NCL to develop 19 slide water park on its Bahamas private island

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), a global leader in cruise travel, has announced plans for a private island transformation on Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

 

The expansion includes 19 waterslides, an 800-foot dynamic river, a 9,000-square-foot splash zone for kids, and the industry's first cliffside jumps.

 

The Tidal Tower, located at 170-feet, will feature eight thrilling waterslides, including two tallest slides, racing slides, tube slides, and exciting body slides.

 

The resort also features Cliffside Cove with racer slides, two different cliff jumps, and the Caribbean's only family slide.

 

At the centre of the waterpark is a 9,000-square-foot kids splash zone, complete with eight mini slides and interactive water features.

 

The dynamic river, an immersive water experience with an accelerated current, will be faster and more exciting than a typical lazy river.

 

Well-located cabanas will be situated at the edge of the dynamic river and the kids splash zone for premium access to the popular family areas.

 

An all-new mini aquatic racecourse with jet karts will soon be one of the top shore excursions available on the island for adventure seekers.

 

Guests will start enjoying some of the first enhanced experiences at Great Stirrup Cay later this year, beginning with the opening of the brand-new heated pool, a new multi-ship pier, the scenic welcome plaza, and an island-wide tram service.

 

The Great Life Lagoon, the recently announced expansive 1.4-acre pool area, will be complete with private ocean and pool view cabanas and villas, an abundance of complimentary loungers, and two swim-up bars offering a selection of refreshing beverages including kid-friendly drinks and adult-favourite cocktails.

 

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been an amazing part of the Norwegian Cruise Line guest experience and continues to be one of our highest rated destinations," said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "At 270 acres our private island provides us with an incredible blueprint to reinvent what guests can experience when they escape to ‘The Great Life’ with us. This new waterpark is an outstanding addition to our recent announcement about other amazing new amenities on the island soon to debut.  With each phase of our enhancements, we’re bringing ashore more of what our guests love about sailing with NCL. Whether you want to relax by the huge new heated pool – complete with multiple swim up bars, are looking forward to racing down one of the 19 waterslides with your kids at Great Tides Waterpark, or just want to enjoy the ocean breeze from one of the hammocks at Hammock Bay, Great Stirrup Cay will soon boast even more ways to escape to YOUR ‘great life’ for a memorable vacation on and off the ship. I am thrilled to welcome our guests to the greatest private island in the Caribbean!"

 

For guests who enjoy their fair share of competition, the soon-to-be all-new complimentary recreational area, Horizon Park, will feature lawn style games, pickleball courts, a nine-hole mini golf course, half a sports court, and more.

 

Hammock Bay will include over 50 hammocks for the perfect afternoon nap, a dedicated bar, and a convenient location near the guest-favourite BBQ buffet.

 

Vibe Shore Club, the adults-only area, will offer a chicer ambiance with a private bar, hanging day beds, and premium lounge seating.

 

Entrance to the adults-only area comes with the purchase of a day pass and includes an upgraded lounger and premium umbrella, or for an even more elevated experience, villas will also be available to rent.

 

As part of the "Escape to the Great Life" campaign, NCL is launching a nationwide sweepstakes from July 29 to August 31, 2025, giving away 250 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay for travellers to experience the all-new attractions.

 

Open to residents of the US and Canada, consumers can enter for a chance to win a four-day voyage in August 2026 for two in a balcony stateroom inclusive of NCL’s popular More At Sea™ package.

 

From July 29 to 31, 2025, NCL is bringing the island life to New York City and Miami throughout the month of August with "Escape to the Great Life" consumer activations.

 

In New York City, NCL is bringing Great Stirrup Cay to SoHo with a limited-time engagement experience, with a custom "escape hatch" at 104 Grand Street, New York City, opening to the public.

 

Seven custom "escape hatches" will also be hidden across Manhattan in the popular areas of Hudson Yards, Gansevoort Plaza, 54th Street in Times Square, Broadway and Broome, Grand Central Station, State Street in the Financial District, and on the Highline Sundeck on 14th Street. -TradeArabia News Service