A splish-splashin’ good time awaits travelers at Great Stirrup Cay, as Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. recently announced its latest addition to the private island destination, Great Tides Waterpark. The nearly six-acre fun zone is slated to open in summer 2026, joining one of the many enhancements to this Bahamian paradise from NCL.
Great Tides Waterpark offers an experience for everyone, from family-friendly slides to private adults-only areas, ensuring each guest has a memorable time on the island.
“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 Norwegian Cruise Line. “This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut.”
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A Sneak Peek Into the Exciting Attractions and Experiences
The Great Tides Waterpark boasts an impressive 19 waterslides on the property. Tidal Tower, a hard-to-miss 170-foot structure, houses eight varying rides, including mat racing, tube slides with thrilling twists and turns and body slides. Naturally, two of the park’s tallest rides are also located at Tidal Tower.
Adventure-seekers and adrenaline enthusiasts will particularly enjoy Cliffside Cove, an area of the park with racer slides and two cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet tall. This space also has a family-friendly ride, seating up to four guests at one time so that all members of the group can experience the fun together.
The Grotto Bar, a hidden cave bar under the family slide, is the perfect area for those who’d prefer to watch from the sidelines with a delicious cocktail in hand, while a 9,000-square-foot splash zone beckons the young ones. The eight mini slides, interactive water features and oversized tipping bucket are sure to keep guests of all ages entertained.
Rounding out the latest additions is a nearly 800-foot dynamic river. This isn’t the slow-moving lazy river most travelers associate with waterparks but instead utilizes an accelerated current for a more exciting experience. Along the way, vacationers will find an illuminated grotto tunnel with a bioluminescent scene to captivate the senses.
Other Island Enhancements
As shared at the beginning of the year, NCL has a variety of other enhancements anticipated to debut on Great Stirrup Cay at the end of 2025. Here’s a glimpse into the other attractions and experiences soon to be available to guests.
- Jet karts: An aquatic racecourse combining the beloved activities of go-karting and jet skiing.
- The Great Life Lagoon: A 1.4-acre pool, complete with private ocean and pool view cabanas and villas, complimentary loungers and two swim-up bars.
- Reef Bar: Part of the expansive pool, this vibrant space has a DJ cooking up good beats all day long.
- The Waves Bar: Located on the opposite side of the Lagoon, this area offers a beach-style entrance to a kids splash area.
- Horizon Park: A complimentary recreational area with lawn-style games, pickleball courts, nine-hole mini golf, half a sports court and more.
- Hammock Bay: Living up to its name, this section includes 50 hammocks (perfect for a quick afternoon snooze in the sun), conveniently situated near one of the property’s bars and a BBQ buffet.
- Vibe Shore Club: An adults-only, exclusive oceanfront experience. Find luxury and relaxation here with hanging daybeds and premium lounge seating.
Win a Visit to Paradise
Travelers interested in visiting Great Stirrup Cay can do so with NCL’s nationwide sweepstakes, running from July 29 to Aug. 31, 2025. The brand is giving away 250 cruises to the private island, offering a four-day voyage for two passengers in August 2026. To enter, simply fill out the form on NCL’s website.
Additionally, vacationers in Miami (NCL’s hometown) should keep an eye out for three “escape hatches” throughout the city next month. The immersive pop-up experience gives travelers an inside look at the island, with chances to win a cruise. These hatches can be found in Wynwood, on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and at Bayside Marketplace downtown.
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