A First Look at Norwegian’s New Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian has been creating a lot of buzz around the new waterpark opening at its private island destination, Great Stirrup Cay. TV commercials, online advertising, and even physical mailers have been promoting this new feature. During the company’s investor call last week, leadership also discussed how important the waterpark is to the company.
We have seen tons of renderings, but now, just one month before the official opening, we are getting our first look at what it actually looks like.
What Is Great Tides Waterpark?
Great Tides Waterpark will be the second cruise-owned private waterpark in North America, with the first being Thrill Waterpark at Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay, which can be seen directly from the island.
The 6-acre waterpark is located on the northern side of Great Stirrup Cay, opposite the new pier and heated pool. Admission costs extra and is dynamically priced, meaning it will vary by sailing. However, we have seen prices ranging from $79 to $99.
The park will officially open on September 4, 2026, but it is currently open for previews. Norwegian will have an extensive influencer campaign covering the waterpark over the next couple of weeks, so expect to see plenty of TikToks and Reels about the new destination. Since we are not influencers, we were not invited.
Great Tides Waterpark’s Photos Do the Renderings Justice
When cruise lines release preliminary renderings of new ships or destinations, you can never tell whether the final product will live up to the hype. However, based on these photos, Norwegian has certainly delivered.
The waterpark has a different feel from similar parks, which are usually bold, colorful, and loud. The muted color palette and natural rock formations give this waterpark a much more premium feel, in line with the “premium family” market Norwegian Cruise Line is now targeting, according to its investor calls.
The waterpark has a total of 19 slides, a lazy river, a huge kids’ splash zone, and the tallest slide tower in the area.
- Tidal Tower, a 170-foot slide tower
- Breakaway Blasters, water coasters with downhill drops and uphill blasts
- Whitewater Dash, two body slides
- Rapid Mat Racers, featuring headfirst racing
- Two inner tube Nautilus slides
- An 828-foot-long “dynamic” river with multimedia effects and a swim-up bar
- A 9,000-square-foot kids’ splash zone with nine slides and an oversized tipping bucket
- For guests with younger children, a smaller complimentary kids’ splash park is located near the heated pool outside the waterpark.
- Cliff-jumping areas
Food at the Waterpark
Great Tides Waterpark will also offer some unique dining options for the island, provided you are willing to pay even more.
Low Tide Smoke serves barbecue favorites such as St. Louis BBQ Riblets, BBQ Pork Nachos, and Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower.
Catch of the Day offers “premium cold-water seafood,” with dishes such as Crispy Shrimp Rolls, Golden Fried Shrimp Baskets, and Chilled Seafood Rolls.
Tidal Treats is the go-to place for handcrafted desserts such as the Strawberry Red Velvet Sundae and Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Sundae, served in a bubble waffle bowl.
Guests will also have access to the complimentary buffet-style food.
Drinks at the Waterpark
Guests with a Free at Sea Unlimited Beverage Package or Free at Sea Plus package will still be able to use it at Great Stirrup Cay, allowing them to grab a drink without paying extra.
Norwegian originally planned to remove drinks at Great Stirrup Cay from its beverage packages, but it reversed that decision following public backlash and delays in completing the new pier.
Guests will have two places to grab drinks inside Great Tides Waterpark. The Grotto Bar is located underneath the cliff-jumping area, allowing guests to watch people attempt the 10- and 15-foot drops while enjoying a beverage.
There is also Floataway Bar, located in the middle of the lazy river, so guests can grab a drink without even leaving the water.
Cabanas Are Also Available
Great Tides Waterpark will also have private cabanas available for rental. Each private cabana can accommodate up to six people and includes admission to the waterpark.
Comparing Norwegian and Royal Caribbean’s Waterparks
It is hard to talk about Norwegian’s new waterpark without comparing it with Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay, especially since you can literally see one while standing in the other.
Norwegian’s overall waterpark footprint is smaller, covering nearly 6 acres compared with Royal Caribbean’s 9 acres. However, Norwegian has more slides, with 19 compared with 14 at Thrill Waterpark.
Norwegian’s slide tower also takes the crown, pun intended, from Royal Caribbean. The 170-foot Tidal Tower is taller than Royal Caribbean’s Daredevil’s Peak, which stands at 135 feet.
There are a few other differences. While Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark has a wave pool, Norwegian instead has an 828-foot-long dynamic river.
Great Tides Waterpark also has the highest cliff-jumping platforms in the Caribbean, where guests can attempt 10- and 15-foot plunges. The area also features eight children’s slides in the splash zone, while Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark does not focus as heavily on younger children. Instead, Royal Caribbean offers two complimentary kids’ splash areas elsewhere on the island.
The big question will be whether Great Tides Waterpark feels like a worthwhile add-on once guests are already on Great Stirrup Cay. However, on paper, Norwegian is clearly trying to go head-to-head with Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark, and in a few areas, it may even have the edge.
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