NCL unveils new attractions at Great Stirrup Cay

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Great Life Lagoon, Great Stirrup Bay

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled the latest attractions at Great Stirrup Cay, the brand’s popular private island in the Bahamas. The destination, which is expected to welcome more than one million guests across 17 ships in 2026, is undergoing a series of significant upgrades set to debut in phases throughout 2026.

Set across 268 acres, Great Stirrup Cay is being transformed with new facilities including a pier capable of accommodating multiple ships, eliminating the need for tendering, a tram system for easy island access and a host of new leisure spaces, some of which are now open to guests.

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At the centre of the island’s transformation is the now-open Great Life Lagoon, a 1.4-acre heated pool area that’s larger than two Olympic-sized pools. Designed for guests of all ages, it features a beach-style entrance leading to a splash zone for children, while adults can unwind at two brand-new swim-up bars.

The line has also opened Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad for younger guests, positioned beside the main pool, and a new Welcome Center. For adults seeking a more exclusive experience, the new Vibe Shore Club is a private, adults-only retreat with beachfront cabanas, a bar and lounging areas accessible via an all-day pass.

Adults-only beachfront cabanas

The island’s expansion will continue into summer 2026 with the debut of the Great Tides Waterpark, anchored by 19 waterslides ranging from high-speed thrill rides to gentle aquatic adventures. Highlights will include the signature Tidal Tower – featuring high-speed racing slides, enclosed tube slides and body slides equipped with conveyor belts to transport rafts to the top – as well as Cliffside Cove, home to the industry’s first cliffside jumps and racer slides, and a river and splash zone for families.

Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, said: “This transformation is all about offering premium experiences and unparalleled services to our guests and giving them the freedom and flexibility to enjoy their vacation their way.”

Render: Great Tides Waterpark

Among the ships sailing to Great Stirrup Cay next year are the Norwegian Aqua, operating seven-day Caribbean itineraries from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral) through October 2027, and the all-new Norwegian Luna, which will debut in March 2026 and sail seven-day Caribbean voyages from April through October 2026.

NCL recently revealed details of its winter 2027-28 deployment, covering 370 cruises from September 2027 to April 2028, and featuring itineraries from two to 22 days, visiting 144 destinations across 47 countries. The line confirmed the return of its popular ‘Free at Sea Plus’ offer across all sailings.

To partner with NCL, email Rebecca Ransom, Business Development Manager Middle East, rransom@ncl.com, call/WhatsApp: +44 7961 300 729; for more information, visit www.ncl.com

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Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.