Norwegian Unveils Major Expansion of Great Stirrup Cay
The competition for private cruise destinations has been heating up in recent years. While Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay led the way in modernizing and resort-ifying these natural getaways, other cruise lines are now stepping up. Carnival just debuted its private destination Celebration Key, and Royal Caribbean has a second destination, Perfect Day at Sea in Mexico, coming in Fall 2027. Not to be left out, Norwegian Cruise Line has revealed exciting new details about the upgrades planned for its private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
About Great Stirrup Cay
Great Stirrup Cay is a 268-acre private island in the Bahamas that Norwegian Cruise Line has owned since 1986. It’s located right next to Perfect Day at CocoCay and was actually the first private island owned by a cruise line. Norwegian invested millions into the island in the 1990s, but the experience has lagged behind its competitors. The biggest drawback? There’s no pier, so ships must tender guests ashore. That process is slow, inconvenient, and often leads to canceled port days due to rough seas.
What’s Changing at Great Stirrup Cay and When
Norwegian will upgrade Great Stirrup Cay over the course of two years, with new features rolling out in Winter 2025 and Summer 2026.
Winter 2025
New Pier
A long-awaited pier will finally open, allowing up to two of Norwegian’s largest ships to dock, including their upcoming 200,000+ gross ton vessels.
Welcome Plaza
Guests will be greeted by a new expansive arrival area featuring live music, photo opportunities, and a 40-foot-high scenic overlook bridge offering sweeping views of the island.
Great Life Lagoon (Complimentary)
This 1.4-acre zone includes a massive, heated 28,000-square-foot oceanfront pool. There will be two swim-up bars: Reef Bar, with a DJ and all-day music, and Waves Bar, a more relaxed option on the opposite side. A dedicated kid’s area will also be part of the design.
Summer 2026
Hammock Bay (Complimentary)
Guests can unwind in one of 54 hammocks while enjoying drinks from a tiki bar and snacks from a casual BBQ buffet.
Horizon Park (Complimentary)
A new recreational area offering mini golf, pickleball, and other outdoor games.
Vibe Shore Club (Extra Fee)
The island’s only adults-only retreat includes a lounge and private bar. Access is separate from from the onboard Vibe Beach Club.
Jet Karts (Extra Fee)
A brand-new attraction combining go-karts and jet skis for a unique high-speed experience.
Splash Harbor (Complimentary)
Located next to the main pool, this 3,400-square-foot splash area features interactive fountains, a lounge zone for parents, and a bar serving drinks for both kids and adults.
Great Tides Waterpark (Extra Fee)
A sprawling 5.6-acre waterpark featuring:
- 19 total slides (11 main slides and 8 in the splash zone)
- Tidal Tower, a 170-foot slide tower taller than Royal Caribbean’s Devil’s Peak (130 feet)
- A 800-foot-long “dynamic” lazy river with multimedia effects
- A 9,000-square-foot kids splash zone with an oversized tipping bucket
- Cliff jumping areas
- The Grotto Bar, a hidden cave bar beneath the family slide
Food and Drinks
Great Stirrup Cay offers unlimited complimentary food. You can grab a bite at Jumbey Beach Grill or the Topic It Like It’s Hot food truck. Better yet, if you have the More at Sea drink package on the ship, it extends to the island. That means cocktails and other beverages at any of the new bars won’t cost you extra.
Comparing to Perfect Day at CocoCay
With these updates, Great Stirrup Cay is finally on par with Perfect Day at CocoCay. Both islands feature complimentary pools, loungers, included dining, and extension of onboard drink packages. Neither offers a free adults-only area.
However, the feel is very different. Great Stirrup Cay leans into a more relaxed, natural aesthetic, while CocoCay is colorful and theme-park-inspired. The new Great Tides Waterpark offers some standout features not found on CocoCay, including a heated pool, a lazy river, and cliff jumping. However, it lacks a wave pool, and CocoCay’s Oasis Lagoon still remains the largest pool in the Caribbean (though unheated unless you pay for access to The Hideaway).
Comparing to Celebration Key
In terms of pools, Celebration Key dominates with two massive lagoons coming in at 275,000-gallons. That’s nearly 10 times the size of Norwegian’s new pool, though it’s not heated. How those pools will feel in the cooler winter months remains to be seen.
Celebration Key does not include a waterpark, though it does have two water slides available for $15 per day. Pricing for Great Tides Waterpark hasn’t been announced yet, but it clearly offers a more complete experience for kids and adults alike.
The biggest difference? Food and drinks. Carnival does not extend its drink package to Celebration Key, and guests are limited to one free meal. In contrast, Norwegian’s private island delivers a much more inclusive experience, making it feel like a seamless extension of the ship.
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