NCL reveals grand opening date for Great Tides Waterpark, day pass sales

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) says the opening for its highly-anticipated Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay (a private island in the Bahamas) will take place on Sept. 4, 2026, during Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean sailing.

Starting May 28, all guests sailing to Great Stirrup Cay on or after Sept. 4, 2026 can purchase day passes to the waterpark. 

Elevating the experience even further, guests can reserve private cabanas for up to six guests, which includes admission into the waterpark and offers shaded comfort just steps from the park’s Tidal Tower featuring jaw-dropping slides.

Additionally, the waterpark experience extends beyond the 19 exhilarating slides with three all-new food trucks serving a dynamic lineup of dining.

Beginning May 28, 2026, guests can reserve private cabanas within the waterpark for up to six guests, inclusive of waterpark admission.

“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, in a press release.

“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.”

Six acres of fun

Spanning nearly six acres, Great Tides Waterpark promises “bold, family-friendly adventure” across immersive attractions for all ages.

At its centre will stand the 170-foot Tidal Tower, featuring the Breakwater Blasters—industry-first water coasters with downhill drops and uphill blasts within an inner tube—alongside the Whitewater Dash with two body slides; Rapid Mat Racers featuring two mat slides; and a selection of tube slides, Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral, with spirals and spins for an adrenaline rush.

Great Tides Waterpark will boast 19 waterslides; Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot splash zone for younger guests (Left); the 170-foot Tidal Tower (Center) with thrill slides; and Cliffside Cove (Right) featuring The Great Slide, a four-person body slide.

Additional highlights will include Cliffside Cove, home to the industry’s first and highest cliff jumps; The Great Slide, the Caribbean’s only four-person body slide; Fearless Falls racing slides; and the hidden Grotto Bar tucked beneath the action for prime viewing.

Younger guests will be able to splash through Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids’ zone, while adventure seekers can float along the Wandering River, an over 800-foot, high-energy take on the classic lazy river.

The waterpark builds on the recent transformation of Great Stirrup Cay, which includes the expansive Great Life Lagoon, featuring a beach-style entry pool, swim-up bars and ample space to unwind with ocean views.

Guests can also elevate their day at the adults-only Vibe Shore Club, enjoy family-friendly offerings like Splash Harbour and explore the island with ease with the island’s latest tram system.

How to get there

Travellers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with voyages sailing seasonally from homeports including New York and Philadelphia as well as Florida ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and Miami.

Guests wanting to celebrate the grand opening of the waterpark can embark on Norwegian Luna’s seven-day Caribbean sailing from Miami on Aug. 29, 2026.

Norwegian Luna offers itineraries through November 2026 with visits to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; and Tortola, British Virgin Islands as well as Great Stirrup Cay.

For shorter sailings from Miami, Norwegian Getaway offers three- and four-night voyages to the Bahamas through October 2026.

Guests may purchase a pass to Great Tides Waterpark beginning May 28 by logging into their myNCL account after completing their cruise reservation.

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