Norwegian Cruise Line Announces New Great Tides Waterpark and Other Industry-First Experiences To Debut At Great Stirrup Cay – The Greatest Island In The Caribbean

• In the Northern Hemisphere Summer 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line Will Open an All-New Nearly Six-Acre Waterpark with 19 Waterslides, an Almost 250 Metre Dynamic River, A New Jet Karts Water Track and More Experiences for Guests to Enjoy “The Great Life” at Great Stirrup Cay 

MUMBAI (30 July, 2025) – Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, today announced additional details for its private island transformation on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas headlined by a nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opening in the Northern Hemisphere summer 2026, and more incredible experiences to bring unforgettable adventures and endless relaxation for its guests.

From cliff jumps and jet karts to swim-up bars and splash zones, the expansion of the island’s offerings is designed to elevate every guest’s experience with more freedom, more flexibility and more ways for them to discover “The Great Life!” at Great Stirrup Cay.

 

“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. This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut.  With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL. Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool – complete with multiple swim up bars, are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark, or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to YOUR ‘great life’ for a memorable vacation on and off the ship. I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the greatest private island in the Caribbean!"

Anchored by 19 waterslides – from adrenaline-boosting to laid-back adventure – a nearly 250 metre dynamic river, the 836-square-metre splash zone for kids, and the industry’s first cliffside jumps, Great Tides Waterpark will deliver guests MORE to do and MORE to enjoy.  

 

At nearly 52 metres, the unmissable Tidal Tower will be home to eight thrilling waterslides, including the two tallest slides of the tower where guests can experience splashing drops and thrilling climbs on an inner tube for an exhilarating ride. Additional slides include racing slides where guests can speed to the finish line on a mat, tube slides which features large spirals and spins that send guests in a whole other direction as they shoot down in a burst of excitement, as well as exciting body slides. To make it even easier to enjoy, select slides will include convenient conveyor belts to lift the rafts to the top of the tower, eliminating the tedious task of guests carrying them up on their own.

 

Families and adventure seekers will be able to let loose at Cliffside Cove with racer slides, two different cliff jumps standing at 3 and 4.5 metres tall – a cruise industry first – as well as the Caribbean’s only family slide, where four guests can slide down simultaneously. For those who prefer to enjoy from the sidelines, The Grotto Bar, a hidden cave bar tucked under the family slide, will offer the best people watching with a cocktail in hand.

At the centre of Great Tides Waterpark, an 836-square-metre kids splash zone will provide a water wonderland for little ones with an oversized tipping bucket towering at over 12 metres above the ground. Eight mini slides and interactive water features complete this aquatic paradise for children of all ages. The waterpark will also feature a dynamic river, an immersive water experience with an accelerated current that will be faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river. At nearly 250 metres long, guests will be able to enter the dynamic river from several points, including a wading pool with a conveniently located swim-up bar nearby. A highlight on the river will be an illuminated grotto tunnel featuring a dreamlike bioluminescent scene for the ultimate multi-sensory experience. Well-located cabanas will be situated at the edge of the dynamic river and the kids splash zone for premium access to the popular family areas.

 

An all-new mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts – combining elements of go-karting and jet skiing – will soon be one of the top shore excursions available on the island for adventure seekers.

 

Debuting later this year, guests will start to enjoy some of the first enhanced experiences at Great Stirrup Cay, beginning with the opening of the brand-new heated pool, a new multi-ship pier, the scenic welcome plaza, and an island-wide tram service that will make it easier than ever to get around the island and escape to “The Great Life.” The Great Life Lagoon, the recently announced expansive 1.4-acre pool area, will be complete with private ocean and pool view cabanas and villas, an abundance of complimentary loungers and two swim-up bars offering a selection of refreshing beverages including kid-friendly drinks and adult-favourite cocktails. Each bar will have its own ambience, with Reef Bar designed to be more vibrant with a DJ spinning all-day beats. The Waves Bar will be on the opposite side of the pool where a beach-style entrance leads to an exciting splash area for kids with fun water features. Another popular family space will be the 315-square-metre Splash Harbour, a complimentary splash pad steps away from the brand-new heated pool, with interactive water fountains, aquatic features and a shaded bar and lounge for the parents to relax while the kids are at play.

 

For guests who enjoy their fair share of competition, the soon-to-be all-new complimentary recreational area, Horizon Park, will feature lawn style games, pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini golf course, half a sports court and more. Designed to provide the ultimate beachside relaxation, Hammock Bay will include over 50 hammocks for the perfect afternoon nap, a dedicated bar and will be conveniently located near the guest-favourite BBQ buffet. Or if exclusive oceanfront luxury is preferred, Vibe Shore Club, the adults-only area, will offer a chicer ambience with a private bar, hanging day beds and premium lounge seating. Entrance to the adults-only area comes with the purchase of a day pass and includes an upgraded lounger and premium umbrella, or for an even more elevated experience, villas will also be available to rent.

 

As the Company transforms Great Stirrup Cay, and due to the growing guest demand of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, Norwegian Cruise Line is set to welcome one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay across 15 of its ships in 2026. It will bring its newest ships to its private island in the Bahamas, including Norwegian Aqua™, offering a variety of seven-day Caribbean voyages from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral), Fla. through October 2027 with calls to the Dominican Republic, U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands and more. In addition, Norwegian Luna, the Company’s latest vessel debuting in March 2026, will also offer seven-day Caribbean itineraries from April 2026 to October 2026, visiting the same beautiful tropical destinations as her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua.

 

For more information about the Company's award-winning 20-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.