Recent winter storms have caused temporary operational changes at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas. Guests aboard the Norwegian Prima received notification that the island's pier and pool are currently unavailable. This disruption comes as the island undergoes a significant expansion project.
Key Takeaways
- Great Stirrup Cay's pier and pool are temporarily closed due to winter storm damage.
- Norwegian Prima guests are being tendered ashore to still enjoy the island.
- The island is currently undergoing a major expansion project.
- Royal Caribbean also faced operational adjustments at its nearby private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.
Great Stirrup Cay Faces Temporary Closures
Norwegian Cruise Line confirmed the closures in a statement sent to guests on the Norwegian Prima. The company explained that the island's pier and main swimming pool sustained damage from winter storms that affected the region over the weekend. Teams are actively working to restore these facilities, with expectations for them to reopen later this week.
Despite the pier being out of commission, the Norwegian Prima was able to anchor off Great Stirrup Cay. Guests are being transported to the island via tender boats. This measure allows visitors to still experience the private island's amenities, even with the temporary adjustments to key areas.
"Following the winter storms that moved through the region this weekend, the island’s pier and pool will be temporarily unavailable as our teams work to bring them back online later this week," Norwegian Cruise Line stated.
Island Expansion Underway
Great Stirrup Cay is in the midst of a significant expansion. The pier and swimming pool, which opened in late 2025, were part of a series of upgrades designed to enhance the guest experience at the private destination.
Guest Experience Remains a Priority
Norwegian Cruise Line acknowledged that such changes can be disappointing for travelers. However, the company emphasized its commitment to providing a welcoming experience. They assured guests that despite the temporary closures, Great Stirrup Cay continues to offer a relaxing escape.
The Norwegian Prima is currently sailing a seven-night Western Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary from Port Canaveral. This cruise includes stops at Montego Bay in Jamaica, George Town in the Cayman Islands, and Cozumel in Mexico, in addition to the private island visit.
Impact on Cruise Itineraries
While the pier is vital for direct access, the tendering operation ensures guests can still enjoy the beaches, dining, and other activities available on Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise line aims to minimize disruption to the overall vacation experience.
Wider Regional Disruptions
The recent winter storms impacted other cruise operations in the Bahamas as well. Royal Caribbean International also had to modify its schedules for Perfect Day at CocoCay, another private island destination located near Great Stirrup Cay. At least two visits to CocoCay were canceled this week.
Royal Caribbean informed its guests that divers were working to locate catwalks lost near the island’s pier during the storms. This indicates the severity and widespread nature of the weather system across the region.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
Teams on Great Stirrup Cay are working diligently to assess and repair the damage. The focus is on bringing the pier and pool back into full operation as quickly and safely as possible. Guests are advised to monitor announcements from Norwegian Cruise Line for the latest updates on the island's status.
The ability to adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, such as severe weather, is crucial for cruise lines operating in dynamic environments like the Caribbean. Ensuring guest safety and minimizing disruption remain top priorities during these events.
- Safety First: All operational adjustments prioritize the safety of guests and crew.
- Communication: Cruise lines are actively communicating changes to passengers onboard and via official channels.
- Resilience: The ability to use tender services demonstrates operational flexibility during unforeseen circumstances.
