Kreuzfahrt-News
Great Stirrup Cay expands its shore experience with a pier, tram and waterpark
04/11/2026
Norwegian Cruise Line has expanded the amenities on its private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. The new pier, an island tram, Great Life Lagoon and the Splash Harbor children’s area are listed as open on NCL’s current destination page. Great Tides Waterpark is also already operating: parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings reported on October 29 that it had opened in early September. For guests, this mainly changes how they spend their day on the island: getting ashore and choosing between a pool, a water play area and larger attractions are now organized differently than during the construction phase.
From ship to shore and around the island
According to NCL, the new pier allows guests to go directly from the ship to the island. This changes how a shore visit begins: guests now reach land via the pier rather than by tender. The island tram complements this access and is intended to make it easier to explore different areas. NCL describes it as a way to travel between areas of the island.
These changes are part of a broader expansion of the private island. Great Stirrup Cay now plays a more prominent role in the cruise experience as a destination in its own right: the cruise line brings together arrival, transportation around the island and leisure activities at a destination it operates itself. For travelers, the practical benefit is a wider choice of things to do on site. The Lagoon is an option for a pool day; families can also visit a dedicated water play area, while the waterpark brings together a range of slides and water attractions.
Great Tides has been open since September
NCLH confirmed in its quarterly report on October 29 that Great Tides Waterpark opened in early September. The park is therefore no longer just a construction project that has been announced. NCL describes four areas: Tidal Tower, with water slides; Cliffside Cove, with jumps and a family slide; the Wandering River; and Splash Cay, a children’s area.
The four areas cater to different age groups and preferences. Larger slides and jumps are aimed at guests looking for an active day; the Wandering River adds a distinct water attraction alongside the slides. Splash Cay complements the offering with several small slides and interactive water play for children. This makes it possible to spend a full day at the park or combine it with a day at the beach and pool.
Lagoon and Splash Harbor as distinct places to spend time
Great Life Lagoon is a heated pool with a gently sloping entry, two swim-up bars and cabanas. NCL describes the entry as “beach-style”; this refers to access to the pool, not to an additional beach. Splash Harbor is separate and designated as a children’s area with water play and shaded seating. Together with the waterpark, these provide several clearly distinct places to spend time on the island.
