Theme Park Report
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Tides Waterpark is now part of the guest experience at Great Stirrup Cay, the cruise line’s 270-acre private island in the Bahamas. Attractions Magazine recently previewed the waterpark after being invited by NCL, documenting its slides, family areas and other amenities.
The nearly six-acre waterpark is organized around several areas, including the 170-foot Tidal Tower. The tower contains eight slides, including Breakwater Blasters, described as the Caribbean’s first dueling water coaster. Riders use inner tubes and are propelled uphill by high-pressure water jets. The attraction requires two riders whose combined weight is below 400 pounds.
Other Tidal Tower attractions include Tropic Spiral, identified as the world’s first Nautilus slide, along with the two-person Tropic Storm raft slide. Whitewater Dash and Rapid Mat Racers offer side-by-side racing experiences, with the latter using head-first mats. The tower also includes additional slides that do not require a raft or mat.
The Cliffside Cove area adds several family and thrill attractions. The Great Slide allows four guests to race together, while Fearless Falls includes two short drop slides. Cliffside Leap offers jumps from heights of 10 or 15 feet into a pool.
Great Tides’ 800-foot Wandering River takes approximately five and a half minutes to complete, excluding stops at the connected Floataway Bar. The river also passes through a projection tunnel featuring sea animals. For younger guests, Splash Cay provides an approximately 9,000-square-foot play area with eight children’s slides, water-play features and a 300-gallon dumping bucket. Rental cabanas surround the area.
Food is available inside the waterpark, including items served at complimentary island buffets and additional offerings from three food trucks. Lockers are available at no extra charge, and towels are provided.
Admission is not included with a cruise. NCL officials told Attractions Magazine that pricing is dynamic and can vary by sailing; one example cited was $100 per person. Children ages 3 and under were free at the time of the preview, although the cruise line said policies could change as the new waterpark develops.
Great Tides has a stated capacity of 1,800 guests, but NCL is initially limiting attendance to 1,200 to help keep lines shorter. Passes can be purchased through a guest’s myNCL account after completing a cruise reservation, with onboard purchases available if tickets remain. The waterpark may sell out.
