Norwegian Cruise Line confirms 4 September 2026 for its nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark on the company’s private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, with passes now on sale.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has confirmed 4 September 2026 as the opening date for Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay. The site sits on the company’s private island in the Bahamas. NCL made the announcement on 27 May 2026, with day pass sales launching the following morning.
The park opens on the final call of Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departing Miami on 29 August. Guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after 4 September can reserve passes through their myNCL account. Guests can also book private cabanas for up to six people – waterpark admission included – ahead of travel.
Great Tides Waterpark covers nearly six acres and features 19 slides. The 170-foot Tidal Tower anchors the attraction. Cliffside Cove brings what NCL describes as the cruise industry’s first cliffside jump platforms. The Wandering River runs over 800 feet with an accelerated current.
Splash Cay offers a 9,000-square-foot space dedicated to younger visitors. Three food trucks serve the wider park. Cabanas sit close to the Tidal Tower, providing shade between rides.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: ‘Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we’re excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026. With the best activities for families and for every type of traveller – from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences – guests can purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean.’
First announced in summer 2025, Great Tides Waterpark forms part of a second development phase at Great Stirrup Cay. Phase one, completed earlier in 2026, delivered a new pier, a lagoon pool with swim-up bars, an adults-only retreat and a tram service. NCL has also confirmed Norwegian Aura, its largest ship to date, will enter service in 2027, homeporting in Miami.
Great Stirrup Cay is served year-round from multiple US homeports, including Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, New York and Philadelphia.
Image: Norwegian Cruise Line
