Great Stirrup Cay to Undergo Major Transformation with New Great Tides Waterpark from NCL

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced a major overhaul of its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, set for completion in summer 2026. This ambitious project will introduce the Great Tides Waterpark, spanning nearly 6 acres, which will feature 19 thrilling waterslides, a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, a vast splash zone for children, and cliffside jumps that are a first for the cruise industry.

At the center of the waterpark, the 170-foot Tidal Tower will house eight exciting slides, including drop slides, racing lanes, spirals, and tube slides, some equipped with conveyor belts to lift tubes to the top. Additionally, the family slide at Cliffside Cove will accommodate groups of up to four, while thrill-seekers can try cliff jumps of 10 and 15 feet. The park will also include a grotto bar nestled beneath the family slide, providing a shaded area for spectators.

Young guests will enjoy Tidepool Town, featuring an oversized dumping bucket, eight mini slides, and other interactive water features. A winding dynamic river, designed for a faster current, will traverse an illuminated grotto tunnel, complete with a swim-up bar and convenient cabanas along its banks.

Before the waterpark opens in 2026, NCL will implement several enhancements in late 2025, including the Great Life Lagoon—an expansive 1.4-acre heated pool area with swim-up bars, loungers, cabanas, and a family-friendly area known as Splash Harbor. A new multi-ship pier will facilitate docking, eliminating the need for tendering, and a tram service will ease travel across the island. Additional amenities such as Horizon Park for lawn games, pickeball, and Hammock Bay with over 50 hammocks will be featured, along with a unique mini aquatic racecourse.

David J. Herrera, the president of NCL, stated that these enhancements aim to provide guests with improved experiences and solidify Great Stirrup Cay’s position as part of the "Great Life" brand vision. The transformation involves a significant investment of approximately $150 million, aiming to elevate the island to a premier private-destination status. The expansion is expected to accommodate over 1 million visitors from 15 ships by 2026, a substantial increase from the 400,000 guests estimated in 2024.

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