What’s New at Great Stirrup Cay in 2026: What’s Open Now and What’s Coming This Summer

Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas, has entered a new era in 2026. The latest buildout is focused on two things: a smoother “day ashore” (less waiting, easier getting around) and more resort-style ways to spend your time once you arrive. Here’s a look at the newest additions you can experience now, plus the big debuts scheduled for summer 2026.

OPEN NOW

1) A New Multi-Ship Pier and Upgraded Arrival Flow

The most immediately noticeable change is how you get to the island. Great Stirrup Cay now has a new multi-berth pier, allowing ships to dock so guests can walk ashore instead of relying solely on tender boats. 

Norwegian also points to supporting infrastructure, such as a welcome/arrival hub and an island-wide tram system, designed to make orientation and island navigation simpler once you step on land.

2) Great Life Lagoon: A 1.4-Acre Heated Pool Complex

Great Life Lagoon is the centerpiece of the refresh and one of the biggest additions. Norwegian describes it as a 1.4-acre heated pool area - larger than two Olympic-sized pools combined - designed to work for both families and adults who want a resort pool day.

The setup includes a beach-style entry that leads toward kid-friendly water features, plus two swim-up bars for anyone who wants to stay in the water while ordering a drink. Poolside cabanas give groups a shaded base for the day with ocean-and-pool views.

3) Splash Harbor: A Complimentary Kids Splash Pad

Splash Harbor is the family-friendly counterpart to the new pool scene. Norwegian positions it as a complimentary splash pad just steps from Great Life Lagoon, so younger guests can rotate between pool time and splash time without a long walk.

In the island enhancement details, Splash Harbor is described as a 3,400-square-foot splash space with interactive fountains and aquatic features, with a shaded bar and lounge nearby for parents who want a comfortable place to supervise.

4) Vibe Shore Club: Adults-Only, Day-Pass Access

If your perfect island day is less about splash zones and more about premium lounging, Vibe Shore Club is the new option built for that. Norwegian describes Vibe Shore Club as an adults-only area available via an all-day pass, featuring private cabanas, premium lounge seating and a private bar: essentially, a beach-club-style upgrade for travelers who want more space and a calmer atmosphere.

COMING SUMMER 2026

5) Great Tides Waterpark: 19 Slides, a 170-Foot Tower, and a Fast “Dynamic River”

But those features aren't everything. Coming Summer 2026 is Great Tides Waterpark, which will span nearly six acres.

Norwegian’s plan includes 19 waterslides anchored by the 170-foot Tidal Tower with eight slides, plus features like conveyor belts on select slides to lift rafts to the top. A major differentiator is the almost 800-foot “dynamic river” with an accelerated current and an illuminated grotto tunnel featuring a bioluminescent-style scene.

6) Cliff Jumps, Big Kid Zones, and Jet Karts

Great Tides Waterpark is also designed with signature elements beyond standard slides. Cliffside Cove is planned with two cliff jumps at 10 and 15 feet, racer slides, and a four-person family slide, with a cave-style Grotto Bar positioned underneath for people-watching.

For smaller kids, the plan calls for a 9,000-square-foot splash zone with an oversized tipping bucket (described as more than 40 feet tall), eight mini slides, and interactive water features. And for guests who want an adrenaline hit outside the waterpark, Norwegian has announced a jet karts water track, an “aquatic racecourse” blending go-karting and jet skiing as a new shore excursion concept.

Bottom line: in 2026, Great Stirrup Cay is moving from “nice beach stop” to “choose-your-own resort day”—with easier docking, a true pool complex, and a waterpark-scale expansion arriving in summer 2026. We can't wait to check it out to see how it compares to the other private islands.