2023 in Bahamas (Great Stirrup Cay)
On April 7, 2023, the Norwegian Joy made its way to the cruise line's private island called Great Stirrup Cay, still considered territory of The Bahamas.
This made it my:
- 2nd time in The Bahamas
- after a visit to Nassau, the capital city, in 2016
- Bahamas was my 17th country
- 1st time in Great Stirrup Cay
Enjoyed some great eats, drinks and relaxing on the beach (also, unlike Harvest Caye in Belize, all food and drink expenses came with the cruise fare). NCL sure redeemed themselves here! Despite having 8,000 people on this island, there never was a long wait (no more than 5 minutes) for a drink.
Incredibly, this stop did not exist on the original itinerary. The cruise line swapped Costa Maya, Mexico with this place, possibly due to safety concerns.
Reflection
For this "port", I decided to have no plan, no excursions, nor any rushing around trying to get anywhere: just a chance to recharge before heading home the next day! In hindsight, stopping at this private island, just before the end of the cruise, actually worked out quite well!