The tides are changing at Norwegian‘s Great Stirrup Cay — with the addition of its brand-new Great Tides Waterpark, that is.
In a July 29 press release, the budget-friendly cruise line announced its plans to add a 6-acre water park to its private island escape in the Bahamas in summer 2026. The build-out is part of a larger Great Stirrup Cay expansion that kicks off in late 2025. The announcement comes on the heels of Carnival’s brand-new Celebration Key private island destination opening on July 19.
Norwegian Cruise Line passengers on select Caribbean itineraries can expect the following highlights:
Great Tides Waterpark
— Multiple waterslides: a total of 19 waterslides
— Dynamic river: a nearly 800-foot, energized version of a standard lazy river, fitted with a wading pool and a bioluminescent-style tunnel
— Tidal Tower: a 170-foot structure with eight distinct waterslides
— Cliffside Cove: complete with racer slides; two industry-first cliff jumps towering 10 and 15 feet tall, respectively; the only four-person family slide in the Caribbean; and the secluded Grotto Bar, hidden in a cave beneath the family slide
— Kids splash zone: a 9,000-square-foot play area featuring a 40-foot-tall tipping water bucket, eight miniature slides, water features and more
— Premium cabanas: dotted around the dynamic river and kids splash zone
Other Great Stirrup Cay Enhancements
— Great Life Lagoon: a new 1.4-acre pool area with private cabanas/villas, complimentary lounge chairs and two swim-up bars designed for adults and kids (the Reef Bar and Waves Bar, respectively)
— Splash Harbor: a complimentary kids splash pad with immersive fountains and a lounge in the shade
— Horizon Park: an included sports area with lawn games, pickleball courts, a mini-golf course and more
— Hammock Bay: a serene beach area with 50 hammocks, a bar and a nearby barbecue buffet
— Vibe Shore Club: an exclusive adults-only zone with day beds, umbrellas, villas and a private bar (admission fee applies)
— All-new features: new mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts shore excursion; new heated swimming pool; new pier accommodating multiple ships; and a revamped welcome plaza with an island-wide tram
Fifteen ships are scheduled to sail to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026, including two of Norwegian’s newest vessels: Norwegian Aqua (launched April 2025) and Norwegian Luna (debuting spring 2026).
Great Stirrup Cay spans more than 250 acres on the Berry Islands of the Bahamas; it is one of the oldest cruise line private islands, dating back to the 1970s.
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Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Great Stirrup Cay Expansion with Epic Water Park originally appeared on usnews.com
