Norwegian Cruise Line is preparing to make a major splash in the Bahamas next year with the official opening of its highly anticipated Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay. If you’re planning a Norwegian Cruise Line vacation, you may also want to explore how the ships compare and which itineraries stand out most.
The cruise line revealed that the new waterpark will officially open on September 4, 2026, marking another major milestone in the ongoing transformation of its private island destination. The grand opening will take place during a special sailing aboard the new Norwegian Luna, which will visit Great Stirrup Cay as part of a seven-day Caribbean itinerary departing from Miami.
What guests can expect at Great Tides Waterpark
The nearly six-acre waterpark is set to become one of the biggest attractions in the cruise industry’s growing private island competition.
Designed for both families and thrill-seekers, Great Tides Waterpark will feature 19 waterslides, a massive interactive splash zone for kids, cliffside jumps, racing slides, and an almost 800-foot “dynamic river” that Norwegian says will offer a more adventurous twist on the traditional lazy river experience.
At the center of the park will be the towering “Tidal Tower,” which will include eight slides ranging from family-friendly attractions to high-speed adrenaline rides. Norwegian has also confirmed that some attractions will feature conveyor systems to carry rafts uphill, helping guests avoid the usual long climbs associated with large waterparks.
Great Stirrup Cay’s major transformation continues
The announcement is part of a much larger redevelopment effort underway at Great Stirrup Cay.
Over the past year, Norwegian has introduced several new features to the island, including the expansive Great Life Lagoon pool area, upgraded beach spaces, a new welcome center, island-wide tram service, and expanded adults-only areas such as Vibe Shore Club. A permanent multi-ship pier is also nearing completion, which should dramatically improve the arrival experience for guests visiting the island.
Norwegian has been expanding guest benefits and perks at Great Stirrup Cay beyond attractions.
Norwegian executives say the goal is to turn Great Stirrup Cay into one of the premier private cruise destinations in the Caribbean. “Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas,” Norwegian Cruise Line President Marc Kazlauskas said when announcing the opening date.
The cruise line first unveiled plans for Great Tides Waterpark in 2025 as part of its broader “Great Life” expansion project. Since then, anticipation has steadily grown among cruisers eager to see how Norwegian’s upgraded private island experience will compare with competitors like Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay.
When guests can book waterpark passes and cabanas
Guests won’t have to wait until opening day to begin planning. Norwegian confirmed that day passes and cabana reservations for Great Tides Waterpark will go on sale beginning May 28, 2026, with pricing expected to vary based on season and demand.
Once completed, the expanded Great Stirrup Cay experience is expected to welcome more than one million Norwegian Cruise Line guests annually across 17 ships visiting the island in 2026.
