Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced plans for a comprehensive transformation of its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, highlighted by a nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark scheduled to open in summer 2026.
The waterpark will feature 19 waterslides ranging from high-adrenaline to family-friendly options, anchored by a 170-foot Tidal Tower housing eight slides. Additional attractions include the industry's first cliffside jumps at 10 and 15 feet tall, a 9,000-square-foot children's splash zone with an oversized 40-foot tipping bucket, and an 800-foot dynamic river with accelerated current.
"Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to 'The Great Life' with us."
The waterpark will include unique features such as the Caribbean's only family slide accommodating four guests simultaneously and The Grotto Bar, a cave bar positioned beneath the family slide. Select slides will incorporate conveyer belts to transport rafts to tower tops, and the dynamic river will feature an illuminated grotto tunnel with bioluminescent effects.
Beyond the waterpark, the island transformation includes several new amenities debuting in phases. Later this year, guests will access a new heated pool area called The Great Life Lagoon spanning 1.4 acres, featuring private cabanas, villas and two swim-up bars. The facility will include a 3,400-square-foot complimentary splash pad called Splash Harbor.
Additional planned amenities include Horizon Park with pickleball courts, mini golf and lawn games; Hammock Bay with over 50 hammocks and a dedicated bar; and Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only area with premium seating and day pass access. The island will also feature jet kart racing combining go-karting and jet skiing elements, plus a new multi-ship pier, welcome plaza and island-wide tram service.
To promote the developments, NCL is conducting an "Escape to the Great Life" sweepstakes from July 29 to Aug. 31, giving away 250 four-day cruises to Great Stirrup Cay in August 2026. The prizes include balcony staterooms with NCL's More At Sea package for U.S. and Canadian residents.
The cruise line is also launching consumer activations in New York City from July 29-31, 2025, and throughout August in Miami, featuring custom "escape hatches" in various locations including SoHo, Hudson Yards, Times Square and Wynwood.
NCL expects to welcome one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay across 15 ships in 2026, including newer vessels Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. Both ships will offer seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Orlando, visiting destinations including the Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands.
The enhancements represent a significant expansion of NCL's 270-acre private island, building on existing guest satisfaction ratings as the cruise line positions Great Stirrup Cay as a major Caribbean destination.
Editor’s Note: This article was generated by AI, based on a press release distributed by Norwegian Cruise Line. It was fact-checked and reviewed by a TravelAge West editor.
