You Can Now Book Day Passes to the Caribbean's Wildest New Private Island Waterpark
If your ultimate cruise fantasy involves racing down high-speed waterslides, catching massive drops on an uphill water coaster and immediately cooling off at a hidden cave bar, you might want to log into your cruise account right now.
Norwegian Cruise Line just dropped the official grand opening date for its highly anticipated Great Tides Waterpark-and day passes are officially up for grabs.
Making its splashy debut on September 4, 2026, during Norwegian Luna's seven-day Caribbean sailing, this massive addition is completely redefining NCL's private Bahamian paradise, Great Stirrup Cay.
Spanning nearly six acres of nonstop, family-friendly adrenaline, the park features 19 exhilarating slides designed to suit every type of traveler. Best of all, if you already have an upcoming sailing booked on or after the grand opening, you can officially pre-book your advance day passes or private cabanas to customize your perfect island escape.
"Great Stirrup Cay continues to evolve as the premier private island destination in the Bahamas, and we're excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark on Sept. 4, 2026," says Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "With the best activities for families and for every type of traveler-from high-energy slides to laid-back lagoon experiences-guests can purchase their day passes ahead and lock in an unforgettable day on the most spectacular private island in the Caribbean."
Related: Forget the Kid-Only Zones-Norwegian's Massive New Waterpark Is for the 'Kidult' in All of Us
Uphill Coasters and Cliff-Jumping Drops
This is not your standard, run-of-the-mill shipboard splash zone. At the absolute center of the action is the towering, 170-foot Tidal Tower, featuring the Breakwater Blasters-industry-first water coasters that utilize downhill drops and intense uphill blasts inside an inner tube. The tower also anchors the Whitewater Dash body slides, the Rapid Mat Racers for side-by-side mat racing, and looping tube slides like Tropic Storm and Tropic Spiral designed for a serious adrenaline rush.
For the real daredevils in your crew, you'll want to head straight over to Cliffside Cove. It features the cruise industry's very first and highest cliff-jumping platforms to test your bravery. Right next door is The Great Slide, billed as the Caribbean's only four-person body slide made for groups to descend together, alongside the Fearless Falls racing slides.
Related: I Got a First Look at the New Norwegian Luna–Here's What Impressed Me Most
High-Energy Rivers and Hidden Grotto Bars
If you want to balance your thrills with a little bit of casual comfort, you can grab a tube and melt away the afternoon in the Wandering River. Stretching over 800 feet, this is a faster-moving, high-energy take on the classic lazy river. Even better? The river route passes right by the hidden, rocky Grotto Bar tucked seamlessly beneath the slide action-the ultimate hideaway to grab a cocktail and watch the fun.
Traveling with tiny cruisers? The park features Splash Cay, a massive, 9,000-square-foot dedicated kids' zone complete with interactive water features. When you need a breather from the water, the brand-new plaza features three dedicated food trucks serving up a fresh rotation of island dining, alongside an easy island-wide tram system to zip you around. It all perfectly connects to the island's recent pool addition, the Great Life Lagoon, and the adults-only beachside escape at the Vibe Shore Club.
Advance day passes are officially live through your myNCL account, with tickets and pricing varying based on seasonality and availability. If you want to completely elevate your island day, you can reserve a luxury private cabana for up to six guests, which includes admission into the park and offers shaded comfort just steps from the Tidal Tower. Space is limited, so if you are ready to trade the daily grind for a little bit of island magic, don't wait until you board to grab yours!
Related: Is This the Best New Cruise Cabin for Families? A Look Inside the Norwegian Luna
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This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 9:10 AM.