NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a series of substantial developments at its private destination, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, centred on the introduction of the Great Life Lagoon, a pool complex covering almost 6,000 square metres. The lagoon, which exceeds the combined area of two Olympic-sized swimming pools, has been designed with a gradual, beach-style entry, dedicated splash areas for younger guests, two swim-up bars, and a ring of private cabanas positioned to overlook both the pool and the surrounding waters.
An additional adults-oriented facility, the Vibe Shore Club, has been created to provide a more secluded environment, with private cabanas, a bar and controlled access to a dedicated beachfront area. For families, the island now includes Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad for children, alongside a new Welcome Centre and an expanded tram network intended to improve circulation and access across the site. The opening of a new pier further streamlines arrivals, allowing vessels to berth directly and reducing reliance on tender operations.
Further expansion is planned with the introduction of the Great Tides Waterpark, scheduled to open in summer 2026. The attraction is set to include 19 waterslides, among them the tallest structures within the Tidal Tower, as well as racing slides, enclosed tube slides and body slides. Other features will include a 244-metre dynamic river, a children’s splash area extending over 800 square metres, and the Cliffside Cove zone, incorporating elevated jump points and competitive slide elements. Conveyor belt systems will be installed on selected rides to assist guests in reaching launch points.
The enhancements form part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s broader strategy for Great Stirrup Cay, which is expected to host more than one million visitors in 2026, supported by calls from 17 ships across the fleet. Norwegian Aqua is scheduled to operate 7-night Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Orlando through October 2027, while the newbuild Norwegian Luna is due to enter service in March 2026, offering comparable seven-day voyages to the Dominican Republic and the US and British Virgin Islands.