Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has invested approximately $350 million into the expansion of its Great Stirrup Cay private island destination in The Bahamas. ^[1] Norwegian Cruise Line hosted an exclusive media event to preview the Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas before its official grand opening on September 4, 2026. ^[2] Great Tides Waterpark covers nearly six acres and features 19 waterslides, the cruise industry's first cliff jumps (10 and 15 feet), an 800-foot-plus river called The Wandering River, and a 9,000-square-foot aquatic play area named Splash Cay. ^[3] Norwegian Cruise Line opened Great Tides Waterpark on its private island Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas, with the park officially opening to guests on Sept. 4 when the Norwegian Luna arrives on a seven-day Caribbean cruise from Miami. ^[4] Dan Farkas described the Great Tides Waterpark as the linchpin of Norwegian Cruise Line's new Caribbean strategy to place more ships and visitors in The Bahamas and the wider Caribbean. ^[5] Dan Farkas, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' executive vice president, general counsel and chief development officer, stated that the water park's opening represents the culmination of around three years of planning, development and investment. ^[6] The expansion includes the opening of the Great Tides Waterpark, which features large water slides and a children's water-play area, alongside the Silver Cove area with private cabanas. ^[7] Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, stated that the waterpark represents an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for the company. ^[8] The Great Tides Waterpark spans nearly six acres and is divided into four main areas: Tidal Tower, Cliffside Cove, Wandering River, and Splash Cay. ^[9] The Tidal Tower stands 170 feet tall and features eight slides, including the Tropic Spiral, the first Nautilus slide in the world with large spirals. ^[10] Norwegian Cruise Line is undertaking a $150 million pier expansion at Great Stirrup Cay designed to accommodate two large ships simultaneously, as reported by Caribbean Journal in May. ^[11] Norwegian Cruise Line president Marc Kazlauskas said the company is excited to officially open Great Tides Waterpark, according to a statement when the Sept. 4 date was announced. ^[12]