I Visited Norwegian’s Private Island and Saw How It’s Expanding to Compete with Royal Caribbean and Others
When most people think of cruise vacations, they picture tropical drinks, pool decks, and endless buffets. But one of the most competitive and rapidly growing aspects of the cruise industry isn’t on the ship—it’s the private islands. I recently visited Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, and witnessed firsthand how the cruise line is transforming this once-sleepy outpost into a must-visit destination. The goal? To keep up with, and even outdo, the competition—especially Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Nestled in the Berry Islands chain, Great Stirrup Cay spans 268 acres of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and increasingly, high-end amenities. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) acquired the island back in 1977, making it the first cruise line to purchase a private island. But in recent years, the pressure has mounted to modernize and expand in the face of Royal Caribbean’s billion-dollar reinvention of CocoCay.
New Attractions and Expansions
Norwegian isn’t standing still. The cruise line is currently in the midst of a multi-phase expansion of Great Stirrup Cay. The upgrades I saw were part of a $100 million investment that’s been rolled out over several years, with even more enhancements in the pipeline.
One of the standout features is the Silver Cove area—an upscale enclave featuring private villas, a Moët & Chandon bar, and a private beach. This exclusive zone targets high-spending travelers and Haven guests (NCL’s suite-class passengers), offering a premium, all-inclusive experience that rivals anything on land or sea. Villas range from cozy studios to sprawling family-sized retreats, each with air-conditioning, bathrooms, and concierge service.
Elsewhere on the island, there are clear signs of infrastructural improvements: expanded dining venues, enhanced beach facilities, and new activities like zip-lining and snorkeling excursions. An upgraded lagoon with floating cabanas is in the works, and construction has already begun on a new pier—something that will finally eliminate the need for tender boats, making access smoother and more accessible for all guests.
Food and Fun
Norwegian has stepped up its food game on the island as well. Gone are the days of just burgers and hot dogs. While those staples are still available, I saw new food stations offering fresh tacos, Caribbean jerk chicken, and island-inspired cocktails. Food trucks and shaded dining areas have been added to give guests more variety and comfort during their stay.
Entertainment and excursions have also been expanded. Guests can now rent paddleboards, snorkel gear, and jet skis. There’s also a nature trail and a lighthouse tour that dives into the island’s history. For those wanting relaxation over adventure, hammocks and loungers dot the shoreline, with full bar service just a hand wave away.
A Competitive Edge
The comparison with Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is inevitable—and Norwegian knows it. While CocoCay boasts a water park with the tallest slide in North America and a helium balloon ride, Great Stirrup Cay is carving out its niche by offering a more natural, less theme-park-like experience. Where CocoCay feels like a resort built for thrills, Great Stirrup Cay still feels like an island escape—albeit a very luxurious one.
That said, the planned pier construction is a game-changer. Royal Caribbean’s pier at CocoCay has allowed them to accommodate larger ships and more passengers with greater efficiency, boosting their island’s popularity. Once Great Stirrup Cay’s pier is operational, NCL will likely see a similar boost in passenger satisfaction and operational ease.
What’s Next
NCL officials hinted at even more plans for the island, including expanded lagoon experiences and potentially new dining partnerships. As more cruise lines develop and invest in private destinations—MSC has Ocean Cay, and Disney has both Castaway Cay and the new Lighthouse Point—NCL is under pressure to not just keep pace, but to differentiate.
In the end, Great Stirrup Cay is evolving into more than just a stop on a cruise—it’s becoming a destination in its own right. And as Norwegian continues to invest in the island, guests can expect an increasingly refined experience that blends nature, comfort, and exclusivity.
My visit made it clear: the battle of the private islands is heating up, and Norwegian is staking a serious claim with Great Stirrup Cay.
