Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Massive Waterpark for Great Stirrup Cay
Key Aspects:
The 6-acre Great Tides Waterpark will open on Great Stirrup Cay in the summer of 2026.
The new waterpark will feature 19 slides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, children’s play areas, and more.
Additional enhancements to the private island will begin opening later this year.
Just over a year ago, Norwegian Cruise Line announced a new pier to be constructed for Great Stirrup Cay. Great news indeed, as the port is subject to frequent weather-related cancellations, but little did we know far greater plans were in the works.
Now, the cruise line has announced that a brand new, nearly 6-acre waterpark will debut on the private island in summer 2026 – Great Tides Waterpark.
The new waterpark will feature a wide range of thrilling features, including cliff jumps, splash zones, 19 waterslides, and an active, dynamic river that stretches nearly 800 feet. You can watch a video of what’s coming right below:
“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 Herrera, Norwegian Cruise Line president.
“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.”
That “Great Life” will be great indeed for guests who visit Great Tides Waterpark and enjoy some amazing firsts not available at other private cruise line destinations.
The most visible attraction will be Tidal Tower. At 170 feet tall, the structure will be home to multiple waterslides, ranging from thrilling drops to more laid-back options. Racing slides, tube slides, and more will all be part of the waterslide lineup.
For true thrill seekers, Cliffside Cove will have an industry first with a pair of cliff jumps. At 10 and 15 feet tall, these heart-pumping attractions will seem a great deal taller to guests who fling themselves from the precipice!
Those with somewhat weaker constitutions will enjoy the only family slide in the Caribbean, where four riders can slip, slide, and swirl through the fun together.
Younger visitors will enjoy a 9,000-square-foot children’s splash zone complete with a tipping bucket, miniature slides, fountains, sprays, and other aqua-tastic features.
Of special interest is the 800-foot dynamic river with an accelerated current that will provide a more adventurous ride than a typical lazy river.
Guests can customize their river experience from multiple entry points, but don’t miss the multi-sensory grotto tunnel with a unique, ever-changing bioluminescent scene. If the promotional video is any indication, you truly will feel immersed in oceanic life as you float along!
New thrills are always a highlight of Norwegian Cruise Line’s innovative offerings: remember when Norwegian Prima debuted the first-ever three-story go kart track?
Now, imagine go karts at sea, and picture yourself at Great Stirrup Cay to experience the first-ever “jet karts” aquatic racecourse. The special feature will combine the thrills of go karts and jet skis for truly unforgettable experiences as a unique and exclusive shore excursion.
First Enhancements Coming in Late 2025
The new waterpark (exciting enough to rival, perhaps even overshadow CocoCay less than a mile away, or Celebration Key 60 miles to the northwest) won’t open until summer 2026, but why wait? Norwegian Cruise Line guests will start to enjoy some Great Stirrup Cay enhancements later this year.
The new pier is slated to open in the next few months, permitting ships to dock rather than rely on tender service. This will improve visitation to the island without so many last-minute cancellations.
A scenic welcome plaza, island-wide tram service, heated pool, and the Great Life Lagoon will soon be open, offering cabana and villa experiences to guests seeking even more exclusivity for their island getaway.
A pair of swim-up bars, the Reef Bar and the Waves Bar, are part of the lagoon as well, with both kid-friendly and adults-only beverage menus.
Nearby, the 3,400-square-foot Splash Harbor will also open, offering interactive fountains and plenty of fun for youngsters with adjacent seated lounge space for adults.
Also coming soon is Horizon Park for guests who want to stay dry but still enjoy island vibes. Pickleball courts, a nine-hole miniature golf course, a sports court, and lawn games such as ring toss will all be part of the complimentary space.
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To really take a load off and chill out, Hammock Bay will feature more than 50 hammocks for the greatest afternoon naps, with a nearby dedicated bar and the BBQ buffet just steps away.
For adults who want a quieter, more elevated space all their own, the Vibe Shore Club will be waiting. Similar to the Vibe Beach Club space onboard many Norwegian Cruise Line ships, the adults-only space will offer premium loungers and umbrellas as well as villas to rent, but a day pass is required.
While there is still much we don’t yet know about the new enhancements coming to Great Stirrup Cay, including any extra charges, menu options, or even more features, now is the time to book a late 2026 sailing to be among the first to visit!
Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Massive Waterpark for Great Stirrup Cay