Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced additional details for its private island transformation on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, headlined by a nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark opening in summer 2026. From cliff jumps and jet karts to swim-up bars and splash zones, the expansion of the island’s offerings is designed to elevate every guest’s experience at Great Stirrup Cay.
Great Tides Waterpark
Anchored by 19 waterslides, a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, the 9,000-square-foot splash zone for kids and the industry’s first cliffside jumps, Great Tides Waterpark will deliver a range of thrilling experiences for guests of all ages.
At 170 feet, the Tidal Tower will be home to eight waterslides, including the two tallest slides of the tower where guests can experience splashing drops and thrilling climbs on an inner tube for an exhilarating ride. Additional offerings include racing slides, tube slides and body slides. Select slides will include conveyor belts to lift rafts to the top of the tower, eliminating the tedious task of guests carrying them up on their own.
Cliffside Cove will feature racer slides, two different cliff jumps standing at 10 and 15 feet tall—a cruise-industry first—as well as the Caribbean’s only family slide, where four guests can slide down simultaneously. The Grotto Bar, a hidden cave bar tucked under the family slide, will offer a range of cocktails.
(Norwegian Cruise Line)
At the center of Great Tides Waterpark will be a 9,000-square-foot kids splash zone with an oversized tipping bucket towering at over 40 feet above the ground, as well as eight mini slides and interactive water features. The waterpark will also feature an 800-foot-long dynamic river, an immersive water experience with an accelerated current that will be faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river. Guests will be able to enter the dynamic river from several points, including a wading pool with a swim-up bar nearby. A highlight on the river will be an illuminated grotto tunnel featuring a bioluminescent scene, offering a multi-sensory experience. Cabanas will be situated at the edge of the dynamic river and the kids splash zone for premium access to the popular family areas.
Island Enhancements
An all-new mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts—combining elements of go-karting and jet skiing—will soon be one of the top shore excursions available on the island for adventure seekers.
Debuting later this year, guests will start to enjoy some of the first enhanced experiences at Great Stirrup Cay, beginning with the opening of a new heated pool, a new multi-ship pier, the scenic welcome plaza and an island-wide tram service. The Great Life Lagoon, an expansive 1.4-acre pool area, will feature private ocean- and pool-view cabanas and villas, complimentary loungers and two swim-up bars offering a selection of beverages including kid-friendly drinks and adult-favorite cocktails. Each bar will have its own ambiance, with Reef Bar designed to be more vibrant with a DJ spinning all-day beats. The Waves Bar will be on the opposite side of the pool where a beach-style entrance leads to a splash area for kids with fun water features. Another popular family space will be the 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad steps away from the new heated pool, with interactive water fountains, aquatic features, and a shaded bar & lounge for adults.
(Norwegian Cruise Line)
The refreshed complimentary recreational area, Horizon Park, will feature lawn style games, pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini golf course, half a sports court, and more. Furthermore, Hammock Bay will include over 50 hammocks for the perfect afternoon nap, a dedicated bar and will be conveniently located near the guest-favorite BBQ buffet. Vibe Shore Club, the adults-only area, will feature a private bar, hanging day beds and premium lounge seating. Entrance to the adults-only area comes with the purchase of a day pass and includes an upgraded lounger and premium umbrella; villas will also be available to rent.
NCL’s “Escape to the Great Life” Sweepstakes
As part of the “Escape to the Great Life” campaign, NCL is launching a nationwide sweepstakes from July 29 to August 31, 2025, and giving away 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay for travelers to experience the attractions. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, consumers can enter for a chance to win a four-day voyage in August 2026 for two in a balcony stateroom inclusive of NCL’s “More At Sea” package. For additional details on the sweepstakes or to enter to win, visit www.ncl.com/gsc.
(Norwegian Cruise Line)
Additionally, NCL is bringing the island life to New York City (July 29 to 31, 2025) and in Miami (throughout August). In NYC, NCL is bringing Great Stirrup Cay to SoHo with a limited-time engagement experience. The pop-up activation is open to the public on July 29, 2025 from 3–7 p.m. EST, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST on July 30 and 31, 2025.
Coinciding with the consumer activation, seven custom “escape hatches” are hidden across Manhattan in the popular areas of Hudson Yards, Gansevoort Plaza, 54th Street in Times Square, Broadway and Broome, Grand Central Station, State Street in the Financial District and on the Highline Sundeck on 14th Street, providing the public additional opportunities to open the door and to enter to win one of the 250 cruise giveaways.
Throughout August, three “escape hatches” will also be hidden throughout Miami, NCL’s hometown, in Wynwood, on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and at Bayside Marketplace in downtown inviting the public to open the doors to enter to win an escape to “The Great Life” at Great Stirrup Cay.
Great Stirrup Cay Itineraries Heat Up in 2026
Due to the growing guest demand of Caribbean and Bahamas sailings, NCL is set to welcome one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay across 15 of its ships in 2026. Starting today and for a limited time, NCL is offering up to $1,500 off all Caribbean and Bahamas sailings with “The Great Life Sale” for guests to book their next tropical getaway. As an added bonus, Latitudes Members will also receive a $50 onboard credit per stateroom to use during their sailing. In addition, the “More at Sea” package provides over $2,000 of savings on guest favorite amenities including unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits and Wi-Fi.
For more information, call 888-625-2784 or visit www.ncl.com.
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