Martin Aquatic, a world-class aquatic firm, is partnering with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to master plan the guest experience for Great Tides Waterpark, a new addition to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
Slated to open in summer 2026, the water park will join the Great Life Lagoon, which is launching on the 270-acre private island in late 2025.
Crafted throughout by Martin Aquatic and powered by its patented water-quality system, Blue Mar Basins, this 28,000-square-foot heated pool will include two swim-up bars and family-friendly features.
Josh Martin, president and creative director at Martin Aquatic, says: "We’ve worked together with Norwegian Cruise Line over the last two years to create this incredible aquatic leisure destination, conceptualizing the amenities and selecting unique aquatic experiences.
"We’re so excited for NCL guests to see the island’s transformation for themselves."
Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., says:
"Great Stirrup Cay is an already fantastic private island destination, but with the expansion of the guest experience debuting later this year, it is on target to be the greatest private island getaway in the industry.
"We are thrilled with the work Martin Aquatic is doing to bring our vision to life, from the expansive heated pool to the exhilarating 19-slide Great Tides Waterpark, that will have guests dreaming about escaping to the ‘Great Life’ beginning later this year."
Industry-firsts
For decades, Great Stirrup Cay, the Bahamas' first private island developed by a cruise line, has been inviting visitors to discover their own paradise. Its new offerings will soon mark more firsts for the cruise sector.
At Great Tides Waterpark, thrill-seekers and families will enjoy 10 and 15-foot-tall cliff jumps (in a cruise industry first), and the only wide family slide where four visitors can slide down at once in the Caribbean.
The large slide tower anchors the water park and features eight exciting rides, with body slides, mat racers, and multi-person tube slides.
The park also features a children's wet play structure with a range of slides, accompanied by an 800-foot dynamic river with an illuminated media tunnel for a multi-sensory experience.
WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, will supply all the slides and play structures on the island.
Ahead of this highly anticipated addition, guests will first have access to the all-new Great Life Lagoon.
This includes both child-friendly and adult-oriented facilities, such as vertical spray elements for playing at the water’s edge, and two swim-up bars where parents can watch nearby or adults can enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
This large pool is also powered by Blue Mar Basins, Martin Aquatic's proprietary water-quality technology that produces pristine water with superior cost savings and sustainability measures.
Splash Harbor, a 3,400-square-foot children’s wet play structure with slides and a dumping bucket, complements the offering.
All of these features will be accessed via the island’s new pier, which will also open in late 2025.
Longstanding partnership
Martin Aquatic has an established relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line, and in 2015 designed the 15,000-square-foot pool at Harvest Caye, the cruise line’s island off the coast of Belize.
The vast resort features a swim-up bar, which was accompanied by a Martin Aquatic-designed splash pad for the youngest cruisers a year later.
Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that 15 of its ships will make calls to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026, enabling over one million people to ‘escape to the great life.’
Last month, Martin Aquatic announced that its patented Blue Mar Basins water management system will be installed at two new surf parks in Florida, with more under development both across the US and globally.
