Both offer cabanas and bungalows for rent too. Both offer zip lines (extra) and Coco Cay also has a tethered balloon ride (extra). Both are worthwhile days depending on which cruise line you're sailing on. Bon voyage!