Norwegian Cruise Line announces new Great Tides Water Park and other industry-first experiences

Norwegian Cruise Line® (NCL), the global innovator in cruise, today announced further details on the transformation of its private island on Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas, with the 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark, opening in mid-2026, and other incredible experiences that will offer guests unforgettable adventures and endless relaxation.

From cliff diving and jet karts to swim-up bars and splash zones, the island expansion is designed to enhance the experience for all guests—adults and children alike—with more freedom, more flexibility, and more ways to experience “The Great Life!” on Great Stirrup Cay.

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been an incredible part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and remains one of our top-rated destinations,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “At over 109 hectares, our private island offers us an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to “The Great Life” with us. This new water park is an exceptional addition to our recent announcement of other incredible new island amenities soon to debut. With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL ashore. Whether you want to relax in the massive new heated pool, featuring multiple swim-up bars, or take on one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Water Park, or simply enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon offer even more ways to escape to YOUR “great life” for an unforgettable vacation on and off the ship. I’m thrilled to welcome our guests to the Caribbean’s finest private island!”

Great Tides Water Park will offer unique experiences in the sector with adrenaline-filled adventures and relaxation.

With 19 waterslides, from adrenaline-pumping to relaxing adventure, a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, an 8,500-square-foot kids’ splash pad, and the industry’s first cliff dives, Great Tides Waterpark will give guests MORE to do and MORE to enjoy.

At 52 meters tall, the unmissable Tidal Tower will house eight thrilling water slides, including the tower's two tallest slides, where guests can experience splashing splashes and exhilarating ascents on a float for a thrilling ride. Other slides include racing slides where guests can speed to the finish line on a mat; tube slides with large spirals and twists that launch guests in another direction as they glide through an explosion of excitement; and thrilling slides. To make it even easier to enjoy, some slides will include convenient conveyor belts that will raise the rafts to the top of the tower, eliminating the tedious task of having guests climb them independently.

Families and adventure seekers can have a blast at Cliffside Cove, featuring racing slides, two cliff jumps measuring 10 and 15 feet (a first for the cruise industry), and the Caribbean's only family slide, which can accommodate four people at a time. For those who prefer to enjoy the ride from the outside, the Grotto Bar, a hidden cave beneath the family slide, offers the ultimate view for people-watching with a cocktail in hand.

At the center of Great Tides Waterpark, an 836-square-meter Kids' Splash Zone will offer a watery paradise for little ones with a giant tipping bucket that rises more than 12 meters above the ground. Eight mini slides and interactive water features complete this aquatic paradise for children of all ages. The waterpark will also feature a Dynamic River, an immersive aquatic experience with an accelerated current that will be faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river. Measuring 244 meters in length, guests can access the Dynamic River from multiple points, including a children's pool with a conveniently located swim-up bar. One of the river's highlights will be an illuminated tunnel with a dreamy bioluminescent scene for the ultimate multi-sensory experience. The cabanas will be located in a prime location, at the edge of the Dynamic River and Kids' Splash Zone, allowing prime access to the popular family areas.

Fuente: Norwegian Cruise Line