by Natasha Lair
Last updated: 7:20 AM ET, Thu January 8, 2026
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has released new images of the first completed enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas.
Part of a multi-year transformation, at the centre of the updates is Great Life Lagoon, a new 1.4-acre pool area featuring a large heated pool with a beach-style entry, a family splash area, two swim-up bars, and private cabanas.
According to NCL, the pool is larger than two Olympic-sized pools combined and is designed to accommodate both families and adult guests.
Also newly introduced is Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad for younger guests located near the pool, and the Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only beachfront area offering private cabanas and a dedicated bar. Access to the Vibe Shore Club is available via an all-day pass.
Norwegian Cruise Line's Vibe?Shore?Club offers an?adults-only retreat with private cabanas. (Photo Credit: NCL)
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Additional infrastructure improvements include a new pier to facilitate easier ship access, a Welcome Center, and a tram system to help guests move around the island.
“Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for our guests, and these new enhancements make it even easier for guests to trade the winter weather for the warm tropics and enjoy an ‘Escape to the Great Life,’” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“With the fun versatility of Great Life Lagoon, and family-friendly spots like Splash Harbor, we’ve created an island where everyone can unwind, play and make lasting memories. This transformation is all about offering premium experiences and unparalleled guest services to our guests and giving them the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation their way. I cannot wait until next summer when we unveil even greater guest experiences with Great Tides Waterpark.”
Looking Ahead
NCL says it plans to open Great Tides Waterpark in summer 2026.
The new attraction will include 19 waterslides, anchored by the Tidal Tower, which will feature eight slides, including the park’s two tallest.
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The waterpark will also include racing slides, tube slides, body slides, an approximately 800-foot dynamic river, a 9,000-square-foot children’s splash zone and Cliffside Cove, which NCL says will feature the cruise industry’s first cliffside jumps and racer slides. Some attractions will include conveyor belts to transport rafts to the top.
Norwegian Cruise Line expects to welcome more than one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026 across 17 ships. That total will include visits from newer vessels such as Norwegian Aqua, which is currently sailing seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral) through October 2027, and Norwegian Luna, scheduled to debut in March 2026 and begin Caribbean sailings in April 2026.
Further details on itineraries calling at Great Stirrup Cay this winter here.
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