Norwegian Cruise Line Is Opening A New, Private Caribbean Water Park In Summer 2026

Tropical breezes, sparkling turquoise waters, and soft sandy beaches are exactly what travelers embarking on a Caribbean vacation expect to experience. There's a reason why the various islands scattered throughout the Caribbean Sea attract millions of tourists every single year. Cruise ships are one of the most popular ways to travel through the region, and cruisers usually get to explore multiple island nations within a single vacation. The most luxurious cruise lines even stop at their very own private islands. Norwegian Cruise Line owns a private island in the Bahamas called Great Stirrup Cay, and the company recently announced that they will be opening a huge water park for their guests to enjoy in 2026.

There's something completely glamorous about lounging and relaxing on a private island, which is one of the reasons why cruise lines that offer such experiences are so popular, but several hours of chilling on the beach and sipping on fruity beverages can get a little boring for adventurous travelers. A water park is the perfect way to break up your relaxing beach day.

If you're in search of thrills, screams, and plenty of laughs, then the Great Tides Water Park on Great Stirrup Cay is probably going to be your kind of place. Norwegian Cruise Line is often listed among the best cruise lines to book for family vacations, and the water park is an ideal vacation activity for families traveling with kids, or anyone who enjoys a day spent splashing around on heart-pumping rides.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been operating for over 50 years and has 20 different cruise ships that travel to destinations around the globe. In total, Norwegian Cruise Line ships sail to 350 different places. The company is unique in that it allows travelers a ton of flexibility. There aren't any strict dress codes or timelines on a Norwegian cruise. A major perk of cruising to the Caribbean with Norwegian is that you'll have exclusive access to the company's private island in the Bahamas. Soon, guests will also be able to enjoy the brand new water park that is being constructed on the island.

Great Stirrup Cay is a tiny 270-acre island that is part of the Berry Islands. It is about 50 miles to the north of Nassau — the capital city of the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line has owned the island since 1977. There are around five other cruise lines that own private islands in the Caribbean, but Norwegian was the first to offer that kind of exclusive experience to guests. The island has no permanent residents, so cruisers have the whole place to themselves. Keeping everyone entertained with fun activities is crucial when it comes to surviving a cruise with your kids. Disembarking on the private island and heading straight to Great Tides Waterpark is sure to be a memorable experience for the whole family.

Adults can relax in the sun with a cocktail in hand while the kids enjoy classic water park rides. Great Tides Waterpark will have 19 different water slides, including eight smaller kid-friendly options. There will also be a cliff jumping experience and a wandering river. According to the Norwegian Cruise Line website, the water park is scheduled to open in September 2026.

Only Norwegian Cruise Line passengers can visit Great Tides Waterpark, so if you want to check it out, you'll have to book a cruise. All of the cruise line's sailings to the Bahamas stop at the exclusive private island where the water park is located. While access to Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary for all cruise passengers, visiting the water park does require that you purchase a Day Pass for an additional fee.

A day pass to Great Tides Waterpark gives you access to all four of the park's zones: Tidal Tower, Cliffside Cove, Wandering River, and Splash Cay. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas available for guests, and complimentary food trucks for when you work up an appetite. If you purchased Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea beverage package, you can also enjoy free drinks at the water park and across the island. Other amenities include complimentary towels, lockers, and life jackets.

If you're visiting the water park with small children, keep in mind that some of the slides and activities do have height requirements. All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by someone over that age. Make sure to carve out some time to enjoy other activities around the island like snorkeling, kayaking, and sunbathing on the sandy beaches.