Just over a year after announcing a long-awaited pier for Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line has now unveiled even more transformative plans for its Bahamian private island.
Set to debut in summer 2026, the all-new Great Tides Waterpark will bring nearly six acres of exhilarating attractions, positioning Great Stirrup Cay to rival the region’s most talked-about private destinations, including Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay and Carnival’s Celebration Key.
“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,
“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.”
David Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.
A Bold Vision: Great Tides Waterpark
The centrepiece of the expansion is the Great Tides Waterpark, a sprawling playground packed with family-friendly and thrill-seeking attractions:
- Tidal Tower, a 170-foot structure with 19 unique waterslides, including racing slides, tube slides, and steep drops
- Cliffside Cove, featuring the cruise industry’s first cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet high
- A 9,000-square-foot splash zone for younger guests, complete with tipping buckets, mini slides, and fountains
- The only family raft slide in the Caribbean, accommodating four riders
- An 800-foot “dynamic river”, offering a more adrenaline-charged version of a lazy river with faster currents and an immersive, bioluminescent grotto tunnel
And in a truly Norwegian twist, the island will debut “jet karts” – a water-based racing experience blending go-karts and jet skis for an innovative and exclusive shore excursion.
Island Enhancements Begin in Late 2025
While the waterpark won’t open until summer 2026, significant enhancements will begin to roll out by late 2025:
New Pier
Perhaps the most practical upgrade, the new pier facility will eliminate the need for tendering – a common cause of weather-related cancellations. This will greatly increase reliability and accessibility for visiting ships.
Great Life Lagoon
A serene retreat featuring a heated lagoon pool, cabana and villa rentals, and two swim-up bars – the Reef Bar and Waves Bar – serving adult and child-friendly beverages alike.
Splash Harbor and Horizon Park
The 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor will entertain little ones with interactive water features, while Horizon Park offers dryland activities such as:
- Pickleball
- Mini-golf (9 holes)
- Sports court
- Lawn games like ring toss and cornhole
Vibe Shore Club and Hammock Bay
Adults seeking tranquillity can escape to Vibe Shore Club, a refined, adults-only area echoing the popular Vibe Beach Club aboard Norwegian ships.
It will offer premium loungers, umbrellas, and villa rentals (day pass required).
Meanwhile, Hammock Bay delivers pure relaxation with over 50 hammocks, a dedicated bar, and a nearby BBQ buffet.
Redefining the Private Island Experience
These developments signal a major investment in Norwegian Cruise Line’s private destination strategy, elevating Great Stirrup Cay well beyond its current offerings and placing it in direct competition with nearby private ports – especially Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, located less than a mile away.
The additions come in line with Norwegian’s broader focus on next-generation cruise experiences, as seen with go-karts on Norwegian Prima and now jet karts at sea-level.
While full details regarding pricing, food and beverage options, and booking access for the new attractions are still to come, guests are encouraged to book late 2026 sailings now to be among the first to experience the reinvented Great Stirrup Cay.
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