Norwegian Cruise Line unveils Great Stirrup Cay’s Great Tides Waterpark
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) launched Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, its 270-acre private island destination in The Bahamas, after an exclusive preview for government officials, travel partners, journalists, content creators and other guests.
The approximately six-acre waterpark debuted on September 4, 2026, with 19 waterslides, an immersive river, cliff jumps, a family splash zone, and new food and beverage options. The project is part of NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay investment.
NCL held a preview event with a ribbon-cutting before the opening. John Chidsey, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Marc Kazlauskas, President of Norwegian Cruise Line; Herschel Walker, US Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas; and Randy Rolle, Member of Parliament for Bimini and the Berry Islands, attended.
Norwegian Cruise Line President Marc Kazlauskas said Great Tides Waterpark is an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for Norwegian Cruise Line.
He said, “From the 170-foot Tidal Tower and first-of-its-kind slides to the immersive Wandering River, industry-first cliff jumps and interactive splash zones, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable island day for guests of all ages
Four Unique Waterpark Areas
Great Tides Waterpark has activities for all ages and levels of experience in four main areas: Tidal Tower, Cliffside Cove, Wandering River, and Splash Cay.
Tidal Tower, the waterpark’s showpiece, has eight slides and is 170 feet tall. NCL calls Tropic Spiral the world’s first Nautilus slide and Breakwater Blasters the Caribbean’s first duelling Master Blaster slides. The latter drive inner tube riders uphill and through drops and bends with high-pressure water jets.
Cliffside Cove has Cliffside Leap, NCL’s first and tallest 10- and 15-foot cliff jumps in the Caribbean. The Fearless Falls, which drops riders from five feet above the river, and The Great Slide, a family activity for four, are also nearby.
Over 800 feet long, the Wandering River has an immersive tunnel and the swim-up Floataway Bar.
More than 9,000 square feet, Splash Cay has a 300-gallon tipping bucket, eight mini-slides, and interactive water attractions for kids.
New Food and Drink Options
Also new at Great Tides Waterpark are three food trucks. Catch of the Cay sells seafood, Low Tide Smoke barbecues, and Tidal Treats makes artisan ice cream and soft serve.
The preview event featured Aperol, Casamigos, Coca-Cola, and Hampton Water activations and a Junkanoo performance including Bahamian music and culture.
Great Stirrup Cay Grows
Norwegian Cruise Line is adding many attractions to Great Stirrup Cay, including a waterpark.
Great Life Lagoon is a large pool with two swim-up bars, private cabanas, and free loungers and umbrellas. A free family splash pad is available near the pool at Splash Harbour.
VIP loungers, cabanas and a bar are available at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club. Guest can rent air-conditioned villas, buy day tickets, or arrange spa treatments at Silver Cove.
Island activities include snorkelling, paddleboarding, ziplining from the Flighthouse, and white-sand beaches.
NCL offers seasonally scheduled sailings from New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral, and Jacksonville to Great Stirrup Cay.
After booking, myNCL customers can buy Great Tides Waterpark tickets for Great Stirrup Cay itineraries.
