Norwegian's new island waterpark has a river that's a voyage itself
With the countdown on to the Sept. 4 opening of Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay, the line's private island in The Bahamas, cruisers are beginning to get a closer look at some of the park's key attractions.
Designed to help the cruise line appeal to more families, the new waterpark features 19 waterslides and immersive attractions for all ages. Its late summer opening follows the early 2026 addition of new island amenities, including a new cruise ship pier, a lagoon-style pool with swim-up bars, a kids' splash pad, an adults-only retreat, and a tram service.
Great Tides Waterpark promises to rival Royal Caribbean's popular Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay. It boasts a few more slides than Thrill Waterpark's 14, plus unique attractions like cliff jumps, water coasters, and a creative new spin on the traditional lazy river.
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Great Tides Waterpark features ‘non-lazy' Wandering River
The Wandering River is one of four zones that make up the six-acre Great Tides Waterpark, and it's the first place I want to explore when my husband, kids, and I visit Great Stirrup Cay in September - especially after seeing Norwegian's social media video sneak peek of the river's bioluminescent-like multimedia tunnel.
@norwegiancruiseline Drifting between a wandering river and a wandering mind 💭 #cruisenorwegian#gsc#lazyriver#wanderingriver#greattideswaterpark#cruise#travel#waterpark
♬ original sound - Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Cruise Line
"The Wandering River represents the next evolution of guest experiences at Great Stirrup Cay," Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Experience Officer Mark Kansley told Come Cruise With Me. "It's a standout addition that underscores our commitment to delivering more memorable, immersive and innovative experiences for our guests."
In addition to featuring a vibrant tunnel, the Wandering River flows at a faster pace to add some extra adventure to the river-like journey.
"Stretching 828 feet, this industry-first attraction brings a dynamic river experience with an accelerated, high-energy current to a private island, complete with an immersive multimedia tunnel, and a unique swim-up bar connected to an integrated pool along the route," Kansley said. "The addition of the Wandering River brings another dimension to Great Tides Waterpark, complementing its collection of thrilling slides and attractions with a more leisurely, family-friendly experience."
Related: 3 summer cruise deals that let kids sail free in 2026
Other Great Tides Waterpark zones include Tidal Tower, home to several thrilling waterslides and innovative water coasters; Cliffside Cove, featuring a four-person body slide and cliff jumps; and Splash Cay, a 9,000-square-foot kids' zone.
"By blending excitement with relaxation, the waterpark offers a well-rounded experience that caters to every type of traveler, ensuring every member of the family has something to enjoy at Great Stirrup Cay," Kansley added.
What does Great Tides Waterpark cost?
Cruisers visiting Great Stirrup Cay from Sept. 4 on can spend their day at Great Tides Waterpark with the advance purchase of a waterpark ticket via the NCL website or app.
Great Tides Waterpark ticket pricing varies based on seasonality and availability. Prices start at $89.99 per person, according to the Norwegian Cruise Line website. While kids pay the same admission price as adults, children aged three and younger receive complimentary waterpark admission.
Private cabana rentals are also available to purchase, which include waterpark admission. Free at Sea shore excursion credits cannot be applied toward waterpark admission, but they can be used for cabana rentals.
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Great Tides Waterpark tickets include:
- Waterpark access
- Lounge chairs and umbrellas, based upon availability
- Complimentary food truck dining options
- Towels for waterpark guests - no need to bring towels from the ship
- Complimentary lockers
- Tram service to and from the waterpark
Passengers with Norwegian's Free at Sea beverage package can use it to enjoy their favorite cruise cocktails at Great Tides Waterpark bars, which include Grotto Bar in Cliffside Cove and Floataway Bar, the swim-up bar in the pool connected to the Wandering River.
Fall cruises to Great Stirrup Cay are available from several departure ports
Families can visit Great Tides Waterpark on fall 2026 and early 2027 cruises to Great Stirrup Cay from Florida ports including Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and Tampa, as well as New York City.
Late fall or early winter sailings may provide the best conditions for Bahamas waterpark days as hurricane season winds down.
"Late fall and winter are great times to sail to The Bahamas and Caribbean. The temperature is still warm to mild, and there are typically fewer people, as the ships may not be completely full," said Dennis Post of Postcard Travel Planning. "Weather tends to be calm through the winter after hurricane season ends with less rain and lower trade winds."
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Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
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This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 9:07 AM.