First Elements of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Enhanced Great Stirrup Cay Now Open
by Dori Saltzman
Great Stirrup Cay was the first cruise line private island. Photo: NCL
Norwegian Cruise Line guests on the last few sailings of 2025 that visited Great Stirrup Cay became the first cruisers to experience some of the newest elements on the island. The much-anticipated pier, along with a 1.4-acre pool and new cabanas, adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and the Splash Pad for kids all opened just in time for the new year.
“Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for our guests, and these new enhancements make it even easier for guests to trade the winter weather for the warm tropics…” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “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.”
Great Life Lagoon
Aside from the new pier, which practically guarantees the ship will never have to miss a Great Stirrup Cay call again, the Great Life Lagoon, with its massive 1.4-acre pool, is at the heart of the island’s transformation.
Built 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 younger cruises. (This is separate from Splash Harbor, a complimentary kids splash pad just steps away from the pool.)
Meanwhile, adults can enjoy the two swim-up bars.
Surrounding the new pool are private cabanas with ocean and pool views.
Another improvement now open on the island is Vibe Shore Club, an extra-fee, adults-only area, accessible only by day pass, offering an exclusive beachfront, private bar, extra-fee cabanas, and more.
There’s also a new Welcome Center and a tram system to make getting around the island easier.
Look ahead, NCL will open the Great Tides Waterpark this summer. The action-packed spot will feature 19 waterslides ranging from adrenaline-pumping to laid-back, including the Tidal Tower with its eight waterslides, two of which will be the tallest on the island. 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.
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.
In 2026, 17 of NCL’s ships will offer itineraries that visit Great Stirrup Cay.
