Norwegian Cruise Line plans major waterpark, new facilities for Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced further details of its ongoing redevelopment of Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, with a new six-acre waterpark and a range of upgraded amenities set to open in summer 2026.

The centrepiece of the redevelopment is Great Tides Waterpark, featuring 19 waterslides, cliff jumps, a dynamic river, and a large splash zone for children. The new attraction will also include a 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower, offering eight slides including racing mats and tube rides. 

A 9,000-square-foot kids’ area will include interactive water features and an oversized tipping bucket more than 40 feet high. A swim-up bar and riverside cabanas will also be included.

In what Norwegian Cruise Line says is an industry first, the waterpark will also introduce two cliffside jump platforms at heights of 10 and 15 feet, as well as a family slide designed for four guests to ride simultaneously. Nearby, a hidden cave bar called The Grotto Bar will provide refreshments and views of the activity.

Also under development is a mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts, combining elements of go-karting and jet skiing, to be offered as a shore excursion.

“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. “At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience [while ashore].”

The redevelopment also includes several other features launching later this year, such as a new multi-ship pier, a scenic welcome plaza, a heated pool, and an island-wide tram system. 

A 1.4-acre pool area, The Great Life Lagoon, will feature private cabanas, swim-up bars, and family splash zones. Other additions include a new sports and recreation zone, Horizon Park, with lawn games, pickleball courts, mini golf, and sports facilities.

Guests seeking a quieter atmosphere will have access to Hammock Bay, with over 50 hammocks and a dedicated bar near the island’s BBQ area, or Vibe Shore Club, a private adults-only space with premium seating, hanging day beds, and rentable villas.

To promote the enhancements, Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a sweepstakes campaign titled Escape to the Great Life, running from July 29th to August 31st, 2025. The promotion will award 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay, with winners receiving a four-day voyage for two in August 2026.

In support of the campaign, the cruise line is holding public events in New York City from July 29th to 31st, including a pop-up activation in SoHo. Further promotions are planned in Miami throughout August.

In 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line expects to welcome one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay, served by 15 ships. Among them will be Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, offering 7-day Caribbean itineraries that include stops in the Dominican Republic, US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay.