Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Tides Waterpark to Open September 4

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced September 4 as the opening date for the  Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas.

Beginning today, all guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after Sept. 4, 2026 can purchase day passes to the waterpark and personalize their island day with seamless, advance booking. 

To elevate the experience, guests can reserve private cabanas for up to six guests, which includes waterpark admission and shaded comfort just steps from the park’s signature Tidal Tower featuring 19 exhilarating slides.

Guests will also enjoy three all-new food trucks serving a diverse lineup of choices.

“Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we’re excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on September 4,” said NCL president Marc Kazlauskas. 

Spanning nearly six acres, Great Tides Waterpark will deliver a family-friendly adventure. At its centre will stand the 170-foot Tidal Tower, featuring the Breakwater Blasters — water coasters with downhill drops and uphill blasts within an inner tube- — alongside the Whitewater Dash with two body slides; Rapid Mat Racers featuring two mat slides; and a selection of tube slides, Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral, with spirals and spins for an adrenaline rush.

Additional highlights will include Cliffside Cove, home to the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps; The Great Slide, the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide; Fearless Falls racing slides; and the hidden Grotto Bar tucked beneath the action for prime viewing. 

Younger guests will be able to splash through Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ zone, while adventure seekers can float along the Wandering River, an over 800-foot, high-energy take on the classic lazy river. 

The waterpark builds on the recent transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, which includes the expansive Great Life Lagoon, featuring a beach-style entry pool, swim-up bars and ample space to unwind with ocean views. Guests can also elevate their day at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, enjoy family-friendly offerings like Splash Harbor and explore the island with ease with the island’s latest tram system.

Guests wanting to celebrate the grand opening of the waterpark can embark on Norwegian Luna’s 7-day sailing from Miami on August 29. Norwegian Luna offers itineraries through November 2026 with visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands as well as Great Stirrup Cay. For shorter sailings from Miami, Norwegian Getaway offers three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas through October 2026.

Great Tides Waterpark passes can be purchased following the completion of the cruise reservation.