Norwegian Cruise Line Unveils Massive Upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay

• Now Open: A new 1.4-acre "Great Life Lagoon" pool area, featuring swim-up bars and private cabanas, is ready for guests.

• New Experiences: The island now features a "Splash Harbor" for families and an exclusive "Vibe Shore Club" for adults.

• Coming Soon: In Summer 2026, NCL will debut the "Great Tides Waterpark," featuring 19 thrill slides and a cliffside jump.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has revealed the first phase of highly anticipated enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay, its private island destination in the Bahamas.

Just in time for the winter sun season, the line has opened a stunning new 1.4-acre pool area designed to rival the best resorts on land.

Known as the Great Life Lagoon, the area features a heated pool larger than two Olympic-sized swimming pools combined.

Relaxation and Thrills for All Ages

The island's transformation is focused on providing seamless experiences for every type of traveller.

• The Pool: The Great Life Lagoon boasts a beach-style zero-entry, making it accessible for everyone. It is surrounded by private cabanas for rent and features two swim-up bars, allowing guests to enjoy their favourite cocktails without leaving the water.

• For Families: Steps away from the main pool is Splash Harbor, a brand-new complimentary splash pad designed to keep younger guests entertained with water features and play zones.

• For Adults: Those seeking a more exclusive escape can purchase a day pass to the new Vibe Shore Club. Mirroring the popular Vibe Beach Club found on NCL ships, this adults-only retreat offers an exclusive bar, private cabanas, and a dedicated relaxation zone with ocean views.

To make exploring the island easier than ever, NCL has also introduced a new Welcome Centre, a convenient tram system, and a new pier that allows guests to walk directly onto the island, eliminating the need for tender boats.

Coming Summer 2026: Great Tides Waterpark

The excitement doesn't stop with the pool. NCL has confirmed that the island expansion will continue into 2026 with the debut of the Great Tides Waterpark.

Set to open in the summer, this action-packed zone will feature 19 waterslides, including:

• The Tidal Tower: A structure featuring eight exhilarating slides, including high-speed racers and spiralling tube slides.

• Cliffside Cove: An industry-first attraction featuring cliffside jumps and racer slides.

• Relaxation Zones: A nearly 800-foot dynamic river (lazy river) and a massive 9,000-square-foot splash zone for kids.

Experience It Yourself

With these upgrades, NCL is poised to welcome over one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay in 2026.

A total of 17 ships will visit the island, including the brand-new Norwegian Aqua (sailing now) and the upcoming Norwegian Luna, which debuts in March 2026.

Both ships will offer seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Port Canaveral, giving British travellers plenty of opportunities to experience the new island features first hand.