Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the opening date for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, the company's private island in the Bahamas, which will take place on September 4, 2026.
Starting today, all guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after September 4, 2026, can purchase day passes to Great Tides Waterpark and plan the perfect island day with a hassle-free advance booking. To take the experience a step further, guests can reserve private cabanas for up to six people, which include waterpark admission and offer shaded comfort just steps from the park's iconic Tidal Tower, featuring thrilling water slides—perfect for relaxing between all the excitement. In addition, the waterpark experience extends beyond the 19 exhilarating slides with three brand-new food trucks serving a wide variety of dining options.
“Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on September 4, 2026,” said Marc Kazlauskas, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “With top-notch activities for families and every type of traveler—from exhilarating waterslides to relaxing lagoon experiences—guests can now purchase their day passes in advance and secure an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean.”.
Spanning over two hectares, Great Tides Waterpark will offer a daring, family-friendly adventure with immersive attractions for all ages. At the heart of the park will rise the 52-meter-tall Tidal Tower, featuring Breakwater Blasters—the industry's first water coaster with downhill drops and uphill bursts inside an inflatable float—along with Whitewater Dash with two body slides; Rapid Mat Racers with two mat slides; and a choice of float slides, Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral, with twists and turns for an adrenaline rush.
Other highlights include Cliffside Cove, home to the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps; The Great Slide, the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide; the Fearless Falls racing slides; and the hidden Grotto Bar, tucked beneath the action for an unobstructed view. Younger guests can splash around in Splash Cay, an 840-square-meter children’s area, while adventure seekers can float along the Wandering River, a high-energy, 240-meter-long version of the classic lazy river. The water park is built on the recently transformed Great Stirrup Cay, which includes the expansive Great Life Lagoon, featuring a beach-entry pool, swim-up bars, and ample space to relax with ocean views. Guests can also elevate their day at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, enjoy family-friendly offerings like Splash Harbor, and explore the island with ease thanks to the island’s newest tram system.
Travelers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with seasonal sailings departing from convenient ports including New York and Philadelphia, as well as Florida ports in Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Jacksonville, and Tampa.
Guests wishing to celebrate the grand opening of the water park can embark on the Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean voyage from Miami on August 29, 2026. The Norwegian Luna offers itineraries through November 2026 with visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands, as well as Great Stirrup Cay, seamlessly blending the latest ship innovation with NCL’s newest island experience.
For shorter trips from Miami, the Norwegian Getaway offers three- and four-night trips to the Bahamas through October 2026.
Guests can purchase a pass for Great Tides Waterpark by logging into their myNCL account after completing their cruise booking.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
