Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has set 4 September 2026 as the official opening date for Great Tides Waterpark, its largest private-island attraction to date, located on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The launch will coincide with the maiden call of Norwegian Luna, which departs Miami on 29 August 2026 for a seven-day Caribbean itinerary calling at Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay.
Six Acres of Family-Focused Thrills
Spanning nearly six acres, Great Tides Waterpark is designed as a full-day, family-friendly experience with four distinct zones and 19 slides and attractions. At its center stands the 170-foot Tidal Tower, which houses several signature rides: Breakwater Blasters, billed as industry-first water coasters combining downhill drops with uphill blasts in inner tubes; Whitewater Dash twin body slides; Rapid Mat Racers dual mat-racing slides; and Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral tube slides with spirals and spins.
Beyond the tower, Cliffside Cove offers what NCL describes as the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps, while The Great Slide is promoted as the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide. Fearless Falls racing slides and the hidden Grotto Bar, tucked beneath the action for shaded front-row views, round out the offerings.
Splash Zones and Relaxed Thrills
Younger cruisers can head to Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ zone with child-friendly slides and splash features. Those seeking a more relaxed thrill can float along the Wandering River, an 800-plus-foot high-energy take on the classic lazy river.
The waterpark builds on recent enhancements across Great Stirrup Cay, including the Great Life Lagoon with beach-entry pool and swim-up bars, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, family-oriented Splash Harbor, and an upgraded tram system. Three all-new food trucks will serve a rotating lineup of casual dining options inside the waterpark.
Pricing and Access
Entry to Great Stirrup Cay remains complimentary, while Great Tides Waterpark is a paid, upgraded experience. Guests sailing to the island on or after 4 September 2026 can purchase day passes in advance via their myNCL account or at ncl.com. Private cabanas for up to six guests include waterpark admission, shaded seating near Tidal Tower, and extra comfort between rides. Day passes typically include access to all rides within height/weight guidelines, lounge chairs and umbrellas (subject to availability), towels, lockers, and tram service. Children three and under receive complimentary admission when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Itinerary Options
Travelers keen to be among the first to experience Great Tides can book Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean cruise from Miami on 29 August 2026, which includes the grand opening visit on 4 September. Through November 2026, Luna’s itineraries feature ports such as Puerto Plata (Dominican Republic), St. Thomas (USVI), Tortola (BVI), and Great Stirrup Cay, pairing NCL’s latest ship with its newest island attraction.
Guests can also visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round on various NCL ships from homeports including New York, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Tampa, Port Canaveral, and Miami, with Great Tides passes available on all itineraries calling at the island after the opening date. For shorter Bahamas getaways, Norwegian Getaway operates three- and four-night sailings from Miami that include calls to Great Stirrup Cay through October 2026.
For travel professionals, this development underscores NCL’s continued investment in private-island infrastructure to differentiate its Caribbean product. The waterpark’s scale and family focus are likely to appeal to multi-generational groups and repeat cruisers seeking new onboard and ashore experiences. As the cruise industry competes for share in the short-haul Caribbean market, such enhancements can drive booking decisions and onboard revenue.
For more on how major cruise lines are upgrading private destinations, see our coverage of SIWW 2026 to Address Urban Water Resilience for Global Travel Hubs and Branded Residences Boom in Southeast Asia as Wellness and Resort Properties Take Lead.
