Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed that the Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas, will take place in September 2026, during Norwegian Luna's seven-day Caribbean sailing.
"Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we're excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026," says Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
"With the best activities for families and for every type of traveler--from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences--guests can purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean."
Attractions for all ages
Covering nearly six acres, Great Tides Waterpark promises a lively, family-oriented experience with immersive attractions suitable for all ages.
At its heart is the 170-foot Tidal Tower, which includes the Breakwater Blasters—industry-first water coasters with both downhill drops and uphill blasts inside an inner tube—along with the Whitewater Dash offering two body slides, and Rapid Mat Racers with two mat slides.
The slide tower also offers various tube slides, including Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral, with spirals and spins for an adrenaline rush.
Additional highlights include Cliffside Cove, with the industry's first and tallest cliff jumps; The Great Slide, the Caribbean's only four-person body slide; Fearless Falls racing slides; and the hidden Grotto Bar tucked beneath the action for prime viewing.
Younger guests can splash through Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids' zone, while adventure enthusiasts can drift along the Wandering River, an over 800-foot, energetic version of the classic lazy river.
The waterpark experience is also enhanced by three new food trucks that offer a variety of dining options, complementing the 19 slides.
A new island getaway
Martin Aquatic, a world-class aquatic firm, partnered with NCL to master plan the guest experience for Great Tides Waterpark. WhiteWater, a leading waterpark manufacturer, is supplying all the slides and play structures on the island.
The waterpark is part of the recent upgrade of Great Stirrup Cay, which features the Great Life Lagoon, with a beach-entry pool, swim-up bars, and plenty of space to relax with ocean views.
Guests can also enhance their experience at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, enjoy family attractions like Splash Harbor, and explore the island easily with the new tram system.
Travellers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with seasonal cruises departing from homeports such as New York, Philadelphia, and Florida ports, including Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral), and Miami.
All guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after 4 September can buy day passes for Great Tides Waterpark and customise their island day with advance reservations. They can also book private cabanas for up to six people, which include water park access and shaded seating, a short walk from the Tidal Tower.
In other news, Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled its largest ship to date, the Norwegian Aura, launching in 2027. This will be both the longest and largest vessel in the cruise line's fleet and will homeport in Miami in June 2027 after its debut in Europe in late May 2027.
Charlotte Coates is blooloop's editor. She is from Brighton, UK and previously worked as a librarian. She has a strong interest in arts, culture and information and graduated from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature. Charlotte can usually be found either with her head in a book or planning her next travel adventure.
