Everything You Need To Know About NCL Great Tides Waterpark

Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas, has always been a guest favorite. Great Tides Waterpark, a nearly six-acre waterpark with 19 slides, a high-energy river, cliff jumps, a kids' splash zone, and more, is the island's most ambitious addition yet.

Whether you're planning a family vacation or a couples' getaway, here's everything you need to know before you go.

What Is Great Tides Waterpark?

Great Tides Waterpark is an expanded attraction at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island in the Bahamas. Spanning close to six acres, the park is divided into four distinct zones, each with its own vibe, from heart-pounding thrills to breezy relaxation.

The Four Zones, Explained

Tidal Tower

At 170 feet tall, it's one of the tallest waterslide structures in the Caribbean and the centerpiece of the park. The Tidal Tower is home to eight slides ranging from inner tube coasters to racing mat slides. The Breakwater Blasters are an industry first, water coasters that send riders through downhill drops and then blast them uphill on an inner tube.

Select slides feature conveyor belts that carry your raft to the top so that you can spend your energy on the ride, not the climb.

Tidal Tower Highlights:

• Breakwater Blasters — Industry-first water coasters with downhill drops and uphill blasts on an inner tube
• Whitewater Dash — Two body slides for a fast, no-frills rush
• Rapid Mat Racers — Side-by-side mat racing slides
• Tropic Storm & Tropic Spiral — Tube slides with big spirals and spins

Cliffside Cove

This is the zone that gets people talking. Cliffside Cove is home to the first cliff jump attraction at any private island waterpark: two platforms at 10 and 15 feet above the water, with the ocean spread out below you. It also houses The Great Slide, the only four-person body slide in the Caribbean, where the whole group descends at once.

For those who'd rather watch with a drink in hand, the Grotto Bar is a hidden cave bar tucked directly beneath the action, easily one of the most atmospheric spots on the island.

What's at Cliffside Cove:

• Cliffside Leap — 10 and 15-foot cliff jumps (minimum height: 48 inches)
• The Great Slide — The Caribbean's only four-person body slide
• Fearless Falls — Racing body slides
• The Grotto Bar — A hidden cave bar with front-row views of the action

Wandering River

Not your average lazy river. The Wandering River is 828 feet of moving water with an accelerated current, closer to a water ride than a leisurely float. Midway through, the river passes through an illuminated grotto tunnel designed to look like a bioluminescent underwater scene, a genuinely unexpected moment. A connected pool with a swim-up bar sits at one end, and cabanas line the route for guests who want a shaded base nearby.

Wandering River Highlights:

• An illuminated grotto tunnel with a bioluminescent multimedia experience
• A connected pool with a swim-up bar (Floataway Bar)
• Multiple entry points along the route
• Poolside cabanas available nearby

Splash Cay

Splash Cay is 9,000 square feet of dedicated kids' territory, designed to keep little ones happily occupied for hours. The centerpiece is an oversized tipping bucket hanging about 42 feet above the ground, filling slowly before releasing a cascade of water on everyone below. Eight slides and interactive water features round out the zone, all scaled for younger guests.

Splash Clay Highlights:

• Eight slides and interactive water features scaled for younger guests
• An oversized tipping bucket towering over 40 feet above the ground
• A family-friendly multi-ride slide accommodating up to four riders
• Height requirements start at 36 inches

Height & Weight Requirements at a Glance

What's Included With a Day Pass

A Great Tides Waterpark Day Pass covers more than just slide access:

• Full access to all four zones
• Lounge chairs and umbrellas
• Complimentary food options at the park's food trucks
• Towels (no need to bring from the ship)
• Complimentary lockers
• Complimentary life jackets (first come, first served)
• Tram service to and from the waterpark

Note on beverages: Drinks are included for guests with the Free at Sea beverage package. Without a package, drinks are available for purchase at the park's two bars: the Grotto Bar (Cliffside Cove) and the Floataway Bar (Wandering River pool).

Our Cruise Experts can help you break down the math to see if the drink package is worth it, or read our full guide: Is Norwegian Cruise Line's Free at Sea Worth It?

Cabana Options

Want a home base for the day? Private cabanas are available near the park's most popular areas, including alongside the Wandering River and Splash Cay.

Cabana inclusions:

• Waterpark admission for up to 6 guests
• One bottle of sparkling wine
• Fruit basket, chips and salsa
• One bottle of water per guest
• Towels
• Bar service throughout the day

Cabanas accommodate up to 6 guests (ages 4 and older). Children ages 0–3 are complimentary. You can also apply Free at Sea Shore Excursion credits toward a cabana purchase, though those credits cannot be used for standard admission tickets.

Food & Drinks in the Park

Three food trucks serve a rotating lineup of dining options throughout the park. Complimentary food is included with your day pass, with upgraded selections available for purchase. The two on-site bars, Grotto Bar and Floataway Bar, keep drinks flowing whether you're between slides or floating the river.

Good to Know Before You Go

Age policy: Guests ages 4–13 must be accompanied by a ticketed guest aged 18 or older to enter the waterpark. Children ages 0–3 get in free.

Weather policy: The park operates rain or shine, but individual attractions may be paused for safety. You can cancel your reservation up to 48 hours before your port arrival for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours out are non-refundable. If the park closes entirely due to weather or operational conditions, you'll receive a refund to your onboard account.

ADA accessibility: Great Tides Waterpark is ADA accessible. Accessible walkways run throughout the park, and the Wandering River is accessible via pool lift.

What to leave behind: For safety, phones, footwear, hats, and sunglasses are restricted on select slides. Rules are posted at each slide entrance.

What to bring: Swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, your room keycard, and a sense of adventure.

The Cruise Web Advantage: Plans change, weather happens, and questions come up at all hours. When you book through The Cruise Web, you have 24/7 support from a team of cruise specialists ready to help whenever you need it, before you sail and during your trip.

Beyond the Waterpark: The Rest of the Island

Great Tides Waterpark is one part of a much larger island transformation. When you're ready to shift gears, Great Stirrup Cay also offers:

• Great Life Lagoon — A 1.4-acre pool area with two swim-up bars, private cabanas, and beach-style entry
• Splash Harbor — A complimentary 3,400-square-foot splash pad near the main pool
• Vibe Shore Club — An adults-only area with hanging day beds, a private bar, and premium lounge seating (day pass or villa rental required)
• Horizon Park — Lawn games, pickleball, mini golf, and a half sports court
• Hammock Bay — 50+ hammocks, a dedicated bar, and proximity to the island's BBQ buffet
• Jet Karts — A mini aquatic racecourse combining go-kart and jet ski elements

A Note on Sustainability

The Bahamas is worth protecting, and NCL has taken concrete steps to do just that.

• Nova Southeastern University partnership — dedicated to conserving and restoring the marine biodiversity specifically around Great Stirrup Cay
• Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation partnership — supports ocean conservation and marine wildlife protection on a broader scale
• Plastic water-bottle free since 2020 — NCL was the first major global cruise company to make the switch
• Net zero by 2050 — a company-wide commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across its fleet

The island you're visiting is one they're actively working to preserve.

How to Book

Once you have a cruise reservation, Great Tides Waterpark day passes can be purchased through your myNCL account. Availability is limited, so pre-booking is strongly encouraged. Passes at the onboard Shore Excursion Desk are not guaranteed.

Passes are available for all sailings to Great Stirrup Cay.

Ready to plan your trip? The Cruise Web's NCL specialists can help you find the right sailing, apply the best available promotions, and make sure everything is in place before you board. Call us 1-800-377-9383 or visit cruiseweb.com for all your travel needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Great Tides Waterpark included in my cruise fare?

No. Entry to Great Stirrup Cay is complimentary for all NCL guests, but Great Tides Waterpark is an upgraded experience available at an additional cost. Day passes must be purchased separately through your myNCL account.

How much does a day pass cost?

Pricing varies by sailing and availability. Booked guests can log into their myNCL account to see exact pricing for their specific sailing.

Can I use Free at Sea Shore Excursion credits for the waterpark?

Free at Sea Shore Excursion credits can be applied toward a waterpark cabana purchase, which includes admission for up to six guests. They cannot be used for standard admission tickets.

What is the minimum age to enter?

Children ages 0–3 receive complimentary admission. Guests ages 4–13 must be accompanied by a ticketed guest aged 18 or older. Individual rides have their own height requirements ranging from 36 to 48 inches depending on the attraction.

What happens if the park closes due to weather?

If the park closes entirely, guests receive a refund to their onboard account. If rain is forecasted, you can cancel up to 48 hours before your port arrival for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours out are non-refundable.

Are food and drinks included with the day pass?

Complimentary food is available at the park's food trucks. Drinks can be purchased at the Grotto Bar and Floataway Bar, or are included for guests with the Free at Sea beverage package.

Can I book a day pass before my cruise?

Yes, and it's strongly recommended. Passes can be purchased through your myNCL account after completing your cruise reservation. Availability at the onboard Shore Excursion Desk is not guaranteed.

Is Great Tides Waterpark ADA accessible?

Yes. Accessible walkways run throughout the park, and the Wandering River is accessible via pool lift.