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

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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.”

Tidal Tower will have eight waterslides

Herrera added that his priority is to make sure everyone is aware of the changes coming to Great Stirrup Cay, as he hinted at a future UK-specific competition for agents to have the chance to visit the destination.

Earlier in the year, Herrera unveiled additional details of NCL’s redesign plans for Great Stirrup Cay, including a pier to remove the need for tendering from ships, a 28,000 square foot heated pool and hammock area with tikis.

The pool, beach, loungers and food are complimentary for all passengers, and those with a More At Sea package will also receive beverages on the island for no extra charge. Access to The Great Tides Waterpark will come at an additional charge for passengers.

A call at Great Stirrup Cay will be included on the “strong majority” of Caribbean sailings, Herrera confirmed, although it would not fit with some southern Caribbean itineraries.

He added that he would soon be visiting the line’s other private island in the Western Caribbean, Harvest Caye, to “see what other potential changes we might make to the island”.