Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced a major expansion of its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, the centerpiece of which will be the opening of a new waterpark in the summer of 2026. The project, named “Great Tides Waterpark,” is part of a broader transformation of the island’s facilities.
The new waterpark will span nearly six acres and will include a total of 19 waterslides, a water track for “Jet Karts,” and a “dynamic river” nearly 800 feet (about 244 meters) long. This river, described as a version with a faster current than a traditional lazy river, will include an illuminated grotto-tunnel to create a multi-sensory experience.
The park’s main attraction will be the “Tidal Tower,” a 170-foot (52-meter) tall tower that will house eight slides, including mat racers, tube slides, and body slides. To facilitate access, some of these will feature conveyor belts to lift the rafts, eliminating the need for guests to carry them up manually.
Another area, “Cliffside Cove,” will include cliff jumps from 10 and 15 feet (3 and 4.5 meters), a cruise industry first, as well as a family slide with capacity for four people simultaneously. The “Grotto Bar” will be located underneath this slide.
The park will also feature a 9,000-square-foot (836-square-meter) kids’ splash zone, with eight small slides, a large tipping water bucket over 40 feet tall, and interactive elements. David J. Herrera, president of NCL, indicated that the expansion aims to diversify the range of activities for all guests on the 270-acre island.
