NCL Great Stirrup Cay Expansion: New Pier, Pool & Family Fun

April 13, 2025 Randy Young

Private islands have become the hottest amenity in cruising, with every major line trying to outshine Royal Caribbean’s blockbuster Perfect Day at CocoCay. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is the latest to raise the stakes, revealing a sweeping expansion for its Bahamian hideaway, Great Stirrup Cay, that promises “MORE relaxation, MORE family activities, and MORE ways to vacation” when it debuts in late 2025.

Here’s what’s coming to Great Stirrup Cay in late 2025.

A Real Pier at Last

Long tender rides—and skipped visits due to choppy waters—will soon be a memory. Norwegian is adding a new multi‑ship pier to Great Stirrup Cay that will let guests walk directly ashore.

Oversized Pool with Swim‑Up Bar

Front and center in the makeover is a sprawling, heated pool bordered by loungers and rentable cabanas. And what better way to enjoy a pool than with a built‑in swim‑up bar? Here, you can grab a drink using your Unlimited Open Bar Package from the ship (unlike Carnival, which doesn’t honor its drink packages at its private destinations).

Kid‑Friendly Splash Zone

Next to the main pool, little cruisers will find a splash area with fountains for play.

Ship Venues Make Shore‑Side Debuts

Great Stirrup Cay will get its own Vibe Beach Club, featuring private cabanas, cushy loungers, and upgraded service. This adults‑only area will let you relax in style—likely for an extra fee.

The casual game space that debuted on Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway, called Horizon Park, is also heading to the island. Expect shaded seating, picnic tables, and plenty of lawn‑style games to work off that BBQ lunch.

Getting Around: Tram & Welcome Center

A new welcome plaza will greet guests as they step off the pier, while an island‑wide tram loop will make it easy to bounce between the beach, pool, and ship.

Tiki‑Inspired Chill Zone

Prefer lounging in a hammock instead of splashing in the pool? A fresh relaxation area dotted with swaying hammocks and Tiki‑inspired décor promises a quieter vibe away from the action.

Improved Great Stirrup Cay Opens Later This Year

NCL says the pier and pool complex should open by the end of 2025, with other features rolling out in phases afterward.

Our Take: Great Changes—but a Bit Less Rustic

We already knew Great Stirrup Cay was getting a pier, which is the biggest and most exciting news. With ships getting so big, tendering 4,000‑plus people is nearly impossible. This addition will be a welcome change, making getting on and off the ship quicker and easier.

The large pool and splash area will surely be a hit, but it’s sad to see many of these once‑rustic islands turning into massive resorts or theme parks. Norwegian has to keep up with the other lines, though. By the end of the decade, it seems every cruise‑line private‑island experience will look the same: large pools, swim‑up bars, and pricey cabanas—though thankfully, they all still offer plenty of no‑cost ways to enjoy a day of relaxation.