NCL Reveals 1st Enhancements at Private Island Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled new images of the first enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas. 

They include the Great Life Lagoon, a 1.4-acre pool area featuring an expansive heated pool, the Splash Harbor splash pad for young guests, the Vibe Shore Club for adults and more.

With a new pier making it even easier for guests to enjoy the island, the Great Life Lagoon is at the heart of the island’s transformation. With families in mind, the pool is larger than two Olympic-sized pools combined and features a beach-style entrance that leads to a splash area with fun water features for young guests, while adults can revel in the two swim-up bars, making it easy for them to enjoy their favourite cocktail libations. 

Surrounding the new pool are private cabanas for guests to relax and enjoy ocean and pool views. For those seeking an elevated experience, the new Vibe Shore Club is accessible by an all-day pass and offers an adults-only retreat with private cabanas and a private bar. 

Additional enhancements include Splash Harbor – a complimentary kids splash pad just steps away from the brand-new pool, a new Welcome Center and a tram system to make exploring the island effortless. 

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favourite for our guests, and these new enhancements make it even easier for guests to trade the winter weather for the warm tropics and enjoy an ‘Escape to the Great Life,'” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer. 

“With the fun versatility of Great Life Lagoon, and family-friendly spots like Splash Harbor, we’ve created an island where everyone can unwind, play and make lasting memories. This transformation is all about offering premium experiences and unparalleled guest services to our guests and giving them the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation their way. I cannot wait until next summer when we unveil even greater guest experiences with Great Tides Waterpark.”

Set to debut in summer 2026, Great Tides Waterpark will feature slides and attractions for guests of all ages. Anchored by a total of 19 waterslides ranging from adrenaline-pumping thrills to laid-back adventures, the park will include the striking Tidal Tower featuring eight exhilarating waterslides, including its two tallest slides, where guests can experience heart-pounding drops and thrilling climbs on inner tubes for an unforgettable ride. 

Additional attractions at Tidal Tower include high-speed racing slides for competitive fun, spiraling tube slides that twist and spin guests in unexpected directions, and exciting body slides for pure adrenaline. Select slides will incorporate convenient conveyor belts to carry rafts to the top, eliminating the need for guests to bring them up themselves. 

Great Tides Waterpark will also feature a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, a 9,000-square-foot splash zone for kids, and Cliffside Cove where guests can find the industry’s first cliffside jumps, racer slides and much more.

As Norwegian Cruise Line continues to transform Great Stirrup Cay, the company is poised to welcome over one million guests to its private island across 17 ships in 2026.