Key Aspects:
- The Great Tides Waterpark will open on Great Stirrup Cay on Friday, September 4, 2026.
- Guests booked on sailings visiting the private island after September 4 can purchase day passes beginning May 28.
- The nearly 6-acre waterpark includes 19 waterslides, a unique active river, cliff dives, water coasters, and more.
It is only a few months before the new Great Tides Waterpark will open on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, and now cruise guests can begin planning their visits to the private island in the Bahamas with advance sales for day passes and exclusive rentals.
The park will officially open for guests on Friday, September 4, 2026, with the new Norwegian Luna as the first ship to visit the upgraded destination.
From Thursday, May 28, any guests booked on sailings that will visit Great Stirrup Cay on or after September 4 will be able to purchase day passes for the nearly 6-acre waterpark. Rentals for private cabanas and similar options will also be available, and each rental includes a waterpark pass.
Full details on the cabanas have not yet been released, but artist renderings show luxurious seating, privade shade umbrellas, ceiling fans, and other elevated amenities. Up to six guests will be able to enjoy each cabana.
The cabanas appear to be located in multiple spots, including right near the waterslides as well as the lazy river for convenient access to the waterpark’s most popular features.
“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,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“With the best activities for families and for every type of traveler—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 beginning tomorrow.”
Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed that pricing for the waterpark passes and cabana rentals will vary. Different factors, such as the cruise date, overall popularity, holidays, and the number of ships visiting Great Stirrup Cay, will likely impact pricing.
More Waterpark Features Announced
Cruise Hive reported when Great Tides Waterpark was announced in July 2025 that the park would feature 19 waterslides, a lazy river, cliff jumps, play areas for kids, and other unique features. Now, more details have been confirmed about the park.
At the center of the park will be the massive 170-foot Tidal Tower, where multiple slides originate. Thrill-seeking guests will want to tackle the Breakwater Blasters water coasters, while the Whitewater Dash body slides offer speed and excitement.
Rapid Mat Racers has two different mat slides, and guests who enjoy spirals and spins will want to try out Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral.
Another industry-first feature of Great Tides Waterpark is Cliffside Cove, where guests can test their bravery with 10- and 15-foot cliff dives.
Guests who want to enjoy thrills with family members and friends won’t want to miss The Great Slide, the only 4-person body slide in the Caribbean. The youngest guests will also enjoy Splash Cay with 9,000 square feet of splashtastic fun, including fountains, sprays, mini slides, and a tipping splash bucket.
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Anyone who wants to keep cool and simply enjoy the island vibes should check out the Wandering River. This uniquely elevated lazy river has a multi-sensory grotto and more active sections with a total length of more than 800 feet.
It isn’t just the waterpark that will be new and amazing on Great Stirrup Cay, however. Private cabanas, three all-new food trucks, the expansive Great Life Lagoon, swim-up bars, spectacular beaches, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, and more await visitors.
The island’s updated tram system ensures everyone can visit all parts of the private destination and save their energy for all the fun!
Visiting the New Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Luna will be the first ship to visit Great Stirrup Cay when Great Tides Waterpark opens. The ship’s August 29 departure from Miami will first go to Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, and Tortola before visiting Great Stirrup Cay as the last port of call on the 7-night Caribbean itinerary.
In the days following what is sure to be a grand opening, the new waterpark will enjoy multiple visits from not only Norwegian Luna but also Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Prima in September, followed by Norwegian Aqua, Norwegian Joy, and Norwegian Jewel in October.
Through the winter months, more and more ships will visit as this is the peak of the Caribbean sailing season. The cruise line does visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, however, and thousands of guests are sure to enjoy the new waterpark every week.
