Great Tides Waterpark Opens at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has ushered in a new era for Great Stirrup Cay with the opening of Great Tides Waterpark, a nearly six-acre attraction that adds an extensive lineup of slides, water experiences, family activities and new food options to the cruise line’s 270-acre private island in The Bahamas.

NCL celebrated the opening with an exclusive preview event attended by Bahamian officials, travel partners, media, content creators and special guests. The official grand opening for cruise guests is set for September 4, 2026, when Norwegian Luna calls at Great Stirrup Cay.

What cruisers can expect at Great Tides Waterpark

Great Tides Waterpark is built around four main areas, giving guests a variety of ways to spend their time in the water. The centerpiece is the 170-foot Tidal Tower, which features eight slides and several standout attractions.

Among them is Tropic Spiral, described by NCL as the world’s first Nautilus slide, with large spirals that send riders in different directions. The Breakwater Blasters add another unusual experience as the Caribbean’s first dueling Master Blaster slides, using high-pressure water jets to push riders uphill before sending them through drops and twists.

Cliff jumps and family slides

Cliffside Cove brings another dose of adventure with Cliffside Leap, featuring 10- and 15-foot jumps. NCL describes the attraction as the industry’s first-ever cliff jumps of this type and the tallest cliff jumps in the Caribbean.

The Great Slide is designed for families and allows four guests to ride together. Fearless Falls adds another option, with slides dropping riders into the water from five feet above the surface.

For guests who would rather spend their waterpark time floating, Wandering River stretches for more than 800 feet. The attraction includes what NCL calls the industry’s first immersive tunnel, as well as the swim-up Floataway Bar positioned alongside the river.

Splash Cay focuses on younger guests

Families with children have a dedicated area at Splash Cay, which covers more than 9,000 square feet. The area includes an oversized tipping bucket holding 300 gallons of water, eight mini-slides and interactive water features.

That adds another option for families who want water-based activities without heading to the larger slides and attractions throughout the waterpark.

New food and beverage options

Great Tides Waterpark is also adding new places to eat. During the preview event, NCL showcased three new food trucks serving different styles of food throughout the waterpark.

Low Tide Smoke focuses on barbecue, Catch of the Cay serves seafood favorites, and Tidal Treats offers handcrafted ice cream and soft serve. The preview event also featured beverage-partner activations at several locations, including specialty cocktails and tastings at the Grotto Bar and Floataway Bar.

According to NCL, partner activations from Aperol, Casamigos, Coca-Cola and Hampton Water will also be available during the official grand opening celebration.

Great Stirrup Cay offers more than the waterpark

The new waterpark is just one part of the experience at Great Stirrup Cay. The private island also features the Great Life Lagoon, an expansive pool area with two swim-up bars, private cabanas and complimentary loungers and umbrellas.

Families can use Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad located near the pool and refreshments. Guests seeking a more exclusive experience can purchase a day pass for the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, which offers premium loungers, cabanas and a dedicated bar.

Silver Cove provides another premium option, with air-conditioned villas, day passes and spa treatments available through Silver Cove Spa.

Guests can also simply relax on the island’s white-sand beaches with complimentary loungers, rent snorkeling gear or paddle boards, or book an excursion that includes a zipline from the island’s Flighthouse.

Which NCL cruises visit Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay is available to NCL guests year-round, with cruises sailing seasonally from several homeports. The source identifies New York and Philadelphia, along with Miami, Tampa, Orlando through Port Canaveral and Jacksonville in Florida.

For travelers planning a visit to Great Tides Waterpark, passes can be purchased through a guest’s myNCL account after completing a cruise reservation.

With Great Tides Waterpark now joining the growing collection of experiences at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL is giving cruisers another way to customize their private-island day. Guests can spend the day chasing slides and water attractions, relaxing by the pool or beach, enjoying food and drinks, or combining several of those experiences into one island stop.