Great Tides Waterpark: First Look at NCL's New Attraction

Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed the first look at Great Tides Waterpark, the newest major attraction at its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The nearly six-acre waterpark is scheduled to officially open on September 4, 2026, bringing 19 waterslides, new family attractions, dining and beverage options to the island.

The waterpark is part of the broader transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, giving cruise passengers more ways to build their own island day. Along with high-energy attractions, guests will find dedicated areas for children, places to relax and new food and beverage choices.

NCL says the official grand opening celebration will take place during Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean sailing departing August 29, 2026. Day passes are already on sale for voyages visiting Great Stirrup Cay beginning in September.

19 Slides and a New Way to Experience the Island

Great Tides Waterpark occupies nearly six acres of NCL’s 270-acre Great Stirrup Cay. Its attractions are designed to cover a range of experiences, from racing slides and high-speed water coasters to family-friendly splash areas.

One of the standout attractions is The Wandering River, which includes an immersive tunnel described by NCL as the industry’s first. Unlike a traditional lazy river, the attraction features a high-energy current.

The Great Slide is another major draw. NCL describes it as the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide, giving groups the opportunity to experience the attraction together.

At the center of the waterpark is Tidal Tower, home to the Breakwater Blasters. These dueling Master Blaster slides use high-pressure water jets to propel inner tubes uphill while sending riders through steep drops and twists. NCL describes them as industry-first attractions in the Caribbean.

Cliff Jumps Add Another Thrill

Cliffside Cove is designed for travelers looking for an even bigger adrenaline rush. The area features what NCL describes as the industry’s first cliff jumps and the Caribbean’s tallest cliff jumps.

Guests can jump from heights of 10 to 15 feet into the water while spectators can watch the action from the Grotto Bar below The Great Slide. The bar is positioned at Cliffside Cove to give guests front-row views of the cliff-jumping activity.

For families and younger visitors, Splash Cay provides a dedicated splash zone. This gives Great Tides Waterpark an option for children who may not be ready for the larger slides and more intense attractions.

New Food Trucks Bring Dining Into the Waterpark

NCL is also adding new food options so guests can spend more of their island day inside the waterpark. Three food trucks will offer different styles of food, with the truck offerings available for purchase a la carte.

Low Tide Smoke

Low Tide Smoke focuses on barbecue, serving dishes such as St. Louis BBQ Pork Riblets, BBQ Pork Nachos, Chicken Wings and Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower.

Catch of the Cay

Catch of the Cay offers seafood options including Crispy Shrimp Rolls, Golden Fried Shrimp Baskets and Chilled Seafood Rolls, served with seasoned waffle fries.

Tidal Treats

Tidal Treats is aimed at travelers looking for something sweet. Desserts include Strawberry Red Velvet Sundaes and Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Sundaes served in bubble waffle bowls, along with a tropical fish-shaped waffle cone filled with vanilla soft serve and customizable swirl flavors.

Complimentary buffet-style food options will also be available within Great Tides Waterpark.

Two Bars Keep Guests Close to the Action

Guests can grab a drink without necessarily leaving the attractions. The Grotto Bar sits beneath The Great Slide at Cliffside Cove, while the Floataway Bar is located within The Wandering River.

NCL says beverages are included on Great Stirrup Cay for guests with its Free at Sea unlimited beverage package, extending that package’s convenience from the ship to the private island.

Great Stirrup Cay Offers More Than the Waterpark

Great Tides Waterpark is only one part of the expanded Great Stirrup Cay experience. Guests can reserve private cabanas inside the waterpark for up to six people, with waterpark admission included.

Travelers seeking an adults-only experience can purchase an all-day pass to Vibe Shore Club, which features premium loungers and a private bar. Private poolside and beachfront cabanas are also available elsewhere on the island.

For an even more secluded experience, Silver Cove offers an oceanfront retreat with a private beach, air-conditioned villas, a dedicated restaurant, an infinity pool with panoramic views and an intimate spa.

The island’s new two-berth pier is also officially open. NCL says the pier is intended to provide reliable, convenient access for passengers arriving ashore and help maximize their time enjoying the island’s amenities.

How to Visit Great Tides Waterpark

Travelers who want to experience the waterpark during its grand opening can book Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean sailing departing August 29, 2026, and purchase a day pass for the September 4 visit to Great Stirrup Cay.

Additional NCL itineraries calling at Great Stirrup Cay after September 4 are available year-round. Day passes are currently on sale for voyages visiting the island beginning in September.

Guests can purchase passes by logging into their myNCL account after completing their cruise reservation. Private waterpark cabanas and other island experiences can also be reserved as part of planning the day.

For cruisers, the appeal of Great Tides Waterpark is that it gives Great Stirrup Cay another layer of experiences without requiring passengers to leave the private island. Families can head to Splash Cay, thrill-seekers can tackle the slides and cliff jumps, and adults can choose Vibe Shore Club, cabanas or other quieter spaces. With new dining and bars added to the mix, NCL is turning the island into a destination where travelers can spend the entire port day choosing exactly how active—or relaxed—they want to be.