Norwegian Cruise Line to Upgrade Great Stirrup Cay with Pier, Pool and Vibe Beach Club by 2025

By the end of 2025, Great Stirrup Cay won’t only have a much-awaited multi-ship pier, it will boast such features as an expansive pool area with dedicated bar and kids splash zone, a shoreside Vibe Beach Club and Horizon Park, and a relaxation zone with hammocks and other Tiki-inspired amenities.

A new tram service will also make it easier for guests to get around.

“Great Stirrup Cay – GSC – is one of our top-rated ports of call in the world, and definitely in the Caribbean,” David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, told TMR. “Our guests love the idea of a genuine and authentic private island experience in The Bahamas… But the reality is, it’s not always easy to tender in the Caribbean, especially during the winter.”

Guest feedback, he added, made it very clear that guests wanted an easier, more reliable method of visiting the island. Herrera made it clear that he feels the same frustration that guests do whenever GSC has to be skipped because of weather.

“First and foremost, we had to build a pier. We’re not just going to build a pier and do nothing else. That’s not what Norwegian Cruise Line is all about,” he said, adding he’s been dying to finally talk about NCL’s plans for the island.

“We’re trying to stay as true to the current private island, Bahamian vibe as we can,” he said.

New Pool & Water Fun

Near the main beach, dining hall, and snorkel house, Norwegian Cruise Line is building a massive, heated pool that will feature an adult area with swim-up bar and DJ, and a section for kids with a gradual entrance into the shallower water. Additionally, it will be surrounded by rentable cabanas and “unlimited” loungers.

“It is going to be a hub of the island,” Herrera told TMR, using descriptors such as “cool,” “fun,” and “energetic.”

Nearby, NCL is building a splash zone for kids with a tipping bucket and more.

The decision to add the pool came directly from guest feedback, Herrara said.

Great Stirrup Cay’s Vibe Beach Club

The shoreside version of Norwegian’s adults-only lounge will feature private cabanas, loungers, and other upgraded amenities.

It will be a separate cost from the on-ship Vibe, but Herrera said there will probably be special pricing for those that purchased an onboard pass.

“When something works on the ships, we know it’s going to work on the ship too,” Herrera explained of the decision to put a Vibe Beach Club on GSC. “It’s going to be right on the water. It’s going to be secluded. It’s going to be a great opportunity to continue that same ship experience of Vibe on the island.”

Great Stirrup Cay’s Horizon Park

Horizon Park, which recently debuted on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway, is a family friendly area with lawn-style games and more. It will be located directly beneath GSC’s zipline. It will feature shaded areas, beverage carts, picnic areas, and more.

Relaxation Areas

To continue the beachside Bahamian vibe that the island is known for, a new relaxation area will be built complete with hammocks for an afternoon, nap, as well as other Tiki-inspired amenities and experiences yet to be revealed.

Of all the new venues announced, only Vibe will have an extra cost.

“The pool is free, the Horizon Park is free, the tram is free. We’re not trying to squeeze out every nickel we can here. This about enhancing the guest experience,” Herrera said.

Herrera emphasized these enhancements are only the beginning of NCL’s plans for GSC, with more planned down the line.

“I assure you there is much more that is going to get announced, much more that is going to be developed,” he said. “This is what we’re going to have up and running by the end of 2025. In the next few months, all of this is going to be available to our guests.”

The reveal came on the same day that Norwegian Cruise Line named its newest ship, Norwegian Aqua at its terminal in Miami.

“Today is a very special day for all of us at NCL – we are welcoming a new incredible ship into our fleet with the christening of the stunning and action-packed, Norwegian Aqua,” Herrera said during the naming ceremony. “In addition, we are unveiling here today, that Great Stirrup Cay is getting even greater with MORE to do! Later this year we will launch new experiences for our guests to enjoy on this already incredible private island.”