Norwegian Cruise Line Revolutionizes Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has unveiled a new phase in the transformation of its private Bahamian island, Great Stirrup Cay, with the opening of a 1.4-acre pool area, an exclusive adults-only Vibe Shore Club, Splash Harbor for kids, and a range of new experiences designed to make every visit to the island unforgettable.
The official debut of these new features took place on January 7, 2026, marking a significant step forward in NCL’s strategy to offer premium, personalized experiences for its guests.
The massive 1.4-acre pool area, Great Life Lagoon
Vibe Shore Club, the adults-only area with daybeds, private cabanas, and a private bar
The centerpiece of the island’s enhancements is the Great Life Lagoon, a 1.4-acre pool area featuring a heated pool larger than two Olympic-sized pools, a beach-style entry, and a water play zone with attractions for younger guests. Two swim-up bars allow adults to enjoy cocktails in complete relaxation, while private cabanas offer spectacular views of the pool and ocean, ensuring maximum comfort and privacy. For those seeking an exclusive experience, the Vibe Shore Club, reserved for adults, features private cabanas, a dedicated bar, and access via a daily pass, creating the perfect retreat for uninterrupted relaxation.
Additional upgrades include Splash Harbor, a free splash pad located just steps from the main pool, a new Welcome Center, and a tram system that makes getting around the island easy and accessible for all guests. With these enhancements, NCL aims to ensure every visitor enjoys a safe, fun, and stress-free experience, catering to families, couples, and groups of friends alike.
Harry Sommer, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., highlighted how the new improvements at Great Stirrup Cay enhance the island’s appeal to guests, offering a versatile environment where relaxation, fun, and exclusive experiences come together. Sommer explained that the island’s transformation is designed to deliver top-tier amenities and memorable moments for visitors of all ages. He also announced that in summer 2026, the new Great Tides Waterpark will open, featuring slides, dynamic rivers, splash areas for children, and adrenaline-filled attractions to delight every type of guest.
Splash Harbor, a complimentary splash pad steps away from the all-new heated pool
Waves Bar
The new infrastructure not only enhances the guest experience but also strengthens NCL’s position in the Caribbean and Bahamas cruise market. In 2026, seventeen ships from the company’s fleet will visit Great Stirrup Cay, bringing over one million guests to the private island. Among them are the Norwegian Aqua, offering weekly cruises from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral) to the Caribbean and Bahamas, and the new Norwegian Luna, debuting in March 2026 with similar itineraries and stops at the same spectacular tropical destinations.
The Great Life Lagoon and new attractions represent a significant evolution from the island’s previous facilities. The main pool is designed to accommodate large numbers of guests without compromising comfort or safety, while the areas dedicated to children and adults offer differentiated experiences to ensure that every age group can fully enjoy their vacation. The introduction of swim-up bars, private cabanas, and adults-only areas highlights NCL’s commitment to combining entertainment, relaxation, and luxury in a single setting. Guests can also take advantage of the new pier, which simplifies island access and speeds up embarkation and disembarkation, improving logistics and reducing waiting times. The internal tram, together with the upgraded facilities, ensures that all guests can move easily between different areas of the island, exploring attractions safely and conveniently.
The arrival of the Great Tides Waterpark in summer 2026 will complete the island’s transformation. The water park will feature 19 water slides of varying types, from extreme thrill rides to more gentle paths, the Tidal Tower with eight spectacular slides, an almost 800-foot-long dynamic river, a 9,000-square-foot splash area for children, and Cliffside Cove with scenic jumps and slides. Some slides will include conveyor belts to make climbing back up effortless, allowing guests to focus solely on fun.
Welcome Plaza at Great Stirrup Cay
Cabanas on the Cay at Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay Pool
Great Stirrup Cay Great Tides Waterpark Aerial Rendering – Debuting Summer 2026
With these upgrades, Norwegian Cruise Line reinforces its reputation as an innovator in luxury cruising, aiming to offer memorable and diverse experiences. The combination of family areas, adult-only zones, and adrenaline-filled attractions will make Great Stirrup Cay a destination that satisfies every type of traveler, confirming the island as a must-visit location for the company’s cruises.
In conclusion, the transformation of Great Stirrup Cay sets a new standard for private islands in the cruise industry. With giant pools, adult-exclusive areas, kids’ zones, and upcoming water parks, NCL demonstrates how it is possible to combine luxury, fun, and top-tier services, giving guests the freedom to enjoy their vacation exactly as they wish—in complete relaxation and safety. With over one million visitors expected in 2026, Great Stirrup Cay remains one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after destinations and a benchmark of excellence in cruising.
Stay updated on Norwegian Cruise Line news, updates, and reviews on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and cruise deals.
