A new island waterpark is set to launch with 19 slides and cliff jumps - exclusively for cruisegoers
Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled plans for a massive waterpark at its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay. The Great Tides Waterpark will span nearly six acres when it opens in summer 2026.
The announcement comes as the cruise line launches a nationwide competition giving away 250 cruises to the transformed island.
The attraction will feature 19 waterslides, an almost 800-foot dynamic river, and a jet karts water track.
President of Norwegian Cruise Line, David J. Herrera, said: "Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest-rated destinations."
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
|Norwegian Cruise Line has unveiled plans for a massive waterpark at its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
|The attraction will feature 19 waterslides, an almost 800-foot dynamic river, and a jet karts water track
The park's centrepiece will be the 170-foot Tidal Tower, housing eight waterslides. Two of the tower's tallest slides will offer inner-tube rides with dramatic drops and climbs.
Racing slides will let visitors compete on mats, whilst tube slides will send riders through large spirals and unexpected twists. Body slides will also be available, with some featuring conveyor belts to transport rafts to the top.
Cliffside Cove will introduce the cruise industry's first cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet high. The area will include the Caribbean's only family slide accommodating four people at once.
A 9,000-square-foot splash zone for children will feature a 40-foot tipping bucket, eight mini slides and interactive water features.
The island has also had some notable improvements. A mini aquatic racecourse featuring jet karts will blend go-karting with jet skiing, becoming a top shore excursion option.
Later this year, visitors will enjoy the first enhanced facilities, including a heated pool, multi-ship pier, scenic welcome plaza and island-wide tram service. The Great Life Lagoon will cover 1.4 acres with private cabanas, villas, complimentary loungers and two swim-up bars.
Horizon Park will offer lawn games, pickleball courts, nine-hole mini golf and half a sports court. Hammock Bay will provide over 50 hammocks near the BBQ buffet area.
Adults seeking exclusivity can visit Vibe Shore Club, featuring a private bar, hanging day beds and premium seating with a day pass purchase.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
|There will be pools and plenty of sun loungers
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
|To celebrate, the cruise line has launched an "Escape to the Great Life" competition running now
To celebrate, the cruise line has launched an "Escape to the Great Life" competition running from today, July 29, to August 31, 2025. Winners will receive a four-day voyage in August 2026 for two in a balcony stateroom with NCL's More At Sea package.
Pop-up experiences are appearing across New York City from 29-31 July, starting with a custom "escape hatch" at 104 Grand Street in SoHo. The installation features LED island visuals, live steel drums and merchandise giveaways.
Seven additional escape hatches are hidden throughout Manhattan in Hudson Yards, Times Square, Grand Central Station and other locations. Miami will host three similar installations throughout August in Wynwood, Lincoln Road and Bayside Marketplace.
This comes as Norwegian Cruise Line announced 500 more sailings, including new destinations in Europe, the Caribbean and more.