Massive Waterpark, Industry-First Experiences Headline NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay Revamp

A massive, almost six-acre waterpark will headline Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island expansion on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas opening in summer 2026.

With the transformation, Norwegian Cruise Line is set to welcome one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay across 15 of its ships in 2026 Bahamas sailings. It will bring its newest ships to its private island in the Bahamas, including Norwegian Aqua™ and Norwegian Luna. The company’s latest vessel, debuting in March 2026 that will also offer seven-day Caribbean itineraries from April 2026 to October 2026, visiting the same tropical destinations as her sister ship, Norwegian Aqua.

At Great Stirrup Cay “The Great Tides Waterpark” will feature 19 waterslides, a nearly 800 foot “Dynamic River” with an accelerated current that’s faster than a typical lazy river; the industry’s first ever cliff jumps; jet karts to swim-up bars and a 9,000-square-foot kids splash zone.

“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.”

At 170-feet, the Tidal Tower will be home to eight waterslides, including the two tallest slides of the tower where guests can experience splashing drops and climbs on an inner tube.

Families and adventure seekers will be able to let loose at Cliffside Cove with racer slides, two different cliff jumps standing at 10 and 15 feet 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 center of Great Tides Waterpark, a 9,000-square-foot kids splash zone will provide a water wonderland for little ones with an oversized tipping bucket towering at over 40 feet above the ground, along with eight mini slides and interactive water features.

Guests will be able to enter the Dynamic River from several points, including a wading pool with a 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.

Guests will start to enjoy some of the first enhanced experiences at Great Stirrup Cay later this year, starting 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.

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 while over at Hammock Bay more than 50 hammocks await for the perfect afternoon nap.

If exclusive oceanfront luxury is preferred, Vibe Shore Club, the adults- only area, will offer a chicer ambiance 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 part of the “Escape to the Great Life” campaign, NCL is launching a sweepstakes from July 29 to Aug. 31, 2025 and giving away 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay for travellers to experience the all-new attractions. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (except Quebec), consumers can enter for a chance to win a four-day voyage in August 2026 for two in a balcony stateroom inclusive of NCL’s popular More At Sea™ package. For additional details on the sweepstakes or to enter to win, visit www.ncl.com/great-stirrup-cay.

NCL is also offering up to $1,500 off all Caribbean and Bahamas sailings with “The Great Life Sale.”

“I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the greatest private island in the Caribbean!” added Herrera.