First Look: NCL’s New Waterpark Has the Caribbean’s Only Cliff Jumps

Norwegian Cruise Line has released the first images of Great Tides Waterpark, a six-acre addition to its private island Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.

A Caribbean waterpark featuring a large pool, dramatic rock formations perfect for cliff jumps, swaying palm trees, and a towering waterslide. Guests can be seen swimming or climbing the rocks under a clear, sunny sky—an experience reminiscent of Norwegian Cruise Line’s vibrant destinations.

It opens Sept. 4, 2026, timed to Norwegian Luna’s Aug. 29, 2026 seven-day Caribbean sailing.

What the waterpark includes

The waterpark has 19 waterslides. The Wandering River is a lazy river with an enclosed tunnel section. The Great Slide is a four-person body slide, which NCL says is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean.

Children play at a colorful Caribbean waterpark with slides and climbing structures. A large bucket dumps water, splashing onto the area below. The sky is partly cloudy, and the park—featured on a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary—is surrounded by tropical plants.

Tidal Tower has the Breakwater Blasters, a pair of slides that use water jets to push inner tubes uphill through drops and turns.

Four people ride inflatable tubes down a lazy river in an indoor Caribbean waterpark, passing by rock formations with glowing pink and orange lights on the wall. The atmosphere is relaxed and colorful—a perfect escape reminiscent of the vibrant experiences you’d find aboard a Norwegian Cruise Line adventure.

Cliffside Cove has cliff jumps with drops of 10 to 15 feet into the water. Splash Cay is a splash zone built for younger kids.

The island’s new two-berth pier is open, so passengers no longer need tender boats to get ashore.

Dining and drinks

Two rectangular plates with barbecue glazed ribs or wings on waffle fries, served with coleslaw, pickle slices, celery sticks, and a side of ranch dressing. Plates are placed on large green palm leaves, adding a tropical flair reminiscent of Caribbean cliff jumps and the vibrant atmospheres found aboard Norwegian Cruise Line’s new waterpark adventures.

Three new venues serve the waterpark. Low Tide Smoke serves barbecue: pork riblets, pulled pork nachos, buffalo cauliflower for non-meat eaters. Catch of the Cay serves seafood: shrimp rolls, fried shrimp baskets, chilled seafood rolls with waffle fries.

Tidal Treats serves dessert, including sundaes in bubble waffle bowls and a fish-shaped waffle cone with soft serve. A complimentary buffet is also available inside the waterpark.

Two bars serve the waterpark: Grotto Bar under The Great Slide, and Floataway Bar inside The Wandering River. Both are covered by NCL’s Free at Sea unlimited beverage package.

Know Before You Book

Four adults sit and relax on lounge chairs and a couch under a cabana at a tropical resort, reminiscent of the luxurious amenities found at a Caribbean waterpark. There is a large umbrella, green plants, and a small yellow table nearby. Everyone appears to be enjoying a sunny day.

Day passes are on sale now for sailings calling on Great Stirrup Cay from September onward. They’re purchased through myNCL, but only after a cruise reservation is booked.

Private cabanas for up to six people are available inside the waterpark and include admission.

Adults without kids can instead book an all-day pass to Vibe Shore Club, a separate adults-only area with loungers and a bar.

Silver Cove, NCL’s existing private villa enclave, remains available as a higher-priced, waterpark-free option.

Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, said the release gives guests an early look at the island ahead of the September opening.

How much does Great Tides Waterpark cost?

Four people relax on yellow and blue inflatable tubes, floating along a lazy river surrounded by palm trees and greenery, under a bright sky at a vibrant Caribbean waterpark. Two people in the background point toward something, perhaps eyeing the thrilling cliff jumps nearby, while everyone appears relaxed.

Day passes to Great Tides Waterpark start at $99.99 per person for adults and children, with kids 3 and under admitted free. Pricing varies by sailing and availability, so the exact price shows up in myNCL once a cruise reservation is booked.

It should be noted that Free at Sea shore excursion credits cannot be applied toward the waterpark admission cost. Cabanas for up to six guests, which include waterpark admission, are booked separately at a higher rate.

Itineraries calling on Great Stirrup Cay after Sept. 4 run year-round.

This area compliments the giant pool area and the pier that the company opened up earlier this year.

READ MORE: What’s We Like Most About Norwegian Aqua.

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Frank M

Frank is a seasoned travel journalist with over a decade of experience covering hospitality, cruise, and air travel. He has traveled extensively by land, sea, and air, collaborating with industry giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Disney, and Carnival Corp. His work has been featured in major international and industry publications across four continents.
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