NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled a sweeping transformation of its Bahamian retreat, Great Stirrup Cay. Scheduled for summer 2026, the nearly 6‑acre Great Tides Waterpark will feature 19 waterslides, a dynamic river spanning almost 800 feet, a 9,000‑square‑foot splash zone for children, and cliffside jumps—unprecedented in the cruise line industry.
At the heart of the park, the 170‑foot Tidal Tower will host 8 exhilarating slides—two drop slides, racing lanes, spirals and tube slides—some of which include conveyor belts to convey tubes skyward. The family slide at Cliffside Cove will accommodate up to four riders, while cliff jumps of 10 and 15 feet offer guests greater thrills. A grotto bar hidden beneath the family slide provides a shaded vantage point for observing the excitement.
Children will find an oversized dumping bucket, eight mini slides and interactive water features in Tidepool Town. A winding dynamic river with faster-than-usual current winds through an illuminated grotto tunnel and includes a swim‑up bar and well‑placed cabanas along the banks.
Before phase two debuts in 2026, early enhancements arriving later in 2025 include the expansive 1.4‑acre Great Life Lagoon—a heated pool area graced with two swim‑up bars, free loungers, cabanas, villas and a family‑friendly Splash Harbor. A new multi‑ship pier will allow docking rather than tendering, and a tram service will provide easy transit across the island. Recreational features such as Horizon Park for lawn games and pickleball, and Hammock Bay—offering more than 50 hammock‑hung spots under palms—will also be available. A mini aquatic racecourse, combining jet‑powered karts and go‑karting, is slated as a new shore excursion option.
David J. Herrera, NCL’s president, affirmed that Great Stirrup Cay has long been a highly rated destination, and that these additions will bring ashore enhanced experiences guests have sought, reinforcing the island’s role as part of the “Great Life” brand vision.
This transformation is backed by a reported US$150 million investment, aiming to elevate Great Stirrup Cay into a standout private‑island destination. Alongside the enhanced amenities, the expansion is expected to increase visits to over 1 million guests across 15 ships by 2026, marking a significant growth from the approximately 400,000 who visited in 2024.