Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed exciting new details about Great Tides Waterpark, a huge new family attraction opening at its private island Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas — and it looks set to become one of the Caribbean’s biggest cruise destinations for families.
Spanning nearly six acres, the brand-new waterpark will feature 19 waterslides, a giant 170-foot slide tower, kids’ splash zones, racing slides, family raft rides and even what NCL says will be the cruise industry’s first inner-tube water coasters.
Set to open on 4 September 2026, the attraction forms part of a major expansion of Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s long-running private island retreat in the Bahamas. Families visiting the island will also find huge lagoon pools, beach areas, sports courts, family recreation zones and new dining spots designed to make the destination feel more like a full-scale resort experience.
The brand-new waterpark will feature 19 waterslides
Why families will love Great Tides Waterpark
The headline attraction is the huge Tidal Tower, standing 170 feet tall and packed with a mix of thrill rides and family-friendly slides.
Among the biggest talking points are the new Breakwater Blasters — described by NCL as the industry’s first inner-tube water coasters. Riders will speed through sections featuring both downhill drops and uphill blasts, creating a rollercoaster-style experience on water.
Families can also take on The Great Slide together, which will become the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide, while younger children can splash around in Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ play zone packed with water features.
Elsewhere in the park, guests will find tube slides, mat racing slides, Cliffside Cove jumping platforms and Fearless Falls racing attractions. There’s even an 800-foot Wandering River, putting a more adventurous spin on the traditional lazy river experience.
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Families can also take on The Great Slide together
New food trucks and family cabanas
The park isn’t just about slides. Norwegian Cruise Line has also confirmed that Great Tides Waterpark will feature three new food trucks serving quick bites throughout the day, making it easier for families to stay close to the action without heading back across the island for lunch.
Families can also pre-book private cabanas for up to six guests, which include waterpark admission and shaded seating areas near the main attractions.
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Families can also pre-book private cabanas for up to six guests
What else is at Great Stirrup Cay?
The wider transformation of Great Stirrup Cay already includes several new family-friendly attractions and relaxation areas.
Families can spend time at the large Great Life Lagoon pool area, which features beach-style entry points and swim-up bars, while children can enjoy Splash Harbour and outdoor games at Horizon Park.
There are also quieter areas for parents wanting downtime, including Hammock Bay’s beach hammocks and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club.
Beyond the resort areas, families can snorkel, zipline, swim with pigs and explore the island using the new tram service.
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Children can enjoy Splash Harbour
When does Great Tides Waterpark open?
Great Tides Waterpark officially opens on 4 September 2026.
Guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay from that date onwards can already pre-book day passes and private cabanas through their MyNCL account ahead of travel.
Families wanting to experience the attraction during its launch period can sail aboard Norwegian Luna’s Caribbean itinerary departing Miami on 29 August 2026, which includes the waterpark’s official opening day as part of the voyage.
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Spend time at the large Great Life Lagoon pool area
Which cruises visit Great Stirrup Cay?
Great Stirrup Cay features on a range of Norwegian Cruise Line Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries sailing from Miami, Orlando, Tampa, New York and Philadelphia.
Ships, including Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Getaway, will regularly visit the island as part of Caribbean sailings throughout 2026 and beyond.
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There’s even an 800-foot Wandering River
Great Tides Waterpark FAQs
What is Great Tides Waterpark?
Great Tides Waterpark is Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new waterpark at its private island Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The six-acre attraction will feature 19 waterslides, kids’ splash zones, family raft rides, cliff jumps and new dining areas.
When does Great Tides Waterpark open?
Great Tides Waterpark officially opens on 4 September 2026.
Is Great Tides Waterpark included in Norwegian Cruise Line cruises?
No — access to Great Tides Waterpark requires a separate paid day pass. Guests can pre-book tickets and private cabanas through their MyNCL account before sailing.
What family attractions are at Great Stirrup Cay?
Alongside the new waterpark, families visiting Great Stirrup Cay can enjoy the Great Life Lagoon pool, Splash Harbour kids’ area, Horizon Park games zone, beaches, snorkelling, ziplining and family shore excursions.
Which Norwegian Cruise Line ships visit Great Stirrup Cay?
Great Stirrup Cay features on a range of Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries aboard ships including Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Getaway, with sailings departing from ports including Miami, Orlando and New York.
Make It Happen
How to get there
Norwegian Cruise Line sails to Great Stirrup Cay from a range of US ports including Miami, Orlando (Port Canaveral), Tampa, New York and Philadelphia.
Where to stay
Families can visit Great Stirrup Cay as part of Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries aboard ships including Norwegian Luna and Norwegian Getaway.
Book it
Find out more and browse itineraries at ncl.com
