Great Tides Waterpark Review: We Tried Everything at NCL’s New Great Stirrup Cay Waterpark
Norwegian Cruise Line’s brand-new Great Tides Waterpark at Great Stirrup Cay is officially open—and we were there for opening weekend!
Our family visited Great Tides Waterpark on September 6, 2026, while sailing aboard the Norwegian Getaway. And when we say we tried the park, we mean it. We rode the slides, floated the lazy river, took the cliff jump, tried the food trucks, rented a cabana, and basically experienced as much of Great Tides as we possibly could in one day.
So, was Great Tides Waterpark worth it?
For our family, absolutely.
There are a few things we would do differently next time—and some important things we think you should know before you go—but overall, we were very impressed with Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest addition to Great Stirrup Cay.
Here’s our complete Great Tides Waterpark review, including our favorite attractions, what surprised us, what we didn’t love, tips for avoiding longer lines, and whether we’d pay to visit again.
Quick Verdict: Is Great Tides Waterpark Worth It?
Yes. We would 100% visit Great Tides Waterpark again.
What impressed us most was how well the park works for different ages and adventure levels. Families can spend the day together without everyone needing to enjoy the same attractions.
You have everything from children’s splash areas to water slides, a lazy river, more adventurous attractions, and even a 15-foot cliff jump.
Our family also thought the park was well laid out. It was relatively easy to figure out where you were going and move between attractions.
If you’re expecting a waterpark filled exclusively with extreme, high-speed thrill rides, however, you may find Great Tides a little tame. There are definitely exciting rides—we had a few favorites we’ll get to below—but we would describe most of the thrills as approachable rather than extreme.
For families, we actually think that’s one of Great Tides’ strengths.
Our Opening-Weekend Experience at Great Tides Waterpark
We visited Great Tides on Sunday, September 6, 2026, during its opening weekend while sailing on Norwegian Getaway.
There’s always some uncertainty when visiting something this new. Will everything be running smoothly? Will the layout make sense? Will the staff know how everything works?
We came away impressed.
There were a few opening-weekend growing pains, particularly with the food-truck ordering process, but the overall experience was fantastic.
One thing that stood out was the staff.
The lifeguards we encountered were helpful, friendly, and genuinely seemed to be having fun. Several joked and interacted with our kids, creating a very different atmosphere from some waterparks we’ve visited where the staff seemed like they’d rather be anywhere else.
It’s a small detail, but those little interactions contributed to how much we enjoyed the day.
Getting From Your NCL Ship to Great Tides Waterpark
Getting to Great Tides from our ship was easy.
Once we walked down the dock at Great Stirrup Cay, we took the tram near the end of the dock. The actual ride to the waterpark took only about five minutes.
Our Great Tides wristbands had already been delivered to our stateroom aboard Norwegian Getaway, which made the process relatively simple once we arrived.
The trip back to the ship was a different story.
We had to wait quite a while for a return tram. For us, Great Tides closed about 30 minutes before our ship’s all-aboard time, so we recommend keeping that in mind.
Joy’s Tip: Don’t plan your return to the ship down to the last possible minute. Give yourself some extra time for the tram, especially later in the afternoon.
How Much Does Great Tides Waterpark Cost?
For our sailing, admission to Great Tides Waterpark was $79.99 per person.
Pricing can vary depending on your sailing and availability, so don’t assume that $79.99 will necessarily be the price for your cruise.
Our admission gave us access to the waterpark for the day, including the slides and waterpark attractions.
Complimentary food was also available from a buffet-style dining area.
Three specialty food trucks were available for an additional charge during our visit, which we’ll discuss later because we tried something from all three.
We also rented a cabana for the day. Our cabana reservation included waterpark admission, but cabana pricing can vary.
Great Tides Waterpark Attractions: Yes, We Tried Them All
We didn’t come to Great Tides just to sit beside the water.
We did it all.
Slides? Check.
Lazy river? Check.
Cliff jump? Yep.
While we liked some attractions more than others, we were impressed by the variety.
There are things for younger kids, families wanting to ride together, and people looking for something with a little more excitement.
But two rides rose to the top for us.
#1 Family Favorite: Breakwater Blasters
If we had to pick our family’s favorite Great Tides attraction, it would be Breakwater Blasters.
And it wasn’t particularly close.
We rode Breakwater Blasters more than five times during our day.
It’s a great combination of speed, drops, excitement, and colorful enclosed tube sections. It’s thrilling enough to be exciting without crossing over into the category of a water slide that some family members might be afraid to try.
In fact, here’s one of our biggest pieces of advice:
Don’t let Breakwater Blasters intimidate you when you see it from the ground.
It may look more intense than it feels once you’re riding it. We thought it was an extremely fun, moderate-thrill ride.
If you’re trying to decide which Great Tides attraction to ride first, Breakwater Blasters would be near the top of our list.
Watch Our Breakwater Blasters Ride POV
Want to know what the ride is actually like before you try it?
We filmed the entire experience so you can see Breakwater Blasters for yourself.
Another Favorite: Tropic Spiral
Our other standout was Tropic Spiral.
What makes this one particularly fun are the Nautilus spiral sections, where your tube can spin around and potentially send you through portions of the attraction backward.
It’s a completely different experience from Breakwater Blasters, which is one reason we recommend trying both.
Don’t Skip the Cliff Jump
One of the biggest surprises of the day was the cliff jump.
This wasn’t necessarily the attraction we were most excited about before arriving, but it became one of the most memorable experiences of our visit.
You can jump from heights reaching approximately 15 feet into the water below.
We had never done anything quite like it at a waterpark.
Our advice?
Give it a try.
If you’re comfortable with the requirements and the jump itself, it’s a fun experience and something a little different from simply riding another slide.
The Wandering River Is More Than Just a Lazy River
Sometimes a lazy river is just…a lazy river.
This one had a little more personality.
One of our favorite sections takes you through a cave-like area with projections that create an underwater atmosphere. It’s a clever effect that makes the experience more interesting than simply floating around the park.
There’s also something many adults will appreciate:
A swim-up bar.
That makes the Wandering River a great attraction when you’re ready to slow things down after spending the morning running up the stairs to the slides.
Great Tides Waterpark With Younger Kids
One of our biggest takeaways was how broad Great Tides’ appeal can be.
Splash-and-play areas serve younger children, while older kids, teenagers, and adults have more adventurous options.
That’s important for families.
A waterpark filled exclusively with huge thrill slides can be difficult when traveling with kids of different ages. Conversely, a park aimed primarily at younger children gets boring quickly for teenagers.
Great Tides does a good job occupying the space between those two extremes.
That said, parents need to understand ride requirements before the day begins.
IMPORTANT: Check Height, Weight, and Rider Requirements
This is probably one of the most practical pieces of advice we can give anyone visiting Great Tides Waterpark.
Read the signs before getting in line.
The Tidal Tower slides and other attractions have different requirements. Depending on the attraction, there may be:
- Minimum height requirements
- Weight requirements
- Combined rider-weight restrictions
- Minimum or maximum numbers of riders
- Requirements for riding with another person
We heard several people asking some variation of:
“Is my child tall enough to ride this?”
Fortunately, the signs explain the requirements, and the lifeguards were extremely helpful when guests had questions.
There are also scales available at the bottom where you can check rider weights.
Use them.
Don’t assume you’ll be fine and climb all those stairs only to discover at the top that your group doesn’t meet a particular requirement. Staff will check where required before you ride.
Taking an extra minute at the bottom can save you a frustrating trip up and down the stairs—or prevent one member of your party from discovering that they don’t have the companion required for a particular attraction.
Great Tides Waterpark Tidal Tower
Great Tides Wait Times: When Should You Ride?
Our experience may vary from what guests encounter on future sailings, but we noticed a definite pattern.
Lines were lowest earlier in the morning and again during approximately the final hour and a half of the day.
Midday was busier.
We recommend getting off the ship early and making the Tidal Tower attractions your priority.
Don’t arrive, find a chair, and tell yourself you’ll ride the slides later.
Ride first.
Once you’ve checked off the major attractions, you can relax, eat, enjoy the Wandering River, and revisit your favorites.
Then watch the lines again toward the end of the day. We found another good opportunity to get additional rides in as people began leaving.
That’s part of how Breakwater Blasters turned into a five-plus-ride attraction for our family.
One Small Detail We Loved: The Walkways
Here’s something you probably won’t see mentioned on a list of Great Tides attractions:
The ground.
Anyone who has visited waterparks in hot, sunny destinations knows exactly what we’re talking about.
You’re walking barefoot from one attraction to another and suddenly feel like you’re crossing the surface of the sun.
We’ve experienced painfully hot walkways at other waterparks.
That wasn’t an issue for us at Great Tides.
It seems like some real thought went into the pathways and walking surfaces, and we found it much more comfortable getting around the park.
It’s a small design decision that makes a surprisingly big difference.
Food at Great Tides Waterpark
You won’t have to pay extra just to eat lunch at Great Tides.
During our visit, buffet-style food was available at no additional charge.
However, three specialty food trucks also offered additional options.
Naturally, we tried all three.
During our visit, they ran a special that let guests mix and match three options from the three food trucks for $20.
Because offers and pricing can change, we’d treat that as our opening-weekend experience rather than something guaranteed for every visit.
Tidal Treats
This was your stop for the sweet stuff, including items such as:
- Ice cream
- Bubble cones
- Sundaes
Definitely worth checking out when you need something cold after spending hours in the sun.
Low Tide Smoke
This food truck offered heartier options such as:
- Ribs
- Chicken bites
- Nachos
- Waffle fries
One of the more unusual options was pulled-pork nachos served right inside a Doritos bag.
Joy’s verdict?
She probably wouldn’t order the riblets again.
You can’t love everything.
Catch of the Day
This was our family’s winner.
Options included seafood rolls, shrimp rolls, fried shrimp, corn dogs and waffle fries.
The shrimp roll was our family’s favorite food-truck item.
If we were going back tomorrow, that’s one thing we’d order again.
Drinks at Great Tides
Water and juices were available during our visit.
We were also impressed by the number of bartenders circulating through the park taking drink orders, including alcoholic drinks and sodas.
Our Free at Sea drink package worked on the island during our visit.
One thing we didn’t love was the lack of convenient soda machines. You could certainly get a soda, but having easily accessible self-service options would have made things more convenient.
Our Great Tides Cabana Review
Do you need a cabana to enjoy Great Tides?
No.
We saw plenty of seating throughout the park.
But we rented one, and we were very happy that we did.
Our cabana provided a shaded home base for the family with a large couch area, two luxury lounge chairs, a covered space, and a fan.
The covered area was particularly useful when a quick afternoon shower rolled through. Instead of scrambling to find shelter, we could simply relax in the cabana until it passed.
There were 10 cabanas spaced around the park, and they can fill up quickly, so reserve them ahead of time if you want a guaranteed cabana.
Which Great Tides Cabana Would We Choose?
Based on our experience, we’d look for Cabana 6 or Cabana 10.
We thought those provided particularly convenient, central locations, especially for families with younger kids.
Cabana pricing can vary, so whether it’s “worth it” will ultimately depend on the price offered for your sailing and how your family likes to spend a waterpark day.
For us, it was a very nice addition.
But again: you don’t need one to have a great day here.
Lockers, Towels and Bathrooms
Great Tides did well with the practical stuff too.
We found bathrooms near the entrance and another location near the food area.
Lockers were available near the entrance—turn to the right after entering—and there were multiple towel locations throughout the park.
We particularly appreciated the easy towel access.
None of these things are exciting enough to put in an NCL commercial, but they’re exactly the things that can make a family waterpark day easier or more frustrating.
What We Didn’t Love About Great Tides
No review is very useful if everything is described as perfect.
We loved Great Tides, but there are a few things we’d change.
1. Food-Truck Ordering Was Slow and a Little Confusing
The food itself gave us some fun additional options, but ordering was somewhat cumbersome and took a little while.
That said, we were visiting during opening weekend.
This is exactly the kind of operational issue we’d expect to improve as the crew becomes more accustomed to running the new park.
2. No Soda Machines
This is a relatively small complaint, but we’d love some easy self-service soda options.
3. Extreme-Thrill Seekers May Want More
Great Tides has plenty of fun rides.
But if your definition of a great waterpark is the biggest, fastest, and scariest slides imaginable, temper your expectations.
We found the attractions exciting and very re-rideable, but we wouldn’t classify Great Tides as an extreme-thrill waterpark.
4. Allow Extra Time for the Tram Back
Getting to Great Tides was fast.
Getting back wasn’t as fast.
We had a fairly lengthy wait for a return tram, so don’t cut your departure too close to your ship’s all-aboard time.
Great Tides Waterpark Map
Our Best Great Tides Waterpark Tips
After spending a full day experiencing the park, here’s what we’d tell someone visiting tomorrow:
Get off the ship early. The morning was one of the best times we found for shorter lines.
Ride Tidal Tower first. Prioritize the major slides before the midday crowds build.
Read every ride-requirement sign. Height, weight, and rider requirements vary. A minute spent reading at the bottom can save a wasted climb.
Use the scales when applicable. Don’t guess about combined rider weights.
Don’t be intimidated by Breakwater Blasters. It looks intense from below, but we thought it was an incredibly fun moderate-thrill ride.
Try the cliff jump. It was one of our unexpected highlights.
Don’t overlook the food trucks. Complimentary food was available, but we enjoyed sampling the specialty options too. The shrimp roll was our favorite.
Expect the possibility of an afternoon shower. You’re on a tropical island. A quick rain shower isn’t unusual.
Reapply your sunscreen. You’re going to be outside—and in and out of the water—for hours.
Check the lines again late in the day. We found lines dropped during approximately the last 90 minutes.
Give yourself extra time to return to the ship. Don’t assume a tram will be waiting the second you’re ready to leave.
Who Is Great Tides Waterpark Best For?
We think Great Tides is especially well suited for families.
There’s enough variety that younger children, older kids, teenagers, and adults can find something to do without the entire park being designed around one age group.
It’s also a great option if your family likes some excitement but doesn’t necessarily need every slide to be terrifying.
If you’re traveling with people who aren’t big water-slide fans, attractions like the Wandering River, plus seating and cabanas, make it possible to enjoy the park without spending the entire day climbing Tidal Tower.
If your sole reason for visiting a waterpark is to find the most extreme slides possible, Great Tides may not completely satisfy that itch.
For everyone else?
We think Norwegian has created a really fun addition to a Great Stirrup Cay day.
Would We Pay for Great Tides Waterpark Again?
100% yes.
That’s probably the simplest way to summarize our review.
We paid $79.99 per person for our visit, and at that price, our family felt we got a full day’s worth of entertainment.
We didn’t just ride each attraction once and leave. We found rides we wanted to repeat over and over—Breakwater Blasters in particular—and there was enough variety to keep us entertained throughout the day.
Would the equation change if the admission price for another sailing were significantly higher?
Possibly. Since Great Tides pricing can vary, every family has to decide based on the price offered for their particular cruise.
But based on our actual experience?
We’d go back.
Great Tides Waterpark FAQs
Where is Great Tides Waterpark?
Great Tides Waterpark is located on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian Cruise Line‘s private island destination in the Bahamas.
How do you get to Great Tides Waterpark from the ship?
During our Norwegian Getaway visit, we walked down the dock and took a tram located near the end of the dock. The tram ride to Great Tides took approximately five minutes.
How much does Great Tides Waterpark cost?
We paid $79.99 per person during our September 6, 2026 visit. Great Tides pricing can vary based on sailing and availability, so check the pricing for your specific Norwegian cruise.
Is food included at Great Tides Waterpark?
During our visit, buffet-style food was available at no additional charge. Three specialty food trucks were also available for an additional cost.
Does the NCL drink package work at Great Stirrup Cay?
Our Free at Sea drink package worked on the island during our visit. We saw bartenders circulating throughout Great Tides taking orders for alcoholic drinks and sodas.
Are there lockers at Great Tides Waterpark?
Yes. During our visit, lockers were available near the entrance. After you enter, turn right.
Are towels available at Great Tides?
Yes. We found multiple convenient towel stations throughout the waterpark.
Does Great Tides have a lazy river?
Yes, and we thought it was one of the better relaxing attractions in the park. The Wandering River includes a cave-like section with underwater-style projections as well as a swim-up bar.
Does Great Tides have attractions for young children?
Yes. One of the things we liked most about Great Tides was the range of attractions for different ages, including splash areas for younger children.
Are there height and weight restrictions at Great Tides?
Yes. Requirements vary by attraction and can include height, individual or combined weight, number of riders, and other restrictions. Read the posted signs and ask the lifeguards if you’re uncertain.
What is the best ride at Great Tides Waterpark?
Our family’s favorite was Breakwater Blasters. We rode it more than five times. We also really enjoyed Tropic Spiral and its spinning sections.
Is Breakwater Blasters scary?
We’d classify it as exciting rather than extreme. There’s speed, drops, and plenty of action, but we found it to be a very approachable moderate-thrill attraction. Don’t let how it looks from the ground scare you away from trying it!
Does Great Tides have cabanas?
Yes. We rented a cabana during our visit and loved having the shade, fan, couch, and lounge chairs. If available, Cabanas 6 and 10 would be our location recommendations based on the park layout we experienced.
Do you need to rent a cabana?
Definitely not. We saw plenty of other seating available throughout Great Tides. A cabana is a nice upgrade if it fits your budget and you want a dedicated shaded home base.
When is the best time to ride the Great Tides slides?
During our opening-weekend visit, we experienced the shortest waits earlier in the morning and again during roughly the final 90 minutes of the day. Lines were longer during the middle of the day.
Is Great Tides Waterpark worth the money?
For our family, yes. At the $79.99-per-person price we paid, we would absolutely do it again. There’s a good variety of attractions, we found several rides worth repeating and the park worked well for a family day.
Final Thoughts: Great Tides Is a Great Addition to Great Stirrup Cay
After experiencing Great Tides Waterpark during opening weekend, our biggest takeaway is that Norwegian Cruise Line has created a waterpark that families can actually enjoy together.
It’s not trying to be the most extreme waterpark you’ve ever visited.
And we don’t think it needs to be.
There’s enough excitement to keep older kids and adults entertained, enough approachable attractions for less adventurous guests and plenty for younger children.
Add in the Wandering River, cliff jumps, food options, cabanas and a well-designed layout, and you can easily spend most of your Great Stirrup Cay day here.
Were there a few opening-weekend wrinkles?
Absolutely.
But none of them would stop us from returning.
And if you go, do us a favor:
Ride Breakwater Blasters more than once.
We certainly did.
Planning a Norwegian Cruise or Great Stirrup Cay Visit?
Choosing the right Norwegian cruise—and figuring out things like ships, staterooms, excursions, Great Stirrup Cay activities and what is actually worth spending extra money on—can get overwhelming quickly.
That’s where I can help.
I’m Joy with Joy Your Travel Expert, and I help families plan cruises and vacations based on how they actually want to travel—not simply what’s listed in a brochure.
And because my family and I travel and experience many of these destinations ourselves, I can share firsthand advice about what we loved, what we’d skip and what we’d do differently next time.
Ready to start planning your Norwegian Cruise Line vacation? Contact me and let’s find the right cruise for your family.
