Norwegian Cruise Line to Debut Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is embarking on an ambitious multi-year transformation of its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, with the centerpiece being the Great Tides Waterpark. Scheduled to open by summer 2026, the nearly six-acre waterpark represents a major milestone in the cruise line's efforts to provide innovative and family-friendly experiences. Complementary upgrades across the island, including a multi-ship pier, heated pools, and new recreational zones, aim to elevate guest satisfaction while addressing the logistical challenges of docking and capacity.

Great Tides Waterpark: Revolutionizing Private Island Entertainment

The Great Tides Waterpark will introduce a host of groundbreaking attractions, establishing it as one of the most distinctive offerings in the cruise industry:

• 19 waterslides: Featuring high-speed racer slides, body slides, and spiraled tube slides, some equipped with conveyor belts to lift rafts. Tidal Tower, a 170-foot structure, will host eight slides, including two of the tallest in the waterpark.
• Dynamic river: Nearly 800 feet long, offering a faster current than traditional lazy rivers and multiple entry points, including a wading pool with a swim-up bar.
• Cliffside Cove: Home to the cruise industry's first cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet, along with racer slides and the Caribbean's only family slide accommodating four riders simultaneously.
• Splash zone for kids: A 9,000-square-foot area featuring eight mini slides, interactive water features, and a giant tipping bucket stationed 40 feet above the ground.
• Illuminated grotto tunnel: A multi-sensory attraction with bioluminescent-style lighting along the river course.
• Convenience-focused amenities: Cabanas near the splash zone and dynamic river, plus The Grotto Bar, a quiet hideaway beneath the family slide for adult relaxation.

David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, emphasized the importance of innovating private island experiences, stating, "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. These upgrades reinvent what guests can experience on our 270-acre island."

Island-Wide Enhancements: Schedule and Features

Complementing the flagship waterpark are additional amenities designed to improve access, comfort, and recreational variety across Great Stirrup Cay. These upgrades are unfolding on a staged timeline:

• Late 2025: A two-ship pier to reduce weather-related cancellations, scenic welcome plaza, island-wide tram service, Great Life Lagoon featuring heated pools and swim-up bars, and Splash Harbor with interactive fountains for kids.
• Spring 2026: Hammock Bay with over 50 hammocks, a BBQ buffet, and a dedicated bar; Horizon Park offering lawn games, pickleball courts, and a nine-hole mini-golf course; Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only retreat requiring day passes for premium access to lounges, villas, and a private bar.
• Summer 2026: Grand opening of Great Tides Waterpark, featuring family and thrill attractions designed for all ages, alongside a jet kart aquatic racecourse offering a unique shore excursion.

Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, noted that these enhancements aim to bolster onboard returns while improving guest satisfaction. “This expansion supports larger volumes and offers broader on-island choices while reducing logistical hurdles through dockside access,” Sommer stated.

Economic and Logistical Outcomes

NCL projects significant visitor increases to Great Stirrup Cay, facilitated by the new pier, larger recreational capacity, and enhanced amenities. Approximately 1 million guests are expected in 2026, representing about one-third of the company’s global capacity, a figure anticipated to rise by 20% to 1.2 million in 2027. These visitors will be served by 21 vessels operating from nine homeports.

Beyond guest experience, these updates are designed to drive onboard revenue through exclusive features like villas, cabanas, and day-pass-only zones. By improving call reliability and diversifying the island’s attractions, NCL positions Great Stirrup Cay for sustained growth within a competitive private island market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When will the Great Tides Waterpark open?

The Great Tides Waterpark is slated to debut by summer 2026, aligning with the peak Caribbean cruise season.

What are the unique attractions at the waterpark?

The park will include the 170-foot Tidal Tower with eight slides, industry-first cliffside jumps at 10 and 15 feet, a dynamic river spanning 800 feet, a kids splash zone, and the Caribbean’s only family slide for four simultaneous riders.

How will new docking amenities impact operations?

A two-ship pier scheduled for completion in late 2025 will allow vessels to dock, minimizing cancellations due to poor weather and improving call reliability.

Are there adults-only options available on the island?

Yes, the Vibe Shore Club offers an exclusive adults-only retreat with premium loungers, umbrellas, villas, and a private bar, accessible via day passes.

Will there be additional costs for new attractions?

Pricing details for amenities like the waterpark, cabanas, and jet kart aquatic racecourse have not yet been disclosed by NCL.

With its enhanced amenities, innovative waterpark features, and expanded capacities, Norwegian Cruise Line’s transformation of Great Stirrup Cay underscores its commitment to reshaping private island experiences while meeting growing demand in the Bahamas.