Key Aspects:
- Norwegian Cruise Line has officially unveiled Great Tides Waterpark with a ribbon-cutting event and exclusive preview at Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas.
- Great Tides Waterpark will officially open to cruise guests on September 4, 2026, when Norwegian Luna visits.
- The nearly 6-acre waterpark features 19 waterslides, an over 800-foot Wandering River, cliff jumps, children’s attractions, dining, and other amenities.
Norwegian Cruise Line is making waves at its brand-new Great Tides Waterpark days ahead of its official opening. The cruise line hosted an exclusive preview event at its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay, marking the completion of the nearly 6-acre park.
Norwegian Getaway brought cruise line officials and guests, including travel partners, media personnel, and influencers, to Great Stirrup Cay for the unveiling. A ceremonial ribbon-cutting kicked off the event, followed by speeches from Norwegian Cruise Line leadership and Bahamian government officials.
After the ceremony, guests were allowed to enter and explore the completed park. The cruise line also curated special experiences for attendees, including photo opportunities, special cocktails, food and beverage tastings, and a Junkanoo performance showcasing the culture of the Bahamas.
“Great Tides Waterpark represents an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
As Cruise Hive previously reported, the new water park will officially open to cruise guests on September 4, 2026. Those planning to visit Great Stirrup Cay should note, however, that a separately purchased day pass is required for entry. Prices will vary by sailing depending on date, popularity, and other factors.
Norwegian Luna, which debuted earlier this year, will bring the first regular guests to Great Tides Waterpark when it opens. The 3,565-passenger vessel departed Miami on August 29, 2026 for a 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage and is scheduled to dock at Great Stirrup Cay on September 4 at 10:00 a.m.
What’s Inside Great Tides Waterpark?
The park features 19 waterslides across several distinct areas. Its centerpiece is the 170-foot Tidal Tower, home to eight different slides. Also featured are Cliffside Cove, offering 10- and 15-foot jumps, the over 800-foot-long Wandering River, and the kid-friendly Splash Cay.
Complimentary lounge chairs and shade umbrellas are available, as well as private cabanas for rental. There are a variety of food and drink options around the park, including the Floataway swim-up bar and three food trucks.
The completed park is the culmination of a project first announced more than a year before its opening. Norwegian Cruise Line first announced Great Tides Waterpark in July 2025 as part of a broader transformation of Great Stirrup Cay.
Cruise Hive later visited the private island during this overhaul in March 2026. Then, in May 2026, Norwegian Cruise Line officially confirmed the September opening date. This was followed by a detailed first look at all the attractions in August 2026.
Great Tides isn’t the only change Norwegian has made to Great Stirrup Cay. The cruise line has also built a new dual-berth pier, allowing guests to walk directly ashore rather than relying on tenders. Together, the new pier and Great Tides Waterpark mark two of the most significant additions to Great Stirrup Cay.
