Norwegian Cruise Line sets September opening for Great Tides Waterpark

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that its new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay will officially open on September 4th, 2026, marking the latest phase of a major redevelopment of the company’s private island destination.

The nearly six-acre attraction will debut during a call by Norwegian Luna and will become one of the largest waterpark facilities operated by a cruise line at a private destination in the Caribbean.

Guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after the opening date can now begin purchasing day passes and reserving cabanas ahead of their voyage.

“Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in The Bahamas, and we’re excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on September 4th, 2026,” said Rebecca Ransom, MEA Business Development Manager, Norwegian Cruise Line.

“With the best activities for families and for every type of traveller, from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences, guests can now purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean,” she said.

At the centre of the new attraction will be the 170-foot Tidal Tower, which will house a collection of water slides including the Breakwater Blasters, described by the company as the first water coaster attraction of its kind, featuring a combination of uphill propulsion and downhill drops.

Other attractions include racing slides, tube slides, body slides, and Cliffside Cove, which Norwegian says will feature the industry’s first cliff-jumping attraction within a cruise line-operated waterpark.

The development will also include Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot children’s play area, and the Wandering River, an 800-foot attraction that reimagines the traditional lazy river with a more active experience.

Additional amenities include three new food trucks and the Grotto Bar, located beneath the main slide complex.

The waterpark forms part of a broader transformation of Great Stirrup Cay that has already seen the introduction of the Great Life Lagoon, a large pool complex featuring swim-up bars and expanded relaxation areas.

Other recent additions include the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, family-focused Splash Harbor facilities, and a new island tram network.

Great Stirrup Cay is visited year-round by Norwegian Cruise Line vessels sailing from homeports including Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, and Philadelphia.

The opening of Great Tides Waterpark will coincide with Norwegian Luna’s inaugural Caribbean deployment.

The vessel is scheduled to operate seven-night itineraries from Miami featuring calls in the Dominican Republic, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Great Stirrup Cay.

Great Tides Waterpark highlights

6 acres of attractions, 170-foot Tidal Tower, 19 water slides

Breakwater Blasters water coaster attraction

Cliffside Cove cliff-jumping area

The Great Slide 4-person body slide

Fearless Falls racing slides

Splash Cay children’s splash zone

Wandering River attraction extending more than 800 feet

3 new food trucks

Grotto Bar beneath the slide complex