Norwegian Cruise Line will debut the nearly 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay in summer 2026, marking the largest expansion in the island’s history. The new development includes 19 waterslides, a nearly 800-ft. dynamic river and an industry-first Jet Karts water track—part of NCL’s new “The Great Life” destination experience.
To build consumer awareness and demand, NCL is launching a marketing campaign with live activations in New York City (July 29–31, 2025) and Miami (throughout August), alongside a nationwide sweepstakes awarding 250 complimentary cruises to the enhanced Bahamian private 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, in a media statement. “At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to ‘The Great Life’ with us. This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut. With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL. Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool—complete with multiple swim up bars—are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to YOUR ‘great life’ for a memorable vacation on and off the ship.”
High-Thrill Slides, Family Fun & Adult Escapes
The 170-ft. Tidal Tower will feature eight waterslides, including the island’s tallest, plus mat racers, spiraling tube slides, and body slides—some with conveyer belts to carry rafts. Cliffside Cove adds dual cliff jumps (10 and 15 ft.—an industry first) and the Caribbean’s only family slide for four riders at once. Guests looking to relax can head to The Grotto Bar, a tucked-away cave bar located beneath the family slide, offering cocktails and prime views of the action.
At the heart of the Great Tides Waterpark, a 9,000-sq.-ft. kids’ splash zone will feature a 40-ft. tipping bucket, eight mini slides and interactive water elements. Another highlight is the 800-ft. dynamic river, a faster alternative to a lazy river, with multiple entry points, including a wading pool near a swim-up bar. A standout feature is an illuminated grotto tunnel with bioluminescent-inspired lighting for a multi-sensory experience. Cabanas positioned along the river and kids’ splash zone will provide premium access to family-friendly areas.
Later this year, Norwegian Cruise Line guests will begin experiencing the first phase of enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay, including a new heated pool, multi-ship pier, scenic welcome plaza and an island-wide tram system for easier access throughout the destination. The 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon will follow, featuring two swim-up bars, private ocean- and pool-view cabanas and villas, and ample complimentary loungers.
Other new additions include Splash Harbor, a 3,400-sq.-ft. splash pad near the heated pool; Horizon Park with lawn games, pickleball, mini golf and a half sports court; Hammock Bay with 50 hammocks and a bar; and Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only area with daybeds, a private bar, and rentable villas.
Win a Trip to Great Stirrup Cay
As part of its “Escape to the Great Life” campaign, NCL will launch a U.S. and Canada-wide sweepstakes from July 29–Aug. 31, 2025, giving away 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay. Winners will receive a 4-day August 2026 sailing for two in a balcony stateroom, including the More At Sea package. Full details and entry info are available at ncl.com/great-stirrup-cay.
Get a Peek at All the Fun
From July 29–31, 2025, NCL will host a Great Stirrup Cay–themed pop-up in SoHo, New York City, as part of its “Escape to the Great Life” campaign. Additional activations will include branded “escape hatch” installations at seven high-traffic locations across Manhattan. In August, similar promotions will take place in Miami at Wynwood, Lincoln Road and Bayside Marketplace. All events tie into NCL’s national sweepstakes offering 250 free cruises to Great Stirrup Cay.
