Great Stirrup Cay

Where ships dock

Walk straight off the ship at the new pier; a tram runs around the island.

• Great Stirrup Cay pier (NCL)

Best time to go

NCL visits the island year-round, with seasonal sailings from New York, Philadelphia, Jacksonville, Tampa, Port Canaveral (Orlando) and Miami. NCL expects 17 ships to call in 2026.

Hurricane season generally runs June through November. NCL set Great Tides Waterpark's grand opening for guests on Sept. 4, 2026, and sells passes for that call and later ones, so check myNCL for your sailing.

Ship tour or go independent?

Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line's private island, so every paid activity here is sold by NCL through myNCL or onboard, and there is no independent tour scene to book. That's fine, because a lot is free: the beaches, Great Life Lagoon, Splash Harbor, the snorkel garden, beach games and the included food. Buy an upgrade only if it fits your day, and save your own-tour plans for ports like Nassau, Freeport or Key West, where booking independently gives you more choice.

• Prices for the waterpark, cabanas, Vibe Shore Club and excursions vary by ship and sailing. Check myNCL for your dates and book early; onboard availability can be limited.
• Waterpark guests 17 and under need a ticketed guest 18 or older with them.
• You can change or cancel a waterpark booking without penalty up to 48 hours before you reach the island, unless the activity says otherwise.
• Waterpark hours depend on your ship's timing; the ship shares them onboard.
• Free at Sea excursion credits can go toward a waterpark cabana but not toward waterpark day passes.

Getting around

• WalkShips tie up at the new pier, and you walk straight off onto the island.
• TramA new tram system, opened with the island upgrades, takes you to the main areas. The waterpark day pass includes tram service to and from the park.

Money, tipping & phones

Money

The Bahamian dollar is pegged to the US dollar, and both are accepted. On the island, you book extras like the waterpark, cabanas and excursions through myNCL or onboard. Bring your room key card ashore. If you bought the Free at Sea open bar package, it works on the island too, including at the waterpark's two bars.

Must-sees

• Great Life LagoonWalkableThe island's free heated pool, larger than two Olympic pools, with a beach-style entry, two swim-up bars and ocean views. Cabanas cost extra.
• Great Tides WaterparkRide neededA paid park of nearly six acres with 19 slides, the 170-foot Tidal Tower, cliff jumps at Cliffside Cove, a four-person slide, a lazy river of more than 800 feet and the Splash Cay kids' zone. The day pass includes the tram there and back.
• Vibe Shore ClubWalkableAn adults-only (18+) beach area with a private bar and hanging daybeds. It needs a paid day pass, which includes premium cocktails and an upgraded lounger; cabanas for up to four adults are also sold.
• Silver CoveWalkableA resort-style corner of the island with villas for rent, a lagoon and private beach, a spa, and its own restaurant and bars. Entry is only for villa renters and spa guests.
• Great Stirrup Cay LighthouseWalkableThe island is home to the Great Stirrup Cay Lighthouse, and NCL's Lighthouse Beach Bar serves cocktails, wine and beer by the beach.

Free & cheap near the pier

• Great Life LagoonFreeA heated 28,000-square-foot pool on a 1.4-acre site, with a beach-style entry, two swim-up bars and free loungers. Cabanas here cost extra.
• Splash HarborFreeA family splash pad of more than 3,000 square feet next to the lagoon, with water toys and shaded loungers.
• BeachesFreeThe island's beaches are included, with lots of white sand to spread out on.
• Snorkel garden and beach gamesFreeSnorkel the garden, or play beach volleyball and ping-pong.
• Included foodFreeJumbey Beach Grill, the Tropic Like It's Hot food truck and on-call hot dog carts are all included.
• Cabanas on the CaySmall fee (see myNCL)Cabanas on a quieter beach, with water bottles and floating mats included. NCL calls the entry fee small but lists no price.

Eat like a local

• Jumbey Beach GrillIncluded self-serve salads, burgers, jerk chicken, BBQ ribs and pizza.
• Tropic Like It's Hot food truckIncluded bowls, burgers and Bahamian-style sandwiches.
• Hot dog cartsIncluded hot dogs, brought around on call.
• Great Tides Waterpark foodThree new food trucks: Low Tide Smoke (barbecue), Catch of the Cay (seafood) and Tidal Treats (ice cream). The day pass covers the complimentary dining; upgrades cost extra.
• Silver Cove and Vibe Shore ClubBoth have their own dining. Silver Cove's restaurant and bars are only for guests who rent a villa or book a spa treatment there.

Rainy-day backups

• Harborside MarketThe island shop sells local goods and souvenirs.
• Welcome PlazaThe island's welcome area has live music under a new pergola.
• Flexible waterpark bookingWaterpark bookings can be changed or canceled without penalty up to 48 hours before arrival, unless the activity says otherwise, so you can hold off if the forecast looks poor.

Safety & scams

Official advisoryUS State Dept: Level 2 — Exercise increased caution, because of crime (as of July 28, 2026)

• The State Department says most crime in The Bahamas happens in Nassau and Freeport.
• Never swim alone, watch for jet skis close to shore, and know the risks before you snorkel.
• At the waterpark, certified lifeguards are on duty and life jackets are free, first come, first served. You may bring your own US Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Some slides have height and weight limits, and phones, shoes, hats and sunglasses may not be allowed on certain slides. Rules are posted at each entrance.
• Hurricane season generally runs June through November.

From official government and port sources. Check the latest advisory before you travel.

Accessibility

At the pier

Ships dock at the new pier, so there is no tender boat. You walk directly from the ship onto the island, and a tram serves the main areas.

• The waterpark has accessible walkways throughout, and the Wandering River lazy river has a pool lift.
• NCL notes that the slides and plunge pools are not ADA-required attractions.
• Ask the Shoreside Access Desk about accommodations for waterpark activities.