As the race to redefine the private island experience ramps up across the cruise industry, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled new plans to transform its longstanding Bahamian retreat, Great Stirrup Cay, into an all-out vacation playground. While Carnival has just debuted Celebration Key and Royal Caribbean continues developing Royal Beach Club in the Bahamas along with two private destinations in Mexico, NCL is ensuring it remains a top contender with a sweeping redesign set to debut in summer 2026.
The expansion is centered around a massive six-acre waterpark, a new jet kart racing attraction, upgraded family and adult-only areas, and fresh infrastructure like a tram system, new welcome plaza, and multi-ship pier. The goal? To elevate every guest’s experience on the island, whether you’re racing down slides with your kids, relaxing in a hammock, or sipping cocktails in an oceanfront villa.
The newly announced Great Tides Waterpark will cover nearly six acres of thrills and chills, making it one of the most extensive private island waterparks in the industry. With 19 waterslides, a dynamic river, a dedicated kids’ splash zone, and several cruise-first features, this isn’t your average resort-style pool area.
Highlights Include:
- Tidal Tower: At 170 feet tall, this eye-catching centerpiece will house eight adrenaline-pumping slides, including body slides, mat racers, and inner tube rides. Conveyor belts will even carry the tubes up for guests.
- Cliffside Cove: A brand-new feature offering 10- and 15-foot cliff jumps—a cruise industry first—and a family raft slide that lets four guests slide together.
- Dynamic River: Think of it as a lazy river with an edge—800 feet long, faster-moving, and complete with an illuminated grotto tunnel that mimics a glowing bioluminescent cave.
- Kids’ Splash Zone: A 9,000-square-foot splash zone for younger children with mini slides, fountains, and a giant tipping bucket towering 40 feet overhead.
- The Grotto Bar: Hidden under the family slide, this tucked-away bar will offer a unique view of the action, perfect for parents and people-watchers alike.
At Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean charges extra for access to its Thrill Waterpark, and Carnival’s new Celebration Key is taking a similar approach—guests who want to ride the towering Suncastle waterslides must pay $14.99 per person for unlimited access, unless they’ve booked a cabana or villa that includes it. With that in mind, it remains to be seen whether Norwegian Cruise Line will follow suit at Great Stirrup Cay or take a more inclusive approach with its expansive new Great Tides Waterpark.
For families who like having a little space to call their own, strategically placed cabanas near the splash zone and dynamic river will offer a perfect home base. These shaded spots come with premium access to all the nearby fun, making it easy for parents to relax while the kids splash, slide, and explore just steps away.
NCL isn’t stopping at waterslides. One of the most unique additions coming to Great Stirrup Cay is a jet kart aquatic racecourse, blending the excitement of go-karting with the thrill of jet skiing. It’s expected to become one of the most in-demand shore excursions on the island.
Cruisers will also find new beachside spaces for games and lounging. The upgraded Horizon Park will feature lawn games, pickleball courts, a mini-golf course, and a half sports court for casual family fun.
The Great Life Lagoon, opening later this year, will offer a 1.4-acre heated pool surrounded by:
- Private oceanview and poolside cabanas
- Two swim-up bars with different vibes—Reef Bar will feature live DJ music, while Waves Bar will provide a more laid-back atmosphere near the kids’ splash area
- A new splash pad called Splash Harbor located steps from the pool for easy access to fun, plus shaded lounge seating for parents
For the ultimate chill session, Hammock Bay will offer over 50 hammocks, a nearby BBQ buffet, and a dedicated bar for effortless beachside lounging.
Adults looking for a more exclusive experience can book a day pass to the revamped Vibe Shore Club, which includes access to:
- Premium loungers and upgraded umbrellas
- A private bar and beachside service
- Hanging day beds and rentable oceanfront villas for small group luxury
To make navigating the expanded island easier for guests of all ages, NCL is also introducing:
- An island-wide tram service
- A scenic welcome plaza to greet guests as they disembark
- A new pier capable of accommodating multiple ships at once
These infrastructure upgrades are important as NCL plans to bring more than one million guests to the island in 2026 alone.
To celebrate the expansion, NCL launched a nationwide sweepstakes that gives travelers in the U.S. and Canada the chance to win one of 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay. Winners will enjoy a four-day sailing in a balcony stateroom in August 2026, complete with NCL’s More At Sea™ perks like open bar, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursion credits.
You can enter the contest between July 29 and August 31, 2025, at www.ncl.com/
Great Stirrup Cay will play a central role in NCL’s Caribbean itineraries for years to come. In 2026, 15 NCL ships will make calls to the island.
One of our favorite places to visit on a cruise is a private island, and we’re especially excited to spend the day at Great Stirrup Cay once all the incredible new areas are open. From the waterpark to the hammocks, it’s shaping up to be the kind of spot you’ll never want to leave.
