NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that Great Tides Waterpark, the newest attraction within its private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, will officially open on September 4th, 2026 during the inaugural Caribbean season of Norwegian Luna. The announcement introduces an expanded shore experience designed to broaden the range of activities available to guests visiting the island.
Advance access to the waterpark will become available for guests booked on sailings calling at Great Stirrup Cay from the opening date onward, allowing reservations to be secured ahead of arrival through the cruise booking system. Alongside standard admission, private cabanas accommodating up to six guests will also be available, combining shaded relaxation with immediate access to the central water attractions and included entry into the park.
The development extends beyond the water-based attractions themselves through the addition of dedicated dining offerings in the form of three food trucks, positioned to complement the park environment and provide additional onboard-style convenience within the island setting.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, described Great Stirrup Cay as continuing to strengthen its position among private island destinations in the Bahamas and noted that Great Tides Waterpark represents the next phase of its ongoing transformation. He indicated that guests would be able to plan their island day in advance while combining active experiences with more relaxed elements of the destination.
At nearly six acres in scale, Great Tides Waterpark is structured around the 170-foot Tidal Tower, which anchors a collection of slides and water attractions. Features include water coasters with uphill propulsion elements, racing mat slides, tube slides and multi-person body slides designed to create varied levels of intensity across the guest experience.
Additional elements extend the offer beyond conventional waterpark design. Cliffside Cove introduces elevated cliff-jump experiences, while the hidden Grotto Bar provides a sheltered vantage point within the activity zone. Younger guests are accommodated through Splash Cay, a dedicated children’s area, while the Wandering River offers an extended current-driven route exceeding 800 feet in length.
The waterpark forms part of a wider programme of investment at Great Stirrup Cay that already includes Great Life Lagoon, featuring a beach-entry pool environment and expanded social spaces, alongside the adults-oriented Vibe Shore Club and family-focused facilities including Splash Harbor. Updated island transportation infrastructure has also been introduced to improve circulation across the destination.
Great Stirrup Cay remains integrated into Norwegian’s wider Caribbean network, with year-round access from embarkation ports across Florida and seasonal departures from additional northeastern homeports. Guests wishing to experience the opening period of Great Tides Waterpark can join Norwegian Luna’s 7-day Caribbean itinerary departing Miami on August 29th, 2026, incorporating calls across the eastern Caribbean alongside time at the newly expanded island destination.
Shorter Bahamas itineraries from Miami continue to be operated by Norwegian Getaway, offering additional opportunities to combine cruise travel with access to the evolving private island product. Reservations for Great Tides Waterpark are being opened through guests’ cruise accounts following confirmation of their voyage arrangements.