NCL Offers First Look at Great Tides Waterpark Ahead of Opening

Posted on 5 August, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

NCL Offers First Look at Great Tides Waterpark Ahead of Opening

Norwegian Cruise Line revealed the first images of the Great Tides Waterpark on its private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, ahead of the official grand opening on Sept. 4, 2026.

“With just one month until the grand opening of Great Tides Waterpark, we’re excited to give guests a first look at what will become one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destination experiences that can only be enjoyed when sailing with us,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“From adrenaline-pumping attractions and family-friendly activities to unique dining experiences and places to relax, Great Tides Waterpark will showcase the innovative design, scale and adventure that await guests visiting the island. Together with our ongoing enhancements across Great Stirrup Cay, we’re creating even more ways for guests to enjoy their day in paradise without compromise. This beautiful island offers something for kids and adults alike, whether they’re a thrill seeker, in search of relaxation, or simply want a little bit of both.”

The Great Tides Waterpark will feature 19 waterslides including industry-first cliff jumps and The Great Slide in Cliffside Cove, as well as other attractions such as Splash Cay for kids and the Wandering River, a dynamic river with an immersive tunnel.

Complementing these enhancements, the island’s brand-new two-berth pier is officially open.

Beyond the adventures, Great Tides Waterpark will serve slow-smoked barbecue dishes at Low Tide Smoke, cold-water seafood at Catch of the Cay, handcrafted desserts at Tidal Treats, and more.

Drinks will be served at Grotto Bar, located at Cliffside Cove or the Floataway Bar located in the heart of The Wandering River.

Adult-only spaces, such as the Vibe Shore Club, will feature premium loungers and private bar.

Norwegian to Stop Honouring Drink Packages on Great Stirrup Cay

Posted on 10 October, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

Norwegian to Stop Honouring Drink Packages on Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be honoured for drinks on its private island of Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas starting next March.

According to a statement sent to travel agents, the change is part of a major enhancement project for the destination announced earlier this year.

“As we look to transform the on-island experience, we have evaluated our policies and made the decision that shipboard beverage packages will no longer be applicable for drinks on Great Stirrup Cay beginning March 1, 2026,” Norwegian stated.

The company noted that complimentary beverages, including water, iced teas and juices, will continue to be readily available on the island.

For alcoholic beverages, guests will be able to purchase a new beverage package created exclusively for Great Stirrup Cay.

While further details will be released at a later date, the company noted that the change aims to provide guests with “the flexibility to curate how they experience” the destination.

“Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to providing the best vacation experiences, both onboard our ships and at the destinations we visit,” the statement added.

The company noted that Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing a major upgrade with the debut of a new pier, an expansive pool area featuring complimentary lounges, and a splash pad area for children.

In 2026, the destination will also be home to a large waterpark featuring 19 waterslides and a nearly 800-foot dynamic river.

A similar policy was introduced by Carnival Cruise Line earlier this year, which does not honour shipboard beverage packages at its new private destination of Celebration Key.

Instead, guests are asked to buy alcoholic and other beverages on an à la carte basis using either their shipboard cards or their regular credit cards.

In related news, Norwegian recently introduced charges for additional entrees at its main dining rooms, as well as no-show fees for speciality dining reservations.

The company also recently cancelled 55 cruises that were scheduled to take place on board four ships in 2026-27.

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

Posted on 22 August, 2025 by Spacejunkie2

New Festivale to Feature Carnival’s Biggest Waterpark

The Carnival Festivale will feature the biggest waterpark in Carnival Cruise Line’s history, the company announced in a press release.

Set to debut in 2027, the Excel-class ship will introduce Carnival Waterworks Ultra as part of the new Sunsation Point family adventure zone.

According to Carnival, the waterpark will feature six water slides designed for different age groups and adventure levels.

The lineup includes two family raft rides, SunSoaker and Turning Tides and duelling Racing Currents slides, as well as the Mini Racers double-slide and Mini Twister.

Other features of Waterworks Ultra include splash pads and shaded play areas for all ages, the company said.

Carnival also stated that the new venue will introduce the first nighttime Waterworks operation of its fleet, which will include a live DJ and other special features.

Taking over the area occupied by BOLT! on previous Excel-class ships, the waterpark will be located at Carnival Festivale’s Deck 18.

In addition to Carnival Waterworks Ultra, Sunsation Point will also offer a hub of family-friendly activities and dining options on Deck 16, as well as a pool, a splash pad and a bar.

Deck 17 is a place to rewind with nostalgic elements, Carnival said, including the Vault Retrocade, which combines a retro theme with modern arcade games.

The deck also features the Scenic Overlook, a sports bar that offers outdoor games like pool and giant Jenga, as well as a new mini-golf course and Treehouse, which is described by Carnival as an all-new concept with netted bridges high above the deck.

As the fourth ship in Carnival’s Excel class, the Carnival Festivale is currently being built at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany.

Sailing from Port Canaveral, the ship is scheduled to offer seven-night cruises to the Caribbean and the Bahamas starting in May 2027.