Norwegian Opens Great Stirrup Cay Pier, Ending Tender-Only Landings

Norwegian Cruise Line opened a newly completed multi-ship pier at its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, on Dec. 28, 2025, with Norwegian Getaway becoming the first ship to dock alongside and allowing guests to walk directly ashore rather than using tender boats.

First alongside call marks shift away from tender-only operations

Norwegian Getaway’s call took place during a three-night Bahamas cruise sailing roundtrip from PortMiami, with Great Stirrup Cay as the itinerary’s only port visit alongside a day at sea. Guests were notified of the milestone through the ship’s Freestyle Daily program, which highlighted that the sailing’s passengers would be the first to use the new facility.

On the same day, Norwegian Gem was also in the area but anchored offshore and continued operating with tenders. Both ships were scheduled in port from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.

The pier is designed to accommodate up to two large ships at a time, a capability Norwegian Cruise Line has said will streamline arrivals and departures and reduce the operational sensitivity to sea conditions that can disrupt tender operations and contribute to missed calls.

Project timeline and the broader investment plan

Plans for the Great Stirrup Cay pier were first announced in April 2024, and construction began in January 2025. The project target was completion by the end of 2025, with the pier entering service on Dec. 28, 2025.

Norwegian Cruise Line has framed the pier as part of a wider destination upgrade program, citing an investment of about $150 million in expanding and improving Great Stirrup Cay. “We have made a transformational investment in Great Stirrup Cay to provide an enhanced experience, which now includes guests no longer being required to tender from ship to shore,” the company said in a statement.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also said the new docking facility will be available to ships across Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ portfolio, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.

New guest areas now open across Great Stirrup Cay

The pier opening coincides with a slate of additions that Norwegian Cruise Line has been rolling out to expand the island’s mix of family, relaxation, and transportation options.

• Great Life Lagoon: A 1.4-acre heated pool area described as larger than two Olympic-sized pools combined, featuring a beach-style entrance, two swim-up bars, water toys for kids, and surrounding lounge space. Private cabanas are also offered.
• Splash Harbor: A children’s water play area near the pool complex with water features such as sprays and slides.
• Vibe Shore Club: An adults-only beachfront area for guests 18 and older, offered via an all-day pass and featuring a private bar and cabanas.
• On-island transportation and arrivals: An island-wide tram service and a Welcome Center intended to help with orientation and movement between island areas.
• Hammock Bay: A quieter zone featuring more than 50 hammocks.

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said the upgrades build on an already popular stop. “Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for our guests, and these enhancements make it easier than ever to escape into the warm, tropical paradise while enjoying premium experiences,” Sommer said.

Great Tides Waterpark planned for summer 2026

Norwegian Cruise Line’s next major project at Great Stirrup Cay is Great Tides Waterpark, scheduled to open in summer 2026. The company has described the nearly six-acre waterpark as including 19 water slides, an approximately 800-foot river feature, children’s play areas, and a cliff-jumping component.

Plans also call for a signature tower intended to anchor multiple slides, and Norwegian Cruise Line has said select rides will use conveyor systems designed to move rafts uphill.

How the island fits into upcoming sailings

With the pier and new amenities moving into full operation, Norwegian Cruise Line has projected that more than 1 million guests will visit Great Stirrup Cay in 2026, supported by calls across 17 ships.

Ships and homeports cited by the company during the broader enhancement period include Norwegian Getaway from PortMiami; Norwegian Gem from Jacksonville; Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Aqua from Port Canaveral; Norwegian Breakaway from New York; and Norwegian Viva from Galveston. Norwegian Luna, due to enter service in March 2026, is also slated to call at the island from PortMiami, and Norwegian Cruise Line has said Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Viva, and Norwegian Luna will include Great Stirrup Cay in their 2027 sailings.

As cruise lines continue to invest in private destinations, Norwegian Cruise Line’s approach at Great Stirrup Cay centers on shifting the call experience toward a dock-and-go operation while phasing in additional attractions through summer 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of the new pier at Great Stirrup Cay?

The pier allows up to two large ships to dock at the same time, which reduces reliance on tender boats and gives guests direct access from ship to shore. Norwegian Cruise Line has said the change can improve operational efficiency and reduce weather-related disruptions that can affect tender operations and lead to missed calls.

What new features are available on Great Stirrup Cay?

New and recently introduced additions include Great Life Lagoon (a 1.4-acre heated pool area with two swim-up bars), Splash Harbor (a kids’ water play area), the adults-only Vibe Shore Club (offered via an all-day pass), an island-wide tram service, a Welcome Center, and Hammock Bay with more than 50 hammocks.

When will Great Tides Waterpark open, and what will it include?

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced Great Tides Waterpark for summer 2026. The company’s plans call for a nearly six-acre waterpark with 19 water slides, an approximately 800-foot river feature, children’s areas, and a cliff-jumping component, along with a signature tower and select rides that use conveyor systems to move rafts uphill.

Which ships will call at Great Stirrup Cay?

Norwegian Cruise Line expects more than 1 million guests to visit Great Stirrup Cay in 2026 across 17 ships. Ships cited for calls during the enhancement period include Norwegian Getaway (PortMiami), Norwegian Gem (Jacksonville), Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Aqua (Port Canaveral), Norwegian Breakaway (New York), Norwegian Viva (Galveston), and Norwegian Luna, which is due to enter service in March 2026 and is slated to call from PortMiami. Norwegian Cruise Line has also said Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Viva, and Norwegian Luna will include the island in their 2027 sailings.

Will Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises be able to use the pier?

Yes. Norwegian Cruise Line has said the pier will be available to ships across Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, including Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises.