Massive Upgrades Aim to Finally Make Stirrup Cay Great

There are a lot of things to love about Norwegian Cruise Lines’ private Bahamian island, but getting ashore from a ship has never been one of them.

For guests of Oceania’s Vista eager to hit the white sand for a day of fun on Great Stirrup Cay, on a recent visit it was hurry up and wait. We were issued tickets and told to wait in the theater for our turn to go ashore on the island’s double-deck tender. When our color finally was called half an hour later, it took another 20 minutes of loading to fill every seat before we finally made the 15-minute crossing to shore.

Norwegian is about to eliminate the snag with the opening of a pier enabling ships to dock which allows passengers to just walk ashore. It coincides with other enhancements due in late 2025 that include opening a large pool, splash pad and a new tram service that will take guests around the expansive island.

Making the announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line President David Herrera said the new pool will be massive, offering 33 new cabanas, an adult section with a swim-up bar, an easy-entry area for kids and a splash pad area with a bar, so parents can have a cool one while they watch their kids have a good time.

The line also will bring some guest-favorite onboard experiences found on NCL ships to Great Stirrup Cay. A Vibe Beach Club on the island will be an adults-only space with private cabanas and outdoor loungers. Also coming to the island is Horizon Park, a recreation area with lawn-style games that was recently installed on the Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Breakaway.

Great Stirrup Cay also will have a new relaxation area with hammocks and tiki-inspired amenities and experiences.

“This is literally phase one of what we’re going to do to expand and enhance the experiences that are currently available at Great Stirrup Cay,” Herrera says. “GSC is consistently one of our highest-rated Caribbean destinations because it’s what you want it to be: It’s a Bahamian private island. We don’t want to lose that. We don’t want to lose that authentic private island beach vibe. We’re just enhancing it with so many other options.”

The 250-acre island is already known for its expansive white sand beaches, snorkelling and zip lining. It’s a stop on most Caribbean sailings of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings fleets, Norwegian, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas Cruises.

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