Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled plans to transform its private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, highlighted by the introduction of the expansive Great Tides Waterpark set to open in summer 2026. Spanning nearly six acres, the waterpark will feature 19 waterslides, an 800-foot dynamic river, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ splash zone, and the cruise industry’s first cliffside jumps.
The Tidal Tower, standing 170 feet high, will anchor the waterpark and include eight exhilarating slides, ranging from mat racers to spiraling tube slides. Cliffside Cove will offer guests two cliff jumps, standing 10 and 15 feet tall, and the Caribbean’s only family slide designed for up to four riders. The dynamic river will run through a bioluminescent grotto tunnel, providing an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
Additional enhancements include the Great Life Lagoon, featuring a 1.4-acre heated pool area with swim-up bars and private cabanas. Families can enjoy Horizon Park, equipped with lawn games, mini golf, and pickleball courts. Hammock Bay will offer over 50 relaxing hammocks alongside a dedicated bar, while the adults-only Vibe Shore Club will provide premium villas and an upscale retreat.
“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,” said David J. Herrera, president of NCL. “With each phase of enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL.'”
To celebrate these enhancements, NCL is launching the “Escape to the Great Life” sweepstakes, running now through August 31. The campaign will award 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay, including a four-day voyage in August 2026 with a balcony stateroom and NCL’s More At Sea package. For additional details on the sweepstakes or to enter to win, visit www.ncl.com/great-stirrup-cay.
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NCL anticipates welcoming one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026, offering voyages from 15 of its ships, including its newest vessels, Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. Itineraries will feature seven-day Caribbean journeys from Miami and Orlando.
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 on-board credit per stateroom to use during their sailing. In addition, guests can enjoy even more with NCL’s ‘More at Sea’ package, providing over $2,000 of savings on guest favorite amenities, including unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursion credits, and Wi-Fi.
For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784) or visit www.ncl.com.
