MIAMI — Norwegian Cruise Line is making an even bigger splash at Great Stirrup Cay with the debut of Great Tides Waterpark, a nearly six-acre attraction on its private island in The Bahamas.

The waterpark officially opens to guests today, Sept. 4, when Norwegian Luna calls at Great Stirrup Cay. Ahead of the opening, NCL hosted government officials, travel partners, media, content creators and other invited guests for a preview event and ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

“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. “From the 170-foot Tidal Tower and first-of-its-kind slides to the immersive Wandering River, industry-first cliff jumps and interactive splash zones, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable island day for guests of all ages.” 

FOUR MAIN AREAS

Great Tides Waterpark is divided into four main areas, each built around different types of water-based attractions. 

Tidal Tower stands 170 feet tall and features eight slides, including Tropic Spiral, which NCL says is the first Nautilus slide in the world, and Breakwater Blasters, described as the Caribbean’s first duelling Master Blaster slides. 

Cliffside Cove includes Cliffside Leap, with 10- and 15-foot cliff jumps, The Great Slide, a family slide designed for four guests at a time, and Fearless Falls slides that drop riders from five feet above the water. 

The Wandering River stretches more than 800 feet and features an immersive tunnel and swim-up Floataway Bar, while Splash Cay offers more than 9,000 square feet of family-focused space with a 300-gallon tipping bucket, eight mini-slides and interactive water features. 

NEW FOOD AND BEVERAGE 

The preview event also showcased several new food and beverage offerings planned for the waterpark.

Three new food trucks include Low Tide Smoke, serving barbecue, Catch of the Cay, focused on seafood, and Tidal Treats, offering handcrafted ice cream and soft serve. 

NCL also highlighted beverage activations from Aperol, Casamigos, Coca-Cola and Hampton Water, which will also be available during the official grand opening celebration. 

MORE TO DO AT GREAT STIRRUP CAY

The waterpark is part of NCL’s broader investment in Great Stirrup Cay, which also includes Great Life Lagoon, an expansive pool area with two swim-up bars, private cabanas and complimentary loungers and umbrellas. 

Other island options include Splash Harbor, an adults-only Vibe Shore Club available by day pass, Silver Cove villas and spa treatments, beach lounging, snorkelling, paddle boards and ziplining. 

Travellers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with seasonal sailings from homeports including New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Tampa, Port Canaveral and Jacksonville. 

Guests can purchase a Great Tides Waterpark pass through their myNCL account after completing their cruise reservation. 

For more information visit www.ncl.com.

Lead image caption: Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Great Tides Waterpark — Credit Norwegian Cruise Line