Norwegian Cruise Line to Redefine Bahamas Tourism with Great Stirrup Cay Mega Expansion by 2026
Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas – August 1, 2025 – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced a sweeping transformation of its exclusive Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, unveiling plans to launch an expansive waterpark and multiple new amenities by summer 2026. Aiming to attract over one million guests annually, this $100+ million investment signals a bold move to elevate the Bahamas’ cruise tourism landscape and redefine private island vacations across the Caribbean.
Set in the pristine Berry Islands chain, Great Stirrup Cay has long been a guest favorite among NCL passengers. But with growing demand for immersive, activity-rich travel experiences, NCL is positioning the island as a high-energy, multi-generational destination rivaling some of the region’s largest resort offerings.
Great Tides Waterpark: The Largest Cruise-Owned Water Attraction in the Bahamas
At the center of this transformation is the Great Tides Waterpark, a nearly six-acre aquatic wonderland designed to delight thrill-seekers and families alike. Anchored by the towering 52-meter Tidal Tower, the park will feature:
- 19 waterslides, including dual-racer slides and vertical drops
- An 836-square-meter splash zone tailored for younger guests
- A 250-meter dynamic river, offering relaxing floats or swift currents
- Cliff jumping platforms and an all-new jet karting circuit
Once completed, it will become the largest cruise-operated water attraction in the Bahamas, rivaling the amenities of onshore mega resorts like Atlantis Paradise Island and Baha Mar in Nassau.
Expanding the Island Experience: Pools, Play, and Premium Lounging
Beyond the thrills of the waterpark, Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing several new zones for recreation and relaxation. Key additions include:
- The Great Life Lagoon: Featuring a heated oceanfront pool, private overwater villas, and two swim-up bars, this zone offers a luxurious adult-oriented retreat.
- Horizon Park: A vibrant recreational hub with pickleball courts, mini-golf, lawn games, and shaded lounge areas.
- Hammock Bay: A serene cove with over 50 hammocks and a beachside bar for ultimate tropical tranquility.
These amenities will cater to all types of travelers—from active families to honeymooners to solo adventurers—supporting broader tourism trends focused on personalized, memory-driven experiences.
Boosting Bahamian Tourism and Regional Cruise Growth
The Great Stirrup Cay expansion is part of NCL’s strategic commitment to the Caribbean, which remains one of the world’s most visited cruise regions. The Bahamas, according to the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, received over 8 million visitors in 2023 and is targeting record-breaking arrivals in 2026.
With new homeport deployments for Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna, NCL is enhancing its seven-day itineraries from major U.S. ports like Miami and Port Canaveral (Orlando). These ships will include stops at Great Stirrup Cay, alongside visits to the Dominican Republic, British Virgin Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands—positioning the island as a central anchor in NCL’s Eastern Caribbean network.
The upgrades are expected to increase guest spending, boost employment opportunities for Bahamians, and stimulate local vendor participation on the island, contributing positively to the regional economy.
Sustainability and Community Engagement
While focused on guest enhancements, Norwegian Cruise Line also underscores its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Great Stirrup Cay’s redevelopment incorporates eco-conscious materials, water conservation systems, and energy-efficient operations.
In alignment with the Bahamas National Sustainable Tourism Policy, NCL plans to offer local partnership opportunities and job training programs for Bahamian citizens. According to NCL’s official statement, the goal is to “create a lasting, positive footprint that benefits both travelers and the Bahamian community.”
Transforming the Private Island Model in the Caribbean
As cruise lines increasingly invest in private destinations, Great Stirrup Cay sets a new benchmark for private island development. With its scale, diversity of attractions, and high-end offerings, the island competes with destination experiences found in all-inclusive resorts.
“Guests no longer just want a beach day—they want an adventure, a story, a place they can’t wait to come back to,” said David Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line. “This transformation of Great Stirrup Cay reflects our vision of delivering bold, world-class vacation experiences.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Caribbean Island Cruising
By 2026, Great Stirrup Cay will be more than a cruise stop—it will be a standalone Caribbean destination capable of supporting multi-ship visits and extended stays. For international travelers, it offers a seamless blend of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty in one of the Caribbean’s most accessible island chains.
As the Caribbean competes with destinations in Asia and the Mediterranean, private island innovations like this may become essential to attracting repeat cruise guests and growing markets like Europe and South America.
With construction underway and excitement building, Great Stirrup Cay is set to become a flagship of not only NCL’s brand but of the Bahamas’ evolving tourism identity.
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