Get Ready for a Splash! NCL Unveils Massive Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is taking its private island experience to the next level with a massive transformation of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The cruise line has announced an array of new amenities, with the centerpiece being a nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark- set to open in the summer of 2026.

This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a complete reinvention of the island experience. According to David J. Herrera, President of NCL, Great Stirrup Cay is already one of the cruise line’s most popular destinations, and these new additions are designed to bring ashore even more of what guests love about sailing with NCL.

Great Tides Waterpark

The new waterpark is packed with thrills for all ages. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

• WATERSLIDES | 19 waterslides in total, including a 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower featuring eight different slides.
• CLIFFSIDE COVE | The Cliffside Cove will feature racer slides and, for the first time in the cruise industry, two different cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet tall. This area will also have the Caribbean’s only family slide, allowing four people to ride at once.
• CRAZY LAZY RIVER | A “dynamic river” that’s nearly 800 feet long with an accelerated current—a faster, more exciting twist on the traditional lazy river.
• KID’S ZONE | A 9,000-square-foot kids’ splash zone complete with an oversized tipping bucket that stands over 40 feet high.

Beyond the Waterpark

While the Great Tides Waterpark is a major highlight, NCL is making improvements across the entire island. Some of these enhancements will debut even sooner than the waterpark, with a new heated pool arriving later this year. Other notable additions include:

• A NEW PIER | There will be a new multi-ship pier, as well as a welcome plaza, and an island-wide tram system built.
• LAGOON | The Great Life Lagoon is a new pool area with cabanas and multiple swim-up bars.
• JET KART RACING | NCL will build a mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts, combining the thrill of go-karting and jet skiing.
• HORIZON PARK | Horizon Park is a new recreational area with pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini golf course, and other lawn games.
• HAMMOCK BAY | This is a dedicated relaxation spot with over 50 hammocks.
• VIBE SHORE CLUB | A new adults-only area with a private bar, hanging daybeds, and premium lounge seating.

Are you excited about the new changes coming to Great Stirrup Cay? What are you most looking forward to?

Booking Your Cruise

With these extensive upgrades, Great Stirrup Cay is poised to become an even bigger destination for NCL guests, offering everything from adrenaline-pumping slides to serene, relaxing hammocks. Now that you are ready to experience the island for yourself, reach out to the experts at Harr Travel. We have a great relationship with NCL, and will book you and your family the cruise vacation of a lifetime at an incredible value.