The upgrades of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas include a swim-up bars, waterslides, and a jet karts water track. The new features will be available as of the summer of 2026.
Norwegian Cruise Line is one of the international cruise operators – including Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean – to have its own private island. And despite the company’s name, that island is located in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay, as it is called, is a regular stop for the cruise line during Caribbean itineraries.
The cruise company has now announced a range of new additions that are scheduled for the island. Not only will there be an aquatics racecourse with jet karts, a new heated pool, a multi-ship pier, and an island-wide tram service – a six-acre waterpark is also scheduled to open its doors in 2026.
“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,” stated David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
New additions to relax and to play
The Great Tides Waterpark, as it will be called, will offer a wide array of activities to cruise passengers. A 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower will feature no less than eight waterslides, while Cliffside Cove will have racing slides and two cliff jumps. Moreover, the park will feature the Caribbean’s sole family slide, designed to allow four guests to slide down at the same time, and a 9,000 square foot kids zone, as well as an 800-foot-long water experience with accelerated current. And for those less interested in activities, there will be The Grotto Bar, an ideal place to calm down with a cocktail.
“This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut. With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL. Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool – complete with multiple swim up bars, are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark, or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to YOUR ‘great life’ for a memorable vacation on and off the ship. I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the greatest private island in the Caribbean,” said David J. Herrera.
Water park aside, Great Stirrup Cay will also accommodate a new pool area (including the Great Life Lagoon with private cabanas and day villas), the so-called Splash Harbour, and a recreational area named Horizon Park. Adults without children will meanwhile be able to relax at the kid-free Vibe Shore Club, where a private bar, hanging day beds, and premium lounge seating offer all the comfort one may dream of.
