Earlier this summer, Norwegian Cruise Line made headlines when it announced plans to expand and enhance Great Stirrup Cay, its private island in the Bahamas.
The $150 million project will bring a massive water park to the 270-acre island, with 19 waterslides, cliff jumps, a 9,000-square-foot splash zone, swim-up bars, a nearly 800-foot dynamic river, a new jet karts water track and other experiences.
In addition to the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark, the expansion will also include the new Vibe Shore Club, an adults-only, outdoor lounge area equipped with its own bar, private cabanas and hanging day beds. Families will also soon be able to enjoy activities like pickleball and mini-golf at Horizon Park or relax in Hammock Bay.
Norwegian Cruise Line is also building a new pier that will increase the destination’s capacity. Once complete, multiple ships will be able to call on the island at the same time. In 2026, the company expects to welcome one million guests to Great Stirrup Cay on 15 ships, including Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.
Great Stirrup Cay was already one of the brand’s highest-rated Caribbean destinations—and, with the enhancements, it’s poised to become even more popular. Plus, Norwegian is making a concerted advertising push to raise awareness about Great Stirrup Cay. For travel advisors, that means there’s no time like the present to focus on selling Norwegian Cruise Line vacations to Great Stirrup Cay.
It’s an ideal product to pitch to a wide variety of travelers, from multi-generational groups and first-time cruisers to repeat guests looking for something new and exciting, says John Chernesky, senior vice president of North America sales for Norwegian Cruise Lines.
Rendering of the new pool area at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas. (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
“For our travel partners specifically, these enhancements reaffirm that Great Stirrup Cay is a premier destination highlight,” says Chernesky. “The new attractions underscore how there is something for everyone: families who want to lay out by the pool, couples who want to unwind in new relaxation areas and the all-age adventurers eager to try the waterslides, jet karts and cliff jumps.”
He recommends positioning the island as a signature destination of a Norwegian Cruise Line voyage, with an emphasis on its accessibility from the United States. Travelers can choose between 11 different U.S. homeports if they want to visit the region, including Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York and Philadelphia.
The enhancements at Great Stirrup Cay will also help make the experience even more compelling for new-to-cruise clients, since there will be activities to fit every style of traveler. Plus, visiting the private island is seamless and stress-free, since the onboard beverage package transfers to the island and travelers don’t have to think twice about what they are drinking because it’s included, he adds.
“It’s easy for first-time cruisers to experience a quick yet exciting itinerary without having to pay for a flight,” he says. “Our Bahamas cruises, in particular, are a perfect introduction to cruising, as guests can experience the unique benefits of sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, while also enjoying our private island—where we bring ashore everything our guests love about sailing with us.”
A rendering of the new Great Tides Water Park at Great Stirrup Cay (Photo Credit: Norwegian Cruise Line)
He adds: “We have some fantastic three- and four-night cruises aboard Norwegian Getaway sailing from Miami this winter that are a great opportunity for new-to-cruise guests to try cruising for the first time on a shorter sailing on a great ship. Once they try it, we know they’ll come back for a longer voyage with us.”
As for Chernesky, he can’t wait to try out the dynamic river with his twin sons.
“It’s such a unique addition to the island,” he says. “The current carries you through grotto tunnels, which creates a more immersive water experience—more exciting than a typical lazy river. It’s rare to find an attraction like this that combines relaxation, adventure and family time all in one. And then we can go do the cliff jumps and enjoy the 19 water slides together.”
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