Norwegian’s Private Island Is Getting a Giant Waterpark (and We’ve Got Thoughts)
Norwegian Cruise Line just announced that they’re giving their private island in the Bahamas — Great Stirrup Cay — a major upgrade, and it’s a big one.
Starting in summer 2026, guests will be able to enjoy a brand-new six-acre waterpark called Great Tides, featuring 19 waterslides, an 800-foot not-so-lazy river, cliff jumps (yes, actual ones), and something called “jet karts,” which we can only assume is what happens when a go-kart and a jet ski have a baby.
They’re calling it “The Great Life.” So, what’s actually coming — and is it all just marketing buzz, or something worth getting excited about?
Let’s break it down.
New Great Tides Waterpark
The new Great Tides Waterpark is set to become one of the most ambitious private island attractions in the Caribbean. Here’s a taste of what’s coming:
19 waterslides, including:
A towering 170-foot Tidal Tower with eight slides
The cruise industry’s first-ever cliffside jumps at 10 and 15 feet high
The Caribbean’s only family slide where four people can ride together
An 800-foot “dynamic river” — not your typical lazy river. This one promises faster currents, lighting tunnels, and multiple entry points
A giant kids’ splash zone, featuring a 40-foot tipping bucket, eight mini slides, and interactive water features
The Grotto Bar, hidden under the family slide, for those who prefer to sip and spectate
What Else Is Changing?
Quite a bit. Here’s what else is being added or upgraded on the island:
Jet kart water track – no idea how this works yet, but it’s either brilliant or completely mad
A huge new pool area with DJs, swim-up bars, splash zones, and a beach-style entry
Hammock Bay – more than 50 hammocks, plus a bar and easy access to the BBQ area
Vibe Shore Club (adults-only) – private bar, upgraded loungers, and rentable villas (day pass required)
Mini golf, pickleball, lawn games, and other activities for when you need a break from the slides
There’s also a new tram system, shaded seating areas, and — our favourite addition — a multi-ship pier, which should make the whole experience smoother and far less frustrating.
Will Every Cruise Stop Here?
Not quite, but a lot will. Norwegian says 15 of its ships will visit Great Stirrup Cay in 2026, including their new ones like Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna. So if you’re cruising the Caribbean or Bahamas with Norwegian from Miami or Port Canaveral, there’s a good chance this will be one of your ports.
Final Thoughts
Let’s be honest — Great Stirrup Cay has been trailing behind Royal Caribbeans CocoCay for years. It must be a bit awkward seeing Royal Caribbean’s enormous waterpark island literally in the distance and knowing yours is… well, a beach and a BBQ shack.
Watch our latest visit to CocoCay
But this update? It’s a serious attempt to level the playing field. And not just with slides and pools — they’re going further, with jet karts, cliff jumps, new dining options, and some genuinely welcome practical upgrades like shade, trams, and a proper pier.
However, there’s one thing noticeably missing from all this: pricing.
So far, Norwegian hasn’t said whether access to the waterpark, jet kart track, or new pool areas will cost extra — but let’s be realistic. Norwegian is known for nickel and dime pricing, and we’d be very surprised if Great Tides Waterpark ends up being included in the cruise fare.
For context, CocoCay’s waterpark can cost upwards of $130 per person on peak days. If NCL follows a similar model — and they probably will — families could be looking at a serious upcharge just to access the headline attraction.
That said, the best addition by far, in our opinion? The new multi-ship pier. No more tendering. No more waiting in queues under the sun just to get ashore or back onboard. It might sound boring compared to a cliff jump — but if you’ve ever stood in that slow-moving tender line at the end of a beach day, you’ll know how much of a game-changer this really is.
Let us know — would you brave the cliff jump, or are you heading straight for the hammocks?
See Also: Inside the Norwegian Spirit Penthouse Suite: A Full Review & Our Honest Thoughts
