Norwegian Cruise Line to open ‘greatest water park in Caribbean’ next summer

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will open a six-acre water park in summer 2026 as part of the redevelopment of its private island.

Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay will feature 19 waterslides, an 800-foot lazy river, cliffside jumps, an aquatic racecourse, dedicated areas for children, swim-up bars and adult-only zones.

Eight of the attraction’s slides will spiral from the 170-feet Tidal Tower, which will have a conveyor belt that lifts rafts to the summit to "eliminate the tedious task of guests carrying them up on their own".

At the centre of Great Tides Waterpark will be Tidepool Town, described as an "aquatic paradise for children of all ages", which will feature a water tipping bucket 40 feet above the ground and eight mini slides.

The immersive lazy river will be "faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river" with an illuminated grotto tunnel to create the "ultimate multi-sensory experience", while the Jet Karts Track is described as a mini aquatic racecourse that combines elements of go-karting and jet skiing. 

Speaking in a Travel Weekly webcast, NCL president David Herrera said: “We are building the greatest water park in the Caribbean.

“It will have 19 waterslides, a dynamic river with investments in technology to have an immersive experience, cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet and a family slide for four people.

“It is a unique experience because NCL is all about providing guests with freedom and flexibility and a core part of our target market are families.”

He added: “I am thrilled, and I can’t wait to go down with my sons and have that shared experience.”