Private islands can be amazing cruise destinations, and one great port is about to get greater! Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has announced new amenities and features for all ages coming to Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas.
From the first time guests step foot on the island to how they explore the destination, there will be something new to enjoy.
The new pier to eliminate the need for sometimes uncertain (or uncomfortable – depending on how feisty the waves are!) tender boats was announced in April 2024, with the official groundbreaking in January 2025.
The $150 million project will permit two ships to dock at once and will be a much more convenient and reliable way for guests to reach Great Stirrup Cay. Now, they’ll find even more fun ashore once they do reach the island.
Up first, guests will be greeted by a new welcome center that will also serve as a hub for new tram service. Via tram, guests can better explore the island and enjoy their time at the destination with improved accessibility for everyone.
From youngsters and families enjoying the new splash pad to chilling out in the poolside cabanas to diving into the new heated pool with a swim-up bar, the upcoming enhancements have something for all guests to enjoy, no matter how many times they may already have visited Great Stirrup Cay.
“These newly announced enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay will further improve the guest experience on the island, which is already one of our top-rated destinations worldwide,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“Great Stirrup Cay has long been a guest favorite,” added David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “These new additions will take the private island experience to the next level by offering our guests even MORE and the continued freedom and flexibility to design their best vacation.”
Other new additions to the already popular island will include the adults-only Vibe Beach Club – already a favorite feature onboard many Norwegian Cruise Line ships – as well as Horizon Park, a lawn games area for even more interaction and friendly competition.
The exact timeline for all these updates to open has not yet been confirmed, though they should all be available to guests later in 2025.
Of course, a variety of factors could impact that projected completion, including the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which is projected to feature above-normal activity.
Nevertheless, it is full speed ahead on the enhancements, all of which are sure to excite visiting guests. Visitors should note, however, that there may be some disruptions to existing experiences while construction is underway, though such disruptions should be minimal.
More Updates and Enhancements Already Being Planned
Furthermore, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is not stopping. While this first phase of updating is already underway, more ideas are already being considered for future expansion and development.
“We look forward to adding more exciting and guest-centric experiences on Great Stirrup Cay in the future,” said Herrera.
Read Also: Great Stirrup Cay – A Full Overview of NCL’s Private Island
While there is no hint at what those further developments may be, it’s clear that the cruise company is committed to providing an exceptional guest experience at its private island.
“Along with the completion of a new multi-ship pier later this year, we’re improving both access and amenities on the island. As we anticipate annual guest visits to exceed one million by 2026, we are actively evaluating additional investments in the island to support that growth and expand the amenities our guests can enjoy,” hinted Sommer.
Thus far there are no confirmations about what those new investments may be, but it is clear that private destinations are a hit among cruise travelers.
Other cruise lines are likewise investing in their own destinations to provide exceptional experiences for guests.
Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever private destination, Celebration Key, will open this summer, while Disney Cruise Line’s newest destination, Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, will soon celebrate its first anniversary.
Coming in 2027 will be “Perfect Day Mexico” with Royal Caribbean at Costa Maya, and Carnival Cruise Line is likewise renaming and updating Roatan to “Isla Tropicale” to enhance its vacation vibes.
NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay Will Have a Multi-Ship Pier and Heated Pool
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