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Review of the Norwegian Joy: A 3-Day Bahamas Cruise from Miami to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay

Of all the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ships my husband and I have sailed so far, the Norwegian Joy  just might be my favorite ship yet!

We had the opportunity to sail the Joy  in November 2023. Since we both have Veterans Day off, we decided to make the most of the long weekend by booking a cruise.

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overall experience

A major reason why I loved the Joy is its Observation Lounge, which was huuuge — I would sail the Joy  again just for the Observation Lounge. It was by far my favorite one out of all the ships we've been one, even more so than Encore 's (which was my favorite until now).

I was therefore surprised to read some negative reviews, including one that wondered whether the Joy  was Norwegian's worst mega ship ever. (!)

I don't know if my husband and I just have fewer expectations since we didn't start cruising until 2021 (aka after the pandemic impacted cruising), but some of the complaints I read about the Joy  (like about the food or pool) just didn't even register with either of us.

I will say that based on my personal preferences, the Bahamas itinerary to Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay can't really compete against some of the other itineraries I've traveled — but even that doesn't feel like a big deal, since I'm just as happy to stay on the ship as I am to explore on land!

Note :  Apparently the  Joy  is being renovated this year to enhance the customer experience. The revitalization was scheduled to begin early 2024, and changes include the following:

• Adding a spa thermal suite (before, the Joy only had a thermal suite),
• Expanding Vibe Beach Club,
• Upgrading the Haven suites, and
• Repurposing a portion of the Observation Lounge (!!!) to create 24 new balcony staterooms and 40 new spa balcony staterooms.

Since the expansive Observation Lounge was my favorite thing about the  Joy ,   I'm hoping it doesn't  significantly  shrink — this is definitely something I plan to keep my eyes on!

Here's what I find most important.

• Reservations:  You can make dining reservations for most restaurants in advance of Embarkation Day, but the exact timing depends on which category cabin you book (e.g., 120 days versus 90 days in advance). If on Embarkation Day you still haven't yet made reservations for restaurants or shows, make that the first thing you do upon boarding! There should be a designated place (depending on the itinerary, I've read either the Atrium or Teppanyaki, NCL's hibachi restaurant), or you can use the kiosk screens throughout the ship.
• Boarding the ship:  Once that's done or if you already have your reservations upon boarding, my other two suggestions would be to either explore the ship deck-by-deck  or find a cozy spot to grab drinks and relax (for most people, that's the pool). I like exploring the ship, so I can familiarize myself with my home away from home!
• Pack a carry-on for embarkation:  Your cabin will likely not be available immediately, and it may take time for staff to bring your luggage to it, so pack anything you anticipate needing in a separate bag before embarking, since you may not have access to your luggage for several hours. (E.g., you may want a swim suit, sunscreen, sunglasses, charger, headphones, or a book.)
• Toiletries:  Bring your own conditioner (the ship provides free shampoo and body wash) and lotion. The ship soap is very harsh on my skin, so because I wash my hands so much on cruises, my hands always become painfully chapped.
• Avoid the crowd:  For the Joy , I read that there's a hot tub just outside the entrance to Vibe Beach Club that's available for everyone yet often less crowded than the ones by the main pool. We didn't have the chance to check it out, though!
• Excursions:  Booking an excursion through the cruise line means more peace of mind (and priority) than if you'd booked an outside vendor (which are often more affordable but also riskier).
• Directionally challenged? The fish in the carpet swim in the direction of the bow (front) of the ship!

dining experience

NCL offers "Freestyle Dining," which means that you eat when you want, where you want (as opposed to assigned meal times at assigned tables at assigned restaurants). 

The ship offers both complimentary dining (free for everyone) and specialty dining restaurants (which can be paid for a la carte or may come included with your cabin selection).

On the Joy , the complimentary dining  includes the following restaurants :

• The Garden Café (the indoor buffet on Deck 16)
• Taste and Savor (2of the Joy 's 3 Main Dining Rooms, both on Deck 6)
• The Manhattan Room (the Joy 's 3rd Main Dining Room, on Deck 7 and only open for dinner)
• The Local Bar & Grill (on Deck 7 and open 24/7)
• American Diner (on Deck 17)

Room service is also available but may involve a delivery fee.

I generally prefer eating our meals in the Main Dining Rooms because I like having table service. But I will say I actually really loved the buffet on this ship, it was extremely spacious and well-lit with natural light. The Local is always good for standard pub fare, and not only do I love that it's available 24/7, I also love its hot fudge sundaes!

The specialty dining includes  the following restaurants :

• Q Texas Smokehouse (BBQ on Deck 6)
• Teppanyaki (Japanese hibachi on Deck 6)
• Le Bistro (French on Deck 8)
• La Cucina (Italian on Deck 8)
• Ocean Blue (seafood on Deck 8)
• Cagney's Steakhouse (on Deck 8)
• Food Republic (Asian-Latin fusion cuisine on Deck 8)

Le Bistro is my favorite specialty dining restaurant, we always have one meal there (I usually order the escargot as my appetizer and the duck as my entrée). And I've heard good things (from my husband, haha) about the smoked peach margarita at Q Texas Smokehouse ! We always talk about paying for Teppanyaki  but haven't gotten to it yet, maybe on our next cruise!

We always book the beverage and dining package that includes drinks up to $15, and because of our cabin selection, we received one specialty dining reservation. 

For the rest of our meals, we usually are in one of the 3 Main Dining Rooms (MDR), although for breakfast or snacks during the day, we'd sometimes head to the buffet at the Garden Café.

ETA: I wanted to add here that on a previous cruise, one of my travel companions remarked that it's essentially impossible to go hungry on the ship — because if you're unhappy with your meal, you can always grab something else at one of the complimentary restaurants, or if you're interested in an entrée but would prefer a different side, you can always ask to substitute an item!

Note: Although NCL offers Freestyle Dining, most of the restaurants do have certain hours, so be sure to check them in advance (which you can do on the website, on the app, or in the Freestyle Daily newsletter left at your cabin door every day).

View from one of the tables at the Garden Café

The Joy  offers the following bars :

• The Mixx Bar (on Deck 6, between the Taste and Savor restaurants)
• Maltings Whiskey Bar (on Deck 6)
• The Skyline Bar (on Deck 7 in the casino)
• The Local (on Deck 7)
• Sugarcane Mojito Bar (on Deck 8, which has seats inside the ship or out on The Waterfront)
• The Cellars Wine Bar (on Deck 8)
• The District Brew House (on Deck 8)
• The A-List Bar (on Deck 8)
• The Humidor Cigar Lounge (on Deck 8)
• The Cavern Club (on Deck 8, inside the Cavern Club)
• Observation Lounge (on Deck 15)
• Waves Pool Bar (on Deck 16)
• Spice H2O (on Deck 17 and adults only)
• Vibe Beach Club (on Decks 19 and 20 — this is 18+ and available with a purchased pass)

I feel like I don't really have a favorite bar, just generally whichever one is closest and/or least crowded. My husband's favorite bar is definitely the Waves Pool Bar, but he also likes the Mojito Bar. 

When I inquired about mocktails on our last cruise , I was told that the bartenders could make anything I wanted!

entertainment and activities

The Joy  offers the following activities and shows  (though some are not complimentary):

• Elements (magic and dance)
• Deal or No Deal
• Comedy shows
• Themed nights at Spice H2O
• Water slides and splash pad (I kept wishing my young niblings could have come because I know they would have loved this!)
• Fitness center and outdoor jogging track
• Spa and salon
• Kids' Splash Academy
• Video arcade
• Onboard shopping
• I recently learned that Norwegian offers wine tasting (for a fee), so that's something I'd like to do next time!

I loved  the Elements show. There were some parts that were less compelling than others, but the performers are all very talented, and you can tell a lot goes into the production. My favorite part was the acrobatics!! Several standing ovations from the audience. And the ship's comedians were excellent, too.

If we'd been with friends, I think we would have gone to Spice H2O more, but since it was just the 2 of us, we kept it fairly low-key.

Honestly, my favorite thing was to head to the Observation Lounge and curl up on a couch with a book (I finally decided to read Lord of the Rings !), listening to some live music (pianist). Since my husband likes to attend alllll  the events (from comedy shows to karaoke to trivia — he carefully reads the ship's Freestyle Daily every night to plan out his schedule for the next day), he'd often meet me there at the end of the night.

I read some complaints that the Joy 's pools are too small for the size of the ship (which is because the ship was initially designed for a different market that was less interested in sunning). The pool sizes on cruises have yet to really bother me because at most I usually just want to sit on the edge with my phone or a book and dip my legs, and I was always able to find a spot along the pool on this cruise. 

Plus, ever since I learned that pools affect the stability of the ship, I'm just happy to have a pool on board at all!

As usual, we were happy with our cabin — especially since we don't spend much time there.

To maximize space, I bring a hanging make-up case (so it doesn't have to sit on the counter), and we lay our suitcases flat and push them under the bed so we can roll them in and out like extra wardrobe drawers.

The ship does have American outlets (so we didn't need to bring a universal adapter), and there are USB ports by the bed.

what i packed

Even though the cruise was only a few days, I still managed to overpack! Here's what I brought — please note that all links are affiliate links. 

• Accessories like sunglasses and a hat .
• A lanyard for my ship ID ! I'll never go on a cruise without this again, it's so irritating having to pull your ship ID out every time you embark/disembark/order food and drinks, and the lanyards on the ship are pricey.
• Dresses from Flying Tomato, Lulus, and Amazon.
• Jean shorts from Abercrombie .
• Swimsuits from Summersalt , Target , and Amazon .
• Flip-flops from Tory Burch , Lulus , Steve Madden , and Old Navy (for the shower).
• Exercise clothing from Old Navy .
• Tools like my hanging make-up bag ; my quick-drying hair wrap ; my hair straightener ; my curling wand ; and my travel blow-dryer (since mine is discontinued, here's the new version ).
• Any medicine that you anticipate needing to use, since it'll be much more expensive on the ship.

Our two ports on this cruise were both in the Bahamas: Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay (which is NCL's private island).

Since this was our first time ever seeing Nassau , we decided to get off the ship to explore. We didn't book any excursions, so our plan was just to wander. 

When you first get off the ship and walk to the cruise terminal, there's a cute area with many brightly colored shops. As you leave that area, you'll begin to come across more bars, restaurants, and food trucks (though more authentic and less color-coordinated)

Since we didn't have a plan, we just kind of kept walking, eventually making our way past the Fins Up Water Park at the Margaritaville Beach Resort and then to a free (but crowded) beach.

We took off our shoes to walk in the water (I wished I'd brought along my water shoes !). The water was so gorgeous, I couldn't get over the bright turquoise color!

After Nassau was Great Stirrup Cay!

This was our second time visiting Great Stirrup Cay; our first visit was while cruising NCL the previous November .

Last time, we'd rushed around a bit more because we booked an excursion to swim with pigs. However, we didn't book anything this time, so instead, we grabbed two free lounge chairs; waded into the water; and people-watched.

Since Great Stirrup Cay is owned by NCL, your food and beverage package carries over to the island. So we didn't have to pay for our lunch or any drinks/snacks while we were on shore!

NCL is in the midst of expanding Great Stirrup Cay, including adding a pier, but for now you have to take a tender (smaller boat) from the cruise ship to the shore.

Note: There's some debate about whether "cay" is pronounced like "key" or like "kay"! We heard both pronunciations, and even when I asked some of the staff, they either weren't sure or used both. I read that the Spanish pronunciation is "kay," but when the preceding words are English, it'd be pronounced "key" (which is why the Florida Keys are spelled K-E-Y).

Although this cruise was a short one, it was a wonderful getaway. I think sometimes we book cruises just so we don't have to spend time thinking about what to make for dinner or washing the dishes afterward. Plus, I was really excited that I was finally able to finish The Fellowship of the Ring !

great review, you covered it great

Thank you for reading and for leaving a comment! I truly appreciate it :)

Thank you for your thorough review! We are looking forward to our upcoming trip!

I hope you have the best time! If you think of any questions, I'm happy to answer them as best I can :)

Thanks for the great review! Only question is do they have closets in the room? Carnival did but I couldn’t tell in your pics if there was one or you just had to have all your stuff stowed under the bed. Going on my 1st Norwegian cruise next month! :)

Thanks for reading! Yes, there is a closet. If you look at my photo of the room, there's a brown door near the couch -- that door slides across the space (where the safe and shelves are) to reveal a closet, where you can hang items. I hope you have a great time!

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Norwegian Jade Deck Plans & Reviews

Norwegian Jade

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• Thermal Suite *
• Fitness Center
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• Shuffleboard Court
• Sports Deck
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• Tree Tops Kids Club
• Medical Center
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• Mixers Martini and Cocktail Bar - Martini Bar *
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• Tankards Beer and Whiskey Bar - Whiskey Bar *
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17 Tips, Answers, and Things to Know About Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s Private Island)

About to head to Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Great Stirrup Cay? Get ready to have a blast.

When it comes to cruising, it’s hard to beat a port-of-call that’s a private island. Every major cruise line has (at least) one, and while each is different, they are all desirable places to spend a day.

Today, Norwegian Cruise Line actually operates a couple, including Harvest Caye in the Caribbean and Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

So what can you expect from your visit? We’ve put together everything to know about the island.

From a general overview of what to expect all the way down to nitty-gritty details, this guide to Great Stirrup Cay will make you a pro before you even set foot on its white sandy beaches.

Great Stirrup Cay Overview

First things first — an overview of exactly what Great Stirrup Cay is all about. The cruise port destination sits in the middle of the Berry Islands, about 140 miles from Miami.

It’s completely run by Norwegian Cruise Lines for the enjoyment of its guests. At about 2 long by a half-mile wide, it’s decently sized but only a portion of the island is developed for cruise passengers.

On shore you’ll find a wide range of activities, from ziplining to parasailing to snorkeling, along with beautiful sand, electric blue water, food, bars, and even villas (more details below).

In short, if you’ve ever wanted to visit a picturesque private island without having to pay a fortune, this is it. Everything you could need is offered right here and the only people on the island are Norwegian passengers.

Here is a complete map of the island, provided from NCL:

Where is Great Stirrup Cay Located?

Norwegian’s island sits in a chain of islands called the Berry Islands in the Bahamas. The islands are about 140 miles east of Miami, making it a close port of call for cruises departing the Florida port. It’s also about 60 miles north of Nassau. The close proximity means that any trip headed from Miami or going to The Bahamas will often have Great Stirrup Cay included as a port of call.

What Do I Need to Bring to Great Stirrup Cay?

The great news is that you don’t need to bring much to the island, but you do HAVE to bring a couple of things. You will have to bring your room card and photo ID. When you leave the ship you will scan your card so that crew knows who is on and off the ship.

When you return, you will show the security guard your room card and ID to get back on the tender to the ship.

Apart from those two items, you don’t NEED to bring anything. However, you should bring anything you might want for a day at the beach, including things like your swimsuit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. (See our suggest cruise packing items here .) It’s also smart to bring a towel from the ship.

One note: You CAN’T bring any food with you between the ship and the island. There’s plenty to eat on Great Stirrup Cay, so you don’t really need to bring snacks.

How Do I Get to Great Stirrup Cay From the Ship?

The island is a little unique in that you don’t have a big pier (just yet) that the ship docks at to let passengers off. Instead, the ship docks offshore and you use a tender to get the shore. Tender is just a fancy term for taking a smaller boat from a larger boat. You hop on this smaller boat to motor to the island.

Tenders run continually throughout the day so you can come and go from the island whenever you want. The cruise line might ask passengers to make a reservation for a tender if you want to go right when they start running. However, once it is open tender, you don’t need a reservation. At that time, when you’re ready to go to Great Stirrup Cay, just walk down to the gangway deck and climb aboard the tender.

The ride takes about 10 minutes to get between the island and where the ship is anchored offshore.

Do Drink Packages Work on the Island?

Yes, you can use your Norwegian drink package from the ship on Great Stirrup Cay. Head to any bar on the island and you can get a drink just like you would on the ship. The same $15 per drink limit applies.

This actually is a big benefit to buying the package for cruises that visit the island. On most ports of call the drink package does not work when off the ship. That’s a day where you don’t get the full potential of the package despite having to pay for the service. Having it work on Great Stirrup Cay means you are better able to get your money’s worth.

What Is There to Eat on Great Stirrup Cay?

The good news is that food is free on Great Stirrup Cay, and you have several options to choose from.

Buffet : Starting at 11:30, there is a large buffet serving up a number of dishes, including burgers, dogs, pizza, salads, chicken, fruits, and a few other dishes. There are also a number of covered areas with picnic tables for you to sit and eat.

Grill : Right near the buffet is a spot where staff cooks up jerk chicken and other goodies that you can get fresh off the grill. There are a number of sides available too, and the smell draws in a lot of folks to eat here.

Hot Dog Cart : Want a snack? We saw a couple of hot dog carts roaming around the island during our stay. Step up and get a dog as a snack to hold you over, or as your meal.

Food Truck/Abaco Taco : There are two other spots on the island — Abaco Taco (a build your own taco bar) and a food truck called Tropic Like It’s Hot (pictured above) — serving up some dishes that you won’t find anywhere else on Great Stirrup Cay. The menus include ceviche, pulled pork sandwiches, spicy chicken sandwiches and more. Best of all, they are free.

Do I Need Cash on the Island?

Yes, but only a little bit. For the most part any spending you do on the island can be done on your cruise room key, just like you were on the ship. If you want to pay for an excursion or get a drink at the bar, just hand over your card to pay.

The only exception is that there is a small straw market of local vendors selling souvenirs. If you want to purchase something here, then bring a little bit of cash. U.S. dollars are accepted. If you don’t anticipate buying any souvenirs then you can leave your money on the ship.

Does My Room Card Work to Buy Things on the Island?

Yes, since Great Stirrup Cay is run by the cruise line, almost everything is run just like on the cruise ship. If you want to buy a drink at the bar, for instance, you just scan your card just like the bars on the ship. That makes it extremely simple for passengers.

Great Stirrup Cay is Next Door to CocoCay

If you’ve been cruise shopping, then you’ve likely seen ads for Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay . If you’ve never seen it in person, you will from the cruise ship. CocoCay is literally the next island over and you can see it right from the ship. In fact, it’s very likely you’ll see a Royal Caribbean ship right next door when you visit Great Stirrup Cay.

Beach Wheelchairs Are Available (First-come, First-served)

If you have mobility issues, you can still enjoy the island. Beach wheelchairs with massive inflatable tires are available for you to use for free. We will also mention that Great Stirrup Cay didn’t feel particularly accessible otherwise as there are lots of spots that require walking through sand. With the beach wheelchair, however, it should be much easier to navigate.

Want Smaller Crowds? Head Farther Down the Beach

Great Stirrup Cay has several coves that run across the length of the island. The first and largest cove is by far the most popular with people as it’s right by the landing for the tender boats.

If you want to have smaller crowds, head down the beach some, following the path to the other coves. Here there aren’t as many people, and it’s a bit slower paced.

Want to really get away from the crowds? Check out the new Silver Cove (more on this below).

Silver Cove Villas Brings Luxury to Great Stirrup Cay

On Norwegian cruise ships, guests looking for luxury have The Haven — an exclusive part of the ship that separate from the rest of their guests. They can still enjoy the rest of the ship but also have their own little spot.

On Great Stirrup Cay, the equivalent is the Silver Cove area of the island.

Walk all the way to the end of the beach area, and you’ll find Silver Cove. This area is equivalent to The Haven on the ship. To access the spot you have to purchase a villa during your stay on the island (prices start around $500).

These luxury villas include beds, a living room, bathroom, fridge, TV, and outdoor seating areas. Meanwhile, you have two choices of where to rent a villa — oceanside or surrounding a massive lagoon of electric blue water.

Keep in mind the only other people in this area will be those who’ve booked villas, so it’s a bit quieter than the rest of the island. There are also a number of amenities, including a spa, restaurant, and a shuttle to take you back and forth from the tender ship dock.

There Are Tons of Photo Ops

Whether you love social media of just want a nice snapshot, there are a ton of photo opportunities around Great Stirrup Cay. One of the most popular are the over-the-water swings. There are a few sets around the island and you can get a pic with your toes dangling in the water.

One other great spot is the tender that takes you back and forth from the ship. This gives you fantastic views of the ship up close from the water with no obstructed views. It’s the best chance to get that perfect photo in front of your ship.

Need a Restroom or a Shower? Look for the Teal Buildings

Thankfully restrooms aren’t hard to find on Great Stirrup Cay, as they are dotted around the island. All you have to do is look for the teal buildings. This helps them stand out from the rest of the island.

Also, if you need a shower to wash off the sand and the salt, there are showers on the sides of the restrooms that are free to use.

The Water is Calm for Swimming (But Can Get Cool!)

One thing that’s great about Great Stirrup Cay is that the land forms coves around the swimming area. That reduces the waves and the choppy water and makes things perfect for playing in the water, even for small kids. During our visit the open water had a slight chop, but the water near the beach was perfectly flat and calm.

That said, depending on when you go you may not want to swim much. When we visited in late November and found the water cool. It was still nice and warm to lay on the beach, but we didn’t do much swimming.

Ziplining Is a Big Deal

From a distance, the first thing you will notice on the island is the massive lighthouse that towers over everything. This is actually not a lighthouse, but the peak of the zipline course that runs throughout the island.

Ziplining is a big draw and you’ll see the lines criss-crossing the entire island. During our visit, the lines were running constantly with people zooming back and forth. You’ll have to pay extra to do them, but the views you get are second-to-none.

Wi-Fi Doesn’t Work on the Island

If you get the Internet package on the ship, unfortunately it won’t extend to the island. There’s no service while you’re on the beach so if you want to get in touch at home or post to social media about your day at the beach, you’ll need to wait until you go back aboard.

Rental Fees and Activity Prices for Great Stirrup Cay

Wondering what more there is to do than hang out on the beach or zipline? There are a number of things you can do. Below, we’ve included the listing of activities and rentals from a recent cruise, along with prices:

Big Plans Could Be In the Works for Great Stirrup Cay

We mentioned above that Great Stirrup Cay is right next to CocoCay. Royal Caribbean recently spent about $250 million renovating their island, putting in everything from the Caribbean’s largest pool to a waterpark with the tallest waterslide in North America .

The reviews of CocoCay have been phenomenal from visitors, including us . But of course, just like with bigger and better cruise ships, there is also competition among private islands.

During our visit we were given a tour and told that there were bigger plans in the works for Great Stirrup Cay. While not many details were mentioned, the guide did mention plans for a pier so that passengers can come and go as they please, and it was also mentioned that Great Stirrup Cay is much larger than CocoCay, giving them more options.

Again, no specific details were mentioned, but it gave the impression that there could be some big changes to the island in the coming years.

Have more questions about visiting Great Stirrup Cay? Let us know in the comments below.

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Will need a wheel chair how do I make sure I can get one.

Contact the cruise line and let them know. They can make a note.

Hello, thank you for your informative article! Can we get to coco cay and how much is it or how long does it take?..Are we allowed on it since we are not on Royal carib.? Is there a fee to pay to use just the water park and nothing else?

Thanks Tammy

No, you cant get to CocoCay. That’s for Royal Caribbean passengers only.

Did you get an answer by chance @EmilyP ?

Is the casino on board open when the ship is in Great Stirrup

Not sure. I would guess not.

Are there golf carts for rent?

No, there are not.

If I rent a cabana and it’s a rainy day, will ncl give me a refund?

That seems unlikely, but you can always ask.

Are there shuttles to move through the island like they have on Coco Cay?

No, not as of our last visit.

Do you have to register before the cruise to rent an of the stuff there? (jet skis, ziplining, etc) Or just go when you get there?

You can do it when there, or if it’s available as an excursion, you can do it before you arrive.

Is it worth to rent the clamshell? Can you choose where it is loated?

My husband and I are snorkelers. Are there places on the back side of the island that are an out of the way place for snorkeling?

There are some areas, but not sure if they are off-limits or not to just snorkel on your own. I noticed people kayaking there, but that was an excursion. There is a large cove where you can snorkel, but it may not be as secluded as you want. Still, you can go out and be away from other people.

Does anyone know if the food choices on Great Stirrup Cay include gluten-free items? Traveling with a guest who has celiac and want to know what choices might be available that are safe to eat. Thanks in advance for any ideas/guidance!

Are there an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas to rent?

Yes! Chairs are free. Umbrellas can be rented.

Did you notice if they made folks who brought their own snorkel gear rent a vest?

Didn’t notice. Will keep an eye out next time!

Is there a private or designated section for Haven passengers?

I believe that there is not, but not sure. The island has an exclusive area called “Silver Cove,” with cabanas for rent that has a bar, restaurant, and its own lagoon. However, I think that is for only guests renting the cabana. It could be, however, they also let Haven passengers in as well.

This such a rip off from NCL. They’ve destroyed the beauty of the island and cheapened in with PAY for items they didn’t have earlier. Hugely disappointed with this line.

lol, its great dont listen to Erica

Having recently been to Coco Cay in 2019, and seeing what is on Great Stirrup Cay, I have no desire whatsoever to visit it at this point. RCL has hit a home run with Coco Cay, and while it may be smaller, it doesn’t seem so, and it feels like it was laid out to perfection. And I really don’t care all that much for Cruising now, after been doing so since the early 90’s and watching the food quality deteriorate over the years and even more so recently. Even our most recent cruise this fall to Disney’s Castaway Cay left us a bit disappointed by comparison.

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Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its fun, laid-back ambiance and inventive "freestyle cruising" concept, which features no enforced dress codes, no fixed dining times, and a plethora of onboard entertainment and family-friendly activities. Norwegian's 19-ship fleet sails all over the world, with itineraries lasting anywhere from three to 21 days. The cruise line is also planning to add longer sailings, fewer sea days and more days in port in the winter 2024 and 2025 seasons and in the summer of 2025. Norwegian’s destinations include Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia, South America, Africa and more.

During your voyage, you can catch live shows like "The Choir of Man," the award-winning musical “Six”  and “Beetlejuice: The Musical” on the line’s newest ship, Norwegian Viva.  Meanwhile, youngsters and teens can spend time at onboard aqua parks, race tracks, and kids clubs, and play virtual reality games at Galaxy Pavilion.

When it comes to dining, Norwegian's options are varied. The cruise line's Freestyle Dining program allows you to nosh in globally inspired eateries, such as a French-style bistro, a Brazilian Steakhouse and a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. You can also choose to have your meals at a traditional cruise buffet or dine in a formal dining room. Notably, the main dining rooms don't feature fixed dining times or assigned seating. Guests on board the new Prima class ships, Norwegian Prima and Viva, will also find Indulge Food Hall. The complimentary internationally inspired venue features dishes from India, Italy and Latin America along with comfort food like hearty Texas barbeque.

Norwegian Cruise Line's ships are large mass-market ships, carrying between 1,936 and 4,266 passengers, but they also offer an element of luxury, especially in The Haven, the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept. While Norwegian's vessels can feel crowded in certain venues, such as the main pool deck and at the buffet restaurant, they maintain a ratio of approximately one staff member per every two or three passengers – even when ships are filled at double occupancy.

U.S. News Insider Tip: For time away from the kids and the crowds, look for adults-only or mostly adult venues (these vary by ship) like Vibe Beach Club, Spice H2O, Infinity Beach (Prima class ships) and Mandara Spa. If you book accommodations in The Haven (the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept), the Haven Sundeck is reserved for guests 16 and older. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Pros & Cons

No fixed dress codes

Wide variety of onboard restaurants, entertainment and activities

Some ships offer stateroom options designed for solo travelers

Long lines may occur at dining venues and venues for evening entertainment

Some onboard activities are not included in cruise rates

Meals at specialty restaurants cost extra

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Norwegian Cruise Line has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the line's level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.

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Before You Book

• Deposits for Norwegian cruises vary by cruise length and cabin category. Final payments for all cruises must be made 120 days prior to sailing.
• Cancellation policies vary greatly by room type, cruise length and timing. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to Norwegian Cruise Line. For more information about cancellation policies, visit  ncl.com . 
• Passengers with medical issues or special needs should notify Norwegian between 90 days (for those who need an interpreter) and 45 days prior to departure. Those with service dogs must notify the cruise line at least two weeks in advance. You can call 1-866-584-9756 or email [email protected] for more information.

Before You Board

• You must provide all necessary travel documents depending on the itinerary, including a passport valid for six months after the completion of your cruise or a government-issued photo ID coupled with a birth certificate, an original certificate of naturalization or an original U.S. citizenship certificate if you are visiting non-U.S. ports of call. If your port of call requires a visa, it is your responsibility to secure it beforehand. It’s important to know that even on a close-looped cruise (a cruise sailing roundtrip from a U.S. port) if you had to depart unexpectedly from a foreign port, you would need to have a passport. Refer to NCL’s website to make sure you have the proper documentation before booking your cruise.
• You must complete your online check-in at least three days prior to sailing to view and print your eDocs. The documents will no longer be available within 72 hours of your sailing. Vaccinations may be required for travel to certain international destinations. For updated information on required immunizations, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  and  World Health Organization . 
• You should arrive no earlier than one hour before your scheduled embarkation time and should board the ship at least two hours prior to your scheduled departure time (both times will be noted in your eDocs). You can complete your online check-in and reserve your port arrival time as early as 21 days prior to your sail date. Keep in mind that check-in must be completed prior to arriving at the terminal.
• Norwegian allows cruisers to bring up to two pieces of luggage on board. Suitcases may not exceed 50 pounds each. Be sure to have luggage tags attached that are clearly marked with your name, address and contact information.
• You can pre-request shore excursions up to six months in advance of your scheduled sail date on Norwegian Cruise Line's website or by calling 1-866-625-1167.
• You can make reservations at specialty restaurants on Norwegian's website starting 90 days before you board.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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BAHAMAS CRUISES FROM MIAMI

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Get ready for fun in the sun when you cruise to The Bahamas from Miami for 3 or 4 days, aboard our award-winning cruise ships, including the extensively renovated Norwegian Sky . Only Norwegian gives you more choices of what to do and see on your holiday with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising. Whether you are looking for the perfect Labor Day Cruise or a reason to escape for the weekend, your possibilities are as open as the sea. Dress up or down. Swim with dolphins. Sip on coconuts. The perfect weekend holiday awaits. Interested in cruising longer? Try our 4-Day Cruises .

Get your Holiday Glow on Weekend Cruises

Discover Norwegian Sky's Elevated Enhancements

We’ve made extensive enhancements to provide you with an all-new, all-inclusive, elevated experience. From fully renovated staterooms to new dining options , bars and lounges , there is plenty to rediscover. When the sun goes down, head up to the top of the ship to the Pinnacle Lounge & Sushi Bar for fresh sushi rolls, signature cocktails and gorgeous sunset views. Swing by the new, high-energy Bliss Ultra Lounge to show off your dance moves. Craving a Venti with an extra shot and double whip to keep you going all day? Stop by the full-service Starbucks ® on board! Come aboard and get to know the all-new Norwegian Sky .

Great Stirrup Cay: Your Own Private Island

Set sail for Bahamas & Florida and get ready for some fun in the sun! All of our Bahamas & Florida cruises feature a whole day visit to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise reserved only for our guests. Swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or just stroll the white sand beaches. This eco-fun paradise offers something for everyone!

Why take a Weekend Cruise with Norwegian?

Shore Excursions

Come play at Atlantis Aquaventure, a one-of-a-kind 141 acre water park. Dive below in our adventurous snorkel trail "The Fate of the Fancy" on Great Stirrup Cay. Or explore the diversity of Miami and neighboring cities in Miami City Tour!

Itineraries

Toss your timetable to the breeze when you take a Bahamas cruise from Miami! Visit our exclusive private island, Great Stirrup Cay, where you can snorkel its pristine waters, hike a nature trail, or just sip cocktails under your own clamshell cabana.

Weekend cruises aren't just for adults, families can enjoy them too! Start a friendly game of basketball at our sports court, splash down at Splashes Children's Pool or play the day away at our complimentary youth programmes- Splash Academy and Entourage.

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Where can I cruise without a passport?

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You know it’s best to cruise with a passport, but there are dozens of reasons why you might consider taking a cruise without one.

What if an opportunity pops up on short notice, and you don’t have a passport yet? Or if you forgot to renew yours when it expired? What if it’s only a three-night cruise to The Bahamas, and the passport application fee is almost as much as the cruise fare? Or maybe you have children nearing age 16 and can’t see the point in getting them passports now that are only valid for five years.

Luckily, you have options. Thanks to an international agreement called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative , U.S. citizens can cruise on certain itineraries within North American countries using government-issued identification (like a valid driver’s license) and proof of citizenship (like a birth certificate, also government-issued).

The applicable itineraries are round-trip or closed-loop sailings from U.S. ports. One-way sailings from one U.S. port to another that visit a foreign country, or from a U.S. port to a foreign one, would require a passport.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Before we go further, let’s clarify that when we talk about passports, we mean the passport book. Passport cards , which were created because of the WHTI, serve as a low-cost alternative to providing a driver’s license and birth certificate for cruising in all the places we are about to discuss.

Got it? Let’s look at the options for where you can cruise without a passport.

Cruising to Alaska is one of the easiest ways to experience all the state offers. You’ll have opportunities to see glaciers and wildlife, stroll the streets of charming coastal towns, eat your fill of local crab legs and salmon or get out in nature on a kayak, zip line or hike.

If you’re interested in cruising to Alaska without a passport, look for itineraries that begin (and end) in Seattle , San Francisco or southern California ports such as Los Angeles or Long Beach. The most common length for these closed-loop Alaska cruises operated by the major cruise lines is seven nights. Cruises early or late in the season may be only four or five nights, and trips departing from Los Angeles are usually 14 nights.

What if you really want to cruise one way from Canada to Alaska (or vice versa)? Although Canada prefers U.S. citizens who arrive by sea or land to have a passport book, it is not required if they have proper identification and proof of citizenship. The U.S., however, requires one of the following WHTI-approved forms of identification for entries by land or sea: passport card, enhanced driver’s license, I-872 American Indian card or trusted traveler program IDs like Nexus, SENTRI and FAST.

Technically, if you have one of those forms of ID, but not a passport book, you can take a one-way Alaska cruise, as long as you don’t have to fly to or from Canada.

More complications arise for non-passport holders who book shore excursions that involve crossing from Alaska to Canada. White Pass and Yukon Route train rides are good examples. WP&YR allows cruise passengers to go on the 3-hour train excursion without a passport, but not to take any of the longer routes. That’s their policy, not a legal requirement.

All of this means that Alaska cruises are one instance when the passport card would be a handy alternative to traveling with both an ID card and a birth certificate. It opens up one-way itineraries.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

A cruise to the Caribbean transports you to tropical islands bathed in turquoise waters. Whether you seek warm beaches, cool drinks, water sports or cultural education, you can find a Caribbean cruise to fit the bill.

It’s easy to cruise without a passport in the Caribbean. Just book one of the many closed-loop, round-trip sailings departing from a U.S. port. Most major cruise lines offer sailings that range between three and 15 nights from ports such as Galveston, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; multiple ports in Florida (including Miami and Fort Lauderdale); plus Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore; Bayonne, New Jersey; and New York City.

Most Caribbean islands participate in the WHTI, but it’s always best to check the details specific to the ports of call included in your itinerary. Don’t forget that islands such as Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix are U.S. territories; visits there never require a passport for U.S. citizens.

Related: The best Caribbean cruises for every type of traveler

Bermuda is a British Overseas Territory, lying 643 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Hop a cruise ship for a direct route to the island’s famous beaches and golf courses. Spring and summer are the prime seasons to visit, but cruises are possible throughout the year.

Cruising without a passport to Bermuda is also easy. Apart from a few isolated cruises stopping in Bermuda as they come or go from other destinations, there are no one-way Bermuda cruises to confuse the situation. If you plan to sail without a passport, be wary of any Bermuda cruise longer than 10 nights. Those are likely to be point-to-point cruises that happen to include Bermuda.

Passport-free cruises to Bermuda include ample five- to 10-night sailings from the East Coast ports of Baltimore, Bayonne, Boston and Manhattan. Occasional itineraries also pop up throughout the Bermuda season departing from Norfolk, Virginia; Charleston; and the Florida ports of Miami, Port Canaveral and Jacksonville.

Related: Does it make sense to take a short cruise to Bermuda?

Long known for delightful strands of beach and access to every imaginable form of water fun under the sub-tropical sun, the Bahamas are the destination of choice for easy and quick cruise vacations.

Skip the passport on three to five-night Bahamas cruises sailing round trip on most major cruise lines from the eastern Florida ports of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

A few longer (seven to 15 nights) itineraries stop in the Bahamas on their way into the Caribbean. Departures from Bayonne, Manhattan, Baltimore and Charleston will often get you weeklong Bahamas itineraries, as will sailings from Tampa, Galveston and New Orleans.

Related: Best Bahamas cruise tips for first-timers and repeat visitors alike

Our southern neighbor boasts two coastlines of cruise fun. Like most tropical cruise destinations, the top draws are the beaches and the ocean, but cruise ports in Mexico also give you access to ancient Mayan ruins, delicious cuisine and an abundance of land activities.

Mexico’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts are both accessible to cruisers who do not hold passports. If you want to visit Mexico’s eastern shores, you can find three- to 15-night cruises to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Progresso. Sailings depart Florida from Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral; you can also find itineraries from New Orleans, Galveston and Mobile, Alabama.

Western Mexico, often referred to as the Mexican Riviera, includes the ports of Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Ensenada, among others. Cruises depart San Diego for three- to five-night sailings on Disney and seven- to 10-night sailings on Holland America, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian also sails from Los Angeles’ San Pedro port for three- to 10-night sailings — along with Royal Caribbean, Princess and Celebrity. Carnival sails similar routes from Long Beach.

Related: The best Mexico cruises for every type of traveler

From water sports to American history and Hawaiian culture, there’s a lot to experience on a Hawaii cruise . The best part may be the ability to hop from island to island, sampling the flavors of each as you go.

Closed-loop Hawaii cruises that don’t require passports come in two varieties. The short option is to fly to Honolulu and take a seven- or 10-night cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s Pride of America, which is the only large cruise ship allowed to operate entirely within the Hawaiian Islands without visiting a foreign port.

Small-ship cruise operator UnCruise Adventures also offers seven-night, inter-island Hawaiian sailings. The American-flagged ships only cruise to and from U.S. ports, so no passport is needed, as would be the case on any domestic trip.

The long-cruise option consists of 14- to 18-night round-trip sailings from San Diego, Los Angeles (Long Beach and San Pedro) and San Francisco. Cruise lines offering those cruises include Carnival, Princess and Holland America. You won’t need a passport for these closed-loop sailings, but you do need to be prepared for multiple days at sea as you cross the Pacific from California to Hawaii.

Beware of 20-plus-night cruises on Holland America, Princess and even Viking that are round-trip sailings from the West Coast and would seem to fit the bill for closed-loop cruises that don’t require passports. Most of these cruises don’t work because they also include stops in French Polynesia, which is outside of the WHTI agreement. Passports are required for the islands in the South Pacific, and thus for the entire cruise.

Related: The best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler

Canada and New England

Cruises up North America’s East Coast allow you to take in historical sights of early Americana, stand atop rugged cliffs on the coast of Nova Scotia or revel in the French culture of Quebec.

Mainstream cruise lines operate a number of cruises along the U.S. and Canadian coast that don’t require passports. These depart from the ports of Bayonne, Baltimore, Boston, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City, and occasionally Norfolk. The majority of these New England and Canada cruises are weeklong, fall sailings, but a handful depart at other times of year or are a touch longer, at eight to 10 nights.

Cruise lines with Canada and New England closed-loop sailings include Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Princess, Holland America and small-ship operator American Cruise Lines.

Related: 12 best cruises to Canada and New England

These and other cruise lines also offer one-way cruises in both directions between Canada and New England. These itineraries, like Alaska cruises, may be possible without a passport book, as long as your plans don’t include flying into or out of Canada and your cruise line allows you to cruise with either a passport card or other acceptable form of identification and proof of citizenship.

We checked with a few lines for you. Princess, Holland America and Celebrity all strongly recommend passport books, but allow one of the WHTI forms of identification. Again, the passport card opens up the one-way possibilities assuming you aren’t flying and your cruise only includes Canada and the U.S.

Bottom line

While cruising with a passport is always recommended, it’s not required by law in certain circumstances. Closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports that visit Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico are part of an international agreement that allows U.S. citizens to cruise without a passport. In these cases, government-issued identification and proof of U.S. citizenship are acceptable alternatives to a passport book.

Passport cards are an affordable and unquestionable alternative to carrying an ID and birth certificate. If you want to go this route, know they are not valid for travel by air into or out of any foreign country, including Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries of the Caribbean — which is the primary reason most travel advisors urge cruisers to have a passport book.

As we’ve shown, you have plenty of options of where to cruise without a passport, and many travelers do so without incident. However, anything from engine trouble on your cruise ship to bad weather to an accident in port might necessitate a flight home from a foreign country, putting you in an awkward position if you don’t have a passport.

Plus, as much fun as simple round-trip cruises are, passports open up additional vacation possibilities in the form of longer, point-to-point and overseas trips. Don’t dismiss registering for a passport even as you consider where you can cruise without one.

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