Norwegian Cruise Line Upgrades Great Stirrup Cay

Convenient tram service, an adults-only retreat and exciting aquatic features are among the new enhancements at the line’s island paradise in the Bahamas

After making a special announcement on July 29, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line has been enhancing Great Stirrup Cay, its private Bahamian island. The Norwegian Getaway on December 28 became the first ship to dock at the new pier and offer guests a slew of fresh enhancements. More amenities will be ready in summer of 2026.

Welcome Plaza at Great Stirrup Cay

More about Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line acquired Great Stirrup Cay in 1977, becoming the first line to offer a tropical island exclusively for its guests. Back then, there was no pier, so ships had to anchor offshore and provide tender boat service to the island.

Over the years, the company has made enhancements, but the upgrades added in December, plus the ones that will come onboard this summer, will provide elevated experiences.

New Enhancements That Debuted in December

Great Stirrup Cay has introduced the following:

A new multi-ship pier for ships to dock at
A new Welcome Plaza
A tram service that makes it easy way to explore all the areas at Great Stirrup Cay
Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only retreat with premium loungers and bar service
The 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon, designed with both adults and families. It includes a 28,000-square-foot pool that has aquatic features for kids, plus private cabanas, complimentary loungers and swim-up bars. Splash Harbor, a 3,000-square-foot area for families, is just 150 feet from the main pool.

Vibe Shore Club day bed

What’s Coming Up at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line will be opening Great Tides Waterpark in summer of 2026. This action-packed spot will feature 19 waterslides, eight of them at Tidal Tower. Attractions at Tidal Tower will include:

High-speed racing slides for competitive fun
Spiraling tube slides that twist and spin guests in unexpected directions
Exciting body slides for pure adrenaline

Great Tides Waterpark will also feature an 88-foot-long dynamic river and a 9,000-square-foot splash zone for kids. Cliffside Cove is where guests will find the cruise industry’s first cliffside jumps, racer slides and more.

Ships Visiting Great Stirrup Cay

In 2026, 17 Norwegian Cruise Line ships will be delivering more than a million guests to the island. The Norwegian Aqua, which debuted on April 25, 2025, offers seven-day Caribbean sailings from Miami and Orlando (Port Canaveral) that include Great Stirrup Cay. Also calling will be the Norwegian Luna, which debuts in March 2026. She will be doing seven-day Caribbean itineraries from April 2026 through October 2026.

Great Life Lagoon

The Private Island Experience

Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for guests of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has led the way in private island experiences.

There are great advantages to having a private island:

The cruise line has full control over the guest experience.
There are consistent standards, from cuisine and beverages to service levels.
It reinforces the cruise line’s branding and identity in special ways.
It provides additional value to the guest.

More Thoughts

These enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay bring a new level of enjoyment for guests of the 17 Norwegian Cruise Line ships visiting the island this year. And now with the new pier and tram service, it makes the experience more enjoyable than ever.