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 Bahamian retreat, Great Stirrup Cay, back in 1977. Now, nearly 50 years later, the cruise line is preparing to unveil one of its biggest island transformations yet — complete with a sprawling new waterpark, huge lagoon pool, adults-only beach club and a series of industry-first attractions.

NCL has now officially confirmed that its highly anticipated Great Tides Waterpark will open on 4 September 2026, with guests already able to pre-book day passes and private cabanas ahead of launch. Spanning nearly six acres, the attraction will feature 19 waterslides centred around a 170-foot Tidal Tower, including the cruise industry’s first inner-tube water coasters, the highest cliff jumps at sea destinations and the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide.

Elsewhere across the island, guests can relax at the huge Great Life Lagoon pool with swim-up bars and cabanas, unwind at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, or slow things down at Hammock Bay’s beachside hammocks and tiki bar.

There’ll still be plenty of adventure too, from snorkelling and ziplining to swimming with local pigs and racing around a new aquatic jet kart track.

Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple or a group of friends, the revamped Great Stirrup Cay is shaping up to become one of the Caribbean’s most exciting private island destinations yet. 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? Great Tides Waterpark [above, left] is set to become home to some of the most adrenaline-fuelled attractions in the Caribbean when it officially opens on 4 September 2026.

At the centre of the six-acre park will stand the 170-foot Tidal Tower, featuring 19 waterslides including the industry-first Breakwater Blasters — inner-tube water coasters combining downhill drops with uphill blasts for a rollercoaster-style experience on water.

Thrill-seekers can also take on Cliffside Cove, home to what NCL says will be the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps at a cruise destination, before cooling off beneath the hidden Grotto Bar tucked underneath the slides.

Elsewhere, the waterpark will feature Fearless Falls racing slides, Rapid Mat Racers, spiralling tube slides and the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide.

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 19 slides spread across Great Tides Waterpark, there’ll be plenty of ways to cool off in the Bahamian heat — but one attraction is expected to stand out from the crowd.

The Great Slide will become the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide, allowing families and groups of friends to race side-by-side down the giant attraction together.

You’ll also find fast-paced mat racers, twisting tube slides and the new Breakwater Blasters water coasters nearby, making Cliffside Cove one of the park’s biggest hubs for thrill rides.

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 visiting Great Stirrup Cay can enjoy complimentary beach access, sun loungers, dining venues and selected drinks including water, juice and soft drinks.

Many of the island’s newest attractions are also included, such as the huge Great Life Lagoon pool, Splash Harbour kids’ splash zone, Hammock Bay relaxation area and Horizon Park recreational space.

Additional charges apply for Great Tides Waterpark, private cabanas, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, Jet Karts and selected shore excursions. Guests sailing to the island from 4 September 2026 onwards can now pre-book waterpark day passes and cabanas in advance through their MyNCL account.

When will the new Great Stirrup Cay attractions open?

Many of Great Stirrup Cay’s major upgrades are already open to guests now, including the Great Life Lagoon pool, new arrivals plaza, island-wide tram service and expanded recreational areas across the island.

Norwegian Cruise Line has also now officially confirmed that Great Tides Waterpark will open on 4 September 2026, with guests already able to pre-book day passes and private cabanas ahead of launch.

The six-acre attraction will feature 19 waterslides centred around a huge 170-foot Tidal Tower, alongside the industry’s first inner-tube water coasters, cliff-jumping experiences, an 800-foot Wandering River, kids’ splash zones and new food trucks.

Other attractions including the adults-only Vibe Shore Club are also continuing to roll out across 2026.

How do I visit Great Stirrup Cay?

Great Stirrup Cay features on a wide range of Norwegian Cruise Line Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries sailing from Miami, New York, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Tampa and Philadelphia.

Travellers wanting to be among the first to experience the new Great Tides Waterpark can sail aboard Norwegian Luna’s Caribbean voyage departing Miami on 29 August 2026, which includes the attraction’s official opening on 4 September 2026.

Guests visiting Great Stirrup Cay from 4 September 2026 onwards can now pre-book waterpark day passes and private six-person cabanas through their MyNCL account ahead of sailing.

State-of-the-art ships including Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Aqua and the brand-new Norwegian Luna all 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.