Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a major expansion of its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, featuring the debut of the all-new Great Tides Waterpark in summer 2026. Spanning nearly six acres, the waterpark will include 19 waterslides, a dynamic river, cliff jumps, a kid-friendly splash zone, and the cruise industry’s first aquatic jet kart track.
“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,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “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.”
The headline attraction, Great Tides Waterpark, will feature the 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower, housing eight thrilling waterslides, including racing, tube, and body slides. A unique feature includes conveyor belts to carry rafts up the tower. Guests can also enjoy Cliffside Cove with 10- and 15-foot cliff jumps, racer slides, and the Caribbean’s only family slide. The Grotto Bar, hidden beneath the slide structure, provides a tropical hideaway.
Children will have their own 9,000-square-foot splash zone with eight mini slides, interactive water features, and a towering 40-foot tipping bucket. The 800-foot dynamic river offers a fast-paced alternative to the traditional lazy river, complete with a glowing bioluminescent grotto and swim-up bar access.
Additional amenities include Hammock Bay, with over 50 hammocks and a BBQ area; Horizon Park, featuring lawn games, mini golf, pickleball and more; and Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only escape with private villas and a dedicated bar.
As part of its “Escape to the Great Life” campaign, NCL is launching a nationwide sweepstakes from July 29 to August 31, 2025, giving away 250 cruises to the reimagined island. Pop-up activations will take place in New York City and Miami, featuring interactive installations and hidden “escape hatches” for a chance to win.
By 2026, 15 NCL ships will call at Great Stirrup Cay, including the new Norwegian Aqua™ and Norwegian Luna. NCL is also offering limited-time discounts and onboard credits through “The Great Life Sale.”
More information is available at www.ncl.com/great-stirrup-cay.