Quick answer: Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island in the Bahamas, and it has been rebuilt in recent years. Today it has a pier, a heated lagoon pool with swim up bars, a paid waterpark called Great Tides, hammocks, lawn games, beaches and several food options. Plan for a full day ashore, and check which attractions cost extra before you go.
Great Stirrup Cay sits in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, and it is one of the original cruise private islands. Norwegian began using it in 1977. For decades it was a simple beach stop with a tender ride from the ship. A major redevelopment has changed that, so older advice you may have read, including about tendering and free waterslides, may be out of date.
- Location: Berry Islands, Bahamas
- Arrival: Ships now use a pier, though tendering can still be used if the pier is unavailable. Confirm for your sailing.
- Who visits: Norwegian Cruise Line ships only
- Currency: US dollars
- Best for: Beach time, the heated lagoon, waterslides, hammocks, families and adults only areas
- Typical time ashore: Several hours, depending on your ship's schedule
- Extra cost: Great Tides Waterpark, Vibe Shore Club, cabanas, villas and many water activities
What Has Changed at Great Stirrup Cay
Norwegian invested heavily in the island, and the main changes are worth knowing before you plan your day:
- A pier: A new multi ship pier opened at the end of 2025, so ships can dock and passengers walk off instead of taking tenders. Work on the pier has continued since then, and tendering has been used when needed, so check your sailing's plan. If tendering does apply, our guide to what a tender port is explains how it works.
- Great Life Lagoon: A heated lagoon style pool area with two swim up bars, the Reef Bar and the Waves Bar, plus a splash pad for kids.
- Great Tides Waterpark: A large waterpark with around 19 slides, a river, cliff jumps and a kids zone. Reports say it opened in September 2026 and that admission is charged separately.
- Other new areas: Horizon Park for lawn games and pickleball, Hammock Bay with many hammocks, an island tram and an adults only area called Vibe Shore Club.
Because details have changed quickly, treat any price or feature list (including this one) as a snapshot and confirm in the NCL app or your cruise documents before you sail. You can see how this island compares with others on our Great Stirrup Cay port page.
What to Do at Great Stirrup Cay
1. The Beaches and Loungers
The island has soft white Bahamian sand and clear turquoise water, with beach areas near the pier and around the lagoon. Loungers in general areas are usually free and first come, first served, so heading ashore early helps you claim a good spot. Hammock Bay, with its many hammocks and a nearby bar, is a good option if you want shade and a quiet corner.
2. Great Life Lagoon
The heated lagoon is a big draw for people who prefer a pool to the sea. It has swim up bars and a family friendly feel, and it is a good alternative on days when the sea is choppy. Loungers around the lagoon are typically available free on a first come basis, while private cabanas and villas here cost extra.
3. Great Tides Waterpark (Extra Cost)
The waterpark is the headline attraction, with slides across several zones, a lazy style river and a splash area for younger kids. The important point for planning is that admission is a separate charge, not included in your fare. Reports from fall 2026 listed adult admission at roughly $90 per person, but the price varies by sailing and date, and slides have height requirements. Children under 18 need a ticketed adult. Shore excursion credits may not be usable for admission, so check the terms. The park can get busy, so arriving early helps.
4. Snorkeling and Water Sports
Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding and similar activities are offered, with some sold through the NCL app and limited in number. Availability and prices change, so book what you want early. Use reef safe sunscreen when you can, since it protects the water and is increasingly encouraged at Bahamian snorkel sites.
5. Horizon Park and Hammock Bay
For a lower key day, Horizon Park offers lawn games and pickleball, and mini golf has been announced. Hammock Bay is a relaxing spot with hammocks and a bar. These are generally free, which makes them a good fit for families trying to limit extras.
6. Premium Areas: Vibe Shore Club and Silver Cove
Vibe Shore Club is an adults only oceanfront area with its own bar and day beds, and it requires a paid pass. Silver Cove and other villa and cabana options offer more private, upscale experiences. Prices vary widely by sailing and demand, and they sell out, so reserve through the NCL app as soon as your booking window opens.
7. Food and Drinks
A beach barbecue style buffet is typically included in your fare, and there are additional venues and food trucks, some with upgraded items at an extra charge. Swim up bars and beach bars serve drinks. Norwegian's beverage package coverage on the island has been the subject of announcements and changes during 2026, so confirm your package terms before you sail. Our Norwegian drink package guide explains how the packages work, and our gratuities guide covers the added charges.
What's Included vs. Extra
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Beaches and first come loungers | Great Tides Waterpark admission |
| Great Life Lagoon access and general loungers | Vibe Shore Club pass |
| Splash pad, Horizon Park and hammocks | Cabanas, villas and Silver Cove |
| Island tram | Many water sports and guided activities |
| Barbecue style lunch | Upgraded food truck items and drinks without a package |
Tips for Your Great Stirrup Cay Day
- Go early. The best loungers, hammocks and shorter slide lines go to the first people ashore.
- Decide about the waterpark in advance. It is a paid add on, so buy it in the NCL app if you want it rather than hoping for a walk up option.
- Reserve premium spaces early. Cabanas and villas sell out well before sailing.
- Confirm your drink package. Check the current rules in the app so you do not get surprised at a swim up bar.
- Allow time to get back. Pier or tender, build in time before all aboard.
- Pack for sun. Bring reef safe sunscreen, a hat, water shoes and a waterproof phone pouch. Our WiFi guide explains why you may not want your phone on the beach anyway.
- Watch the sea. If you get seasick, see our seasickness guide.
Great Stirrup Cay and Other Private Islands
Several lines have private destinations in the Bahamas and Caribbean, each with a different feel. For comparison, see CocoCay (Royal Caribbean), Castaway Cay (Disney), Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key (Carnival), Ocean Cay (MSC), Lookout Cay (Disney) and Princess Cays. You can also read what to do at Princess Cays and what to expect at Harvest Caye, Norwegian's other private destination. Browse all Bahamas cruise ports to plan the rest of your route.
Norwegian sailings to the island commonly depart from Florida and other US ports. See Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville and Tampa, and compare two popular choices in our Port Canaveral vs. Miami guide.
Plan the Rest of Your Bahamas Cruise
- Great Stirrup Cay port guide
- What is a tender port on a cruise?
- Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages guide
- Cruise ship gratuities explained
- How cruise onboard credit works
- Solo cruising and the single supplement
- Inside cabin vs. balcony
- Nassau cruise port guide
- Shore excursions
- Cruise budget calculator
- Cruise FAQs
Great Stirrup Cay FAQs
Is Great Stirrup Cay worth visiting?
For travelers who want a beach day with plenty of activity options, yes. The redeveloped island has a heated lagoon, hammocks, lawn games and a large waterpark. Keep in mind that some of the biggest attractions cost extra, so decide in advance what you want to pay for.
Do you have to tender to Great Stirrup Cay?
Not usually anymore. A pier opened at the end of 2025 so ships can dock, but tendering has been used when the pier is unavailable or under work. Check your sailing's plan, and see our tender port guide if you need it.
Is the waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay free?
No. Great Tides Waterpark is a paid attraction, and the price varies by sailing and date. Reports from fall 2026 listed adult admission at roughly $90, but check the NCL app for your exact price and rules.
Does my Norwegian drink package work at Great Stirrup Cay?
Norwegian's beverage package coverage on the island has changed during 2026, with announcements that were later adjusted. Confirm the current terms in the NCL app or your cruise documents before you sail.
How do I get to Great Stirrup Cay?
You can only visit on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship that calls there. There is no public ferry or independent access, and you cannot reach it by a day trip from Nassau or other islands.
What is included in a Great Stirrup Cay day?
Beaches, general loungers, the island tram and a barbecue style lunch are typically included. Great Tides Waterpark, Vibe Shore Club, cabanas, villas and many water sports are extra.
