NCL Unveils Great Tides Waterpark And New Island Features

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), a leader in innovative cruise travel, today announced exciting new features at its private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Highlighted by the upcoming nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opening in summer 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere, and a range of other extraordinary experiences, the island will offer guests unparalleled adventures and relaxation.

From cliff jumps and jet karts to swim-up bars and splash zones, the expansion aims to elevate every visitor’s experience with greater freedom, flexibility, and discovery of ‘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!"

Industry-First Waterpark and Thrill-packed Adventures

Anchored by 19 waterslides – from adrenaline-pumping rides to relaxing options – along with a nearly 250-metre dynamic water river, an 836-square-metre splash zone for children, and industry-leading cliffside jumps, Great Tides Waterpark promises more fun for all.

The towering Tidal Tower, nearly 52 metres tall, will feature eight exhilarating waterslides, including the two tallest slides of the tower with splashdowns and thrilling inner tube climbs. Races, spirals, spins, and body slides will deliver excitement, with some slides equipped with conveyor belts for effortless access to the top.

Families and thrill-seekers can revel in Cliffside Cove’s racer slides and two cliffs at 3 and 4.5 metres – a cruise industry first – as well as the Caribbean’s only family slide offering four simultaneous riders. For those enjoying the view, the Grotto Bar, a hidden cave bar beneath the family slide, offers the perfect spot for a cocktail and people-watching.

The kids’ splash zone, covering 836 square metres, will feature a giant tipping bucket over 12 metres tall, multiple mini slides, and interactive water features. The dynamic river, at nearly 250 metres long, will boast an immersive, faster current than a typical lazy river, complete with a luminous grotto tunnel for a mesmerising bioluminescent scene. Cabanas at the river’s edge and in the splash zone will provide premium relaxing options.

Additional Island Enhancements for Everyone

A new mini racecourse featuring jet karts – combining go-karting and jet skiing – will become a top shore excursion for adventure lovers.

Before the year’s end, guests will enjoy several new features, including a heated pool, a new multi-ship pier, a scenic welcome plaza, and an island-wide tram service for seamless exploring. The Great Life Lagoon, revealed earlier this year, will comprise a 1.4-acre pool area with private cabanas and villas, multiple loungers, and two swim-up bars serving drinks for all ages. The vibrant Reef Bar will host a DJ and lively beats, while Waves Bar offers a splash-friendly area for children.

A new recreational space, Horizon Park, will feature lawn games, pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and more. Hammock Bay, with over 50 hammocks, a dedicated bar, and close proximity to the popular BBQ buffet, provides the ideal spot to relax. Meanwhile, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club will present a chic retreat with private bars, hanging day beds, and luxe lounges, available with a day pass or renting private villas.

A Flurry of New Itineraries in 2026

As Norwegian Cruise Line continues to transform Great Stirrup Cay, the increasing demand for Caribbean and Bahamas sailings means the company expects to welcome one million guests to the island across 15 ships in 2026. New ships like Norwegian Aqua™, offering seven-day Caribbean voyages from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral), will visit destinations including the Dominican Republic and the Virgin Islands through October 2027. Additionally, the upcoming Norwegian Luna, debuting in March 2026, will join with similar itineraries, showcasing the stunning tropical destinations of the Caribbean.

This bold transformation aims to position Great Stirrup Cay as the ultimate Caribbean island experience, blending thrill-packed adventures, serene escapes, and modern amenities for every type of guest.