New features and destinations, including an eye-popping 1.4-acre pool area, have opened at Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay.

The private island in the Bahamas is undergoing a transformation into what the line calls its “Escape to The Great Life” experience.

An ambitious series of enhancements now offers the huge pool area, called Great Life Lagoon, along with the adult-only Vibe Shore Club, a welcome center and island-wide tram service, and Splash Harbor, a new play area for children.

“Great Stirrup Cay has always been a favorite for our guests, and these new enhancements make it even easier for guests to trade the winter weather for the warm tropics and enjoy an ‘Escape to the Great Life,’” said Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.

Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?

“With the fun versatility of Great Life Lagoon, and family-friendly spots like Splash Harbor, we’ve created an island where everyone can unwind, play and make lasting memories,” Sommer added.

Norwegian Cruise Line estimates that 1 million cruise guests will visit the 268-acre destination in 2026. Cruisers eager to check out the new features at Great Stirrup Cay in 2026 can choose from a wide selection of ships and departure ports.

Among the ships slated to call at the island in the coming months are Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Prima, both sailing from Port Canaveral; Norwegian Gem, from Jacksonville; Norwegian Breakaway, based in New York; Norwegian Getaway, from PortMiami, and Norwegian Viva, homeported in Galveston, among others.

The cruise line’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, due to enter service in March 2026, will also feature calls to the destination from PortMiami.

Upgrades to Great Stirrup Cay began with the construction of a two-ship pier, which opened on December 28, 2025. With the new facility in place, ships no longer will have to tender guests ashore.

Norwegian Getaway was the first ship to dock at the new pier. Ships operated by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ other brands, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises, will also be able to call at the enhanced destination.

A Closer Look at the Newest Features

Great Life Lagoon, the 1.4-acre pool space, offers guests a pool that is bigger than two Olympic-sized pools placed side by side. Two swim-up bars, spacious lounge areas, private cabanas, and the Splash Harbor water play area for kids make the lagoon perfect for all ages.

Guests pay to rent the private cabanas. They can also purchase an all-day pass to the new Vibe Shore Club, an extension of the line’s shipboard destination, Vibe Beach Club, an exclusive area for those 18 and older. The Vibe Shore club also offers private cabanas and a private bar, all situated beachfront with spectacular ocean views.

Still to come is the destination’s Great Tides Waterpark, set to open in summer 2026. It is slated to feature the 170-foot-tall Tidal Tower, home to multiple water slides. All told, the park will have 19 waterslides, including tube slides and racing slides. 

An 800-foot river and a cliff-jumping experience are sure to be among guest favorites.

Norwegian’s Private Island Just Got a Huge Makeover and It’s Only the Beginning