Norwegian Cruise Line Previews Great Tides Waterpark in Bahamas
Norwegian Cruise Line has held the island since 1977, when it became the cruise industry's first private island destination, and a new two-berth pier is now in service.
Norwegian Cruise Line opened its nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay to invited guests Tuesday. The park’s 19 slides and two cliff jumps open to regular passengers Sept. 4, 2026. The waterpark is part of NCL’s redevelopment of the 270-acre Bahamas private island, where a new two-berth pier is also in service.
The paid NCL park is across the water from Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay, which reopened under its current format in 2019 after a major redevelopment.
“It’s one of the most important destinations for us,” NCL President Marc Kazlauskas said. NCL has held the island since 1977, when it became the cruise industry’s first private island destination.
Inside the four park zones
The park’s centerpiece is the 170-foot Tidal Tower, which carries eight slides. They include the Breakwater Blasters, two tube slides that use high-pressure water jets to propel riders uphill, along with body, mat and two-person tube slides.
At Cliffside Cove, guests can jump into the water from platforms measuring 10 and 15 feet. NCL bills the feature as the cruise industry’s first cliff-jumping attraction and the tallest of its kind in the Caribbean. The zone also includes The Great Slide, designed for four riders at once, and the Fearless Falls slides.
The Wandering River runs for more than 800 feet through tropical landscaping and a tunnel. Its route passes the Floataway Bar, where riders can stop while remaining in the water. A second venue, the Grotto Bar, overlooks the cliff-jumping area.
For younger guests, the 9,000-square-foot Splash Cay has eight mini slides, interactive water features and a 300-gallon tipping bucket. Complimentary loungers, umbrellas, lockers and towels are available around the park, while private cabanas can be reserved with admission for as many as six people.
NCL added three food trucks: Low Tide Smoke for barbecue, Catch of the Cay for seafood and Tidal Treats for ice cream and desserts. Those menus are priced à la carte, while buffet-style dining is complimentary. NCL’s Free at Sea unlimited beverage package can be used at Great Stirrup Cay.
Paid admission and direct access ashore
Waterpark admission requires a separate day pass, available through a passenger’s myNCL account after a cruise reservation is completed. Prices vary by sailing according to seasonality and availability.
Outside the waterpark, Great Stirrup Cay includes the 28,000-square-foot Great Life Lagoon pool, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, Silver Cove villas, beaches, cabanas, water sports and a zip line. The new pier allows two NCL ships to berth simultaneously, providing direct access ashore for passengers on those vessels.
The preview event included a Junkanoo performance and hospitality areas sponsored by Aperol, Casamigos, Coca-Cola and Hampton Water. Randy Rolle, the Bahamas member of Parliament for Bimini and the Berry Islands, said Great Stirrup Cay supports economic opportunities for local craftspeople, entrepreneurs and transportation providers; some vendors at the island market are third-generation operators.
Norwegian Luna departed Miami on Aug. 29 for a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary calling at Puerto Plata, St. Thomas and Tortola. It is scheduled to reach Great Stirrup Cay at 10 a.m. on opening day with the park’s first regular cruise guests.
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