8 incredible new experiences at NCL’s updated private island Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line was the original trailblazer in private island cruising, first opening its game-changing Bahamian retreat, Great Stirrup Cay, in 1977. Fast forward almost fifty years and multiple iterations later, and it’s about to become better than ever.

From winter 2025 through to final changes being revealed in summer 2026, guests on NCL Caribbean cruises will experience a whole new side to the island, with major upgrades including a six-acre waterpark, a lagoon the size of two Olympic swimming pools, new dining venues and deluxe adults-only areas.

A series of exciting excursions will be on hand too – from swimming with miniature local pigs to a jet-kart racetrack experience! And with NCL’s ‘More At Sea’ upgrade, you can get the most from the destination with access to premium beverages, speciality dining, excursion credits and more – from just £249pp (based on a seven- to eight-day cruise). Whether you’re a family after quality time together, a couple craving laid-back beach vibes or friends chasing thrills, Great Stirrup Cay delivers big.

Here are eight unforgettable things to do at the revamped private island.

Swim at the Great Life Lagoon

Opening in winter 2025, the Great Life Lagoon will be a lagoon-style pool the size of two Olympic swimming pools, lined with poolside cabanas and flanked by two swim-up bars, serving everything from rum punches to alcohol-free slushies, all included for guests with the More At Sea upgrade package.

Each bar will have its own ambience, with the Reef Bar designed to be more vibrant, featuring a DJ spinning all-day beats. In contrast, the Waves Bar will be located on the opposite side, where a beach-style entrance leads to a splash area for kids with fun water features.

Zip, swing & snorkel through paradise

There are so many ways to explore and see the island – whether it’s from a birdseye view soaring high on Great Stirrup Cay’s signature zipline, beneath the waves while snorkelling among a kaleidoscope of marine life, or gliding through the air on relaxing overwater swings.

You can even tick off a bucket-list moment by swimming with native pigs in the Bahamas’ crystal-clear shallows!

Cliff jumping at Great Tides Waterpark

Feeling brave? In a first for the cruise industry, the brand new Great Tides Waterpark [above, left] will offer two cliff jumping attractions, each standing at 10 and 15 feet tall and dropping down into a glimmering turquoise pool.

To cool off the adrenaline, head over to the nearby Grotto Bar, carved into a tropical rock formation, before drifting down the park’s 800-foot dynamic river, complete with immersive tunnels, accelerated points and multi-sensory elements in contrast to typical lazy rivers.

Elsewhere, 19 waterslides and a 9,000 square-foot splash zone open up a world of water-fuelled fun.

Unwind at the all-new Vibe Shore Club

Opening in summer 2026, the exclusive new Vibe Shore Club [above, right] is the place to go for chic adults-only energy that brings a slice of Ibiza to the Bahamas. Think complimentary dining, a private bar shaking tropical cocktails and hanging daybeds set beneath breezy canopies.

Access comes with the purchase of a day pass that includes an upgraded lounger and shaded umbrella, or, for the full luxury experience, villas will also be available to rent.

Try a hot new sport: jet karting!

Imagine what happens when you cross a go-kart with a jet ski, and you’ll arrive at NCL’s thrilling new jet karts.

An all-new mini aquatic racecourse with the jet karts will invite fun days racing through the water and will soon be one of the top shore excursions available on the island for anyone with a need for speed.

Beach BBQ & chill at Hammock Bay

Slow things right down at Hammock Bay [above, left], a laid-back corner of the island with 54 hammocks, a tiki bar and direct beach access. It’s also conveniently located near the popular BBQ buffet, so you can relish in tasty classics from the grill before sleeping it off with a relaxing nap.

Pair it with a cold drink from the tiki bar and you’ve got yourself the perfect Caribbean afternoon.

Slide away on the Caribbean’s only four-person waterslide

With so many slides on offer at the Great Tides Waterpark, it might be hard to know where to start. Our advice? Don’t miss the four-person family slide, where up to four guests can all ride together, side-by-side. Less competition, four times the fun!

The new family slide forms part of Cliffside Cove, a new area where you’ll also find features such as the cliff-jumping platforms and fast-paced mat racers.

Up your game at Horizon Park

A new outdoor sports and recreational space that makes for an ideal daytime base for friends and families, Horizon Park [below, left] will include lawn-style games, a nine-hole mini golf course, pickleball courts, plus a sports court. Shaded areas offer a great spot for a picnic between games, too.

All guests get complimentary beach access (sun loungers included!), three tasty dining options, soft drinks like coffee, juice and water as well as over-water swing access. Premium drink packages are valid on the island, too – great news for guests who have booked NCL’s More At Sea package.

As for the new upgrades, entry to the heated lagoon pool, Splash Harbour splash zone, Hammock Bay, and Horizon Park games area will all be included.

Great Tides Waterpark, the Jet Karts, Vibe Shore Club and select excursions will require an additional fee.

When will the new Great Stirrup Cay attractions open?

All new features will open either in winter 2025 or summer 2026.

Winter 2025 will bring: The Great Life Lagoon pool, a new arrivals plaza, a multi-ship pier and an island-wide tram service to help guests get from place to place and maximise on fun.

Summer 2026 sees the arrival of: Great Tides Waterpark, Vibe Shore Club, Jet Karts, Hammock Bay, Horizon Park and Splash Harbour.

How do I visit Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay is featured on many Norwegian Cruise Line Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries, departing from major US ports including Miami and New York City.

State-of-the-art ships including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Aqua and the brand-new Norwegian Luna (debuting in 2026) offer stops at the island – plus many more from the NCL fleet.

With 13 ships sailing more than 42 unique itineraries in and around the Caribbean, there is a holiday to suit every type of traveller. In the Eastern part, you’ll find closer islands that allow more time on land and the ultimate island-hopping experience, while the western Caribbean’s proximity to the Mesoamerican Reef means lots of ocean adventures like snorkelling and diving await. Head down to the unique southern Caribbean islands and you’ll find an incredible blend of French, Dutch & British cultural influence.

If you’re sailing on one of NCL’s western Caribbean itineraries, there’s a good chance you’ll dock at Harvest Caye, NCL’s other private island paradise in Belize.

Here, you’ll find a massive resort-style pool, a 136-foot ‘Flighthouse’ that’s home to a ropes course and zipline, plus beautiful beach cabanas complete with concierge service – all set against a lush Central American backdrop.

Get the most out of your Caribbean cruise with NCL

If you’re travelling to one of the most beautiful areas of the world, you want to get the most out of it, right?

With NCL, guests get more to see, more to do and more to enjoy:

• Greater freedom and flexibility
• Eat when and where you choose with up to 20 dining options on a single ship, with cuisines ranging from Japanese to Brazilian
• Tailored shore excursions and immersive onboard programming
• More value with premium drinks packages, speciality dining and WiFi upgrades available.

*Additional cost applies to some activities. Renderings are for illustrative purposes only and subject to change, see ncl.com for full details.