Norwegian Cruise Line's 19-Slide Great Tides Waterpark at Stirrup Cay
Norwegian Cruise Line announced this week that it will be adding nineteen waterslides and a lazy river to its private island in the Bahamas. “Great Tides Waterpark” is scheduled to open in summer of 2026. The six-acre water park will offer an 800-foot-long “dynamic river,” which Norwegian says will have a current slightly faster than a lazy river.
The park’s, “Tidal Tower,” will house two drop slides, dual racing slides, body slides, and tube slides sending riders through winding spirals. “Cliffside Cove” will offer four-person family water slides, and racing slides for adrenaline seekers.
The island’s eight remaining waterslides are mini versions found at the center of the water park in the 9,000-square-foot splash zone for kids.
Norwegian is also introducing a cliff-jumping experience with two platforms, offering 10- and 15-foot jumps.
Additional amenities include private cabana rentals, Jet Karts Water Track, dubbed ‘mini aquatic race courts with jet karts – combining the elements of go-karting and jet skiing.’ This activity will be bookable as a shore excursion.
Norwegian is also building a new pier that will allow for two ships to dock. Prior to this, vessels had to tender passengers to shore.
These enhancements are part of NCL’s $150 million project that aims to compete with cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, both located in the Bahamas.
Great Stirrup Cay’s last renovations were done in 2017. The island currently offers zip lining, snorkeling, and jet skiing.
While offshore excursions, like the ones offered on NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay are exciting, they come with their own inherent risks. It is extremely important visitors stay safe while exploring a new location and while enjoying an attraction at this locale. Try and book all excursions directly through the cruise line and do not wander off the main paths and roads when exploring the area. Be aware of your limitations when doing any offshore activity, and do not do anything that pushes you beyond your physical limitations.
The unpredictable nature of water activities can result in slip and falls and injuries from equipment malfunction. These are just a few of the risks at water parks. Wave pools pose the most drowning risk at water parks. The nature of the pool, the waves, and large crowds can make it harder to spot those in need of assistance.
Here are some safety tips to remember when visiting Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Tides Waterpark.
1. Dress for the day. Dress appropriately to keep from getting sunburned, experiencing heat stroke, or getting dehydrated.
2. Wear Sunscreen. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you arrive at the park and reapply throughout the day. Waterproof sunscreen needs to be re-applied every 80 minutes.
3. Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.
4. Keep an Eye on Your Kids. Know where your kids are always. Even if there is a lifeguard on duty- Do not depend on them to keep your children safe. Always watch your children or be in the water with them.
5. Avoid alcohol. Especially, while supervising children, or if you are planning on going in the water or participating in any water-related activities.
6. Follow the rules. Always follow the water park rules. Explain this to your children, and the importance of following the rules, not just out of respect but because it keeps them safe.
7. Wear water shoes. Pool decks and other surfaces can become slick when water and sunscreen mix. Avoid flip-flops. Water shoes provide the best traction and keep feet safe from injuries and infection.
8. Protective Clothing. Hats, rash guards, and UPF sun shirts can all help keep your family protected while out in the sun all day. Keep in mind that a baby’s skin burns much more easily, so it’s important to keep them out of the sun as much as possible. Lightweight clothing that covers the skin, and hats with wide brims are excellent
ways to keep your baby cool and their faces protected from the sun.
Understanding Cruise Line Liability for Injuries at Great Stirrup Cay
While the major cruise lines often include liability waivers in their contacts, these are not always enforceable– particularly if the injury was the result of the cruise line’s negligence.
Here are some of the most common injuries that occur on cruise ship private islands.
- Slips, Trips and Falls: Uneven terrain, poorly maintained walkways, wet areas around pools or beaches, can lead to falls.
- Excursion accidents: Jet ski accidents, snorkeling incidents, drowning or near- drowning incidents, and injuries in water parks or while using water slides.
- Equipment malfunctions: Faulty equipment on water slides, ziplines, ATVs, or other attractions can cause harm.
- Medical emergencies: Insufficient medical facilities and response times can exacerbate injuries.
What to do if you are injured:
1. Seek immediate medical attention: Get necessary medical care for your injuries.
2. Document the incident: Take photos and videos, gather witness information, and document the circumstances surrounding the accident.
3. Report the incident: Inform the cruise line and obtain an incident report. Keep all related documents, such as the cruise ticket and medical records.
4. Consult with a maritime personal injury attorney: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and options, even if you are still on your cruise. Don’t wait. Time limits apply to filing a cruise ship injury claim—often just one year from the date of injury.
Hurt While on a Cruise Ship or Shore Excursion?
Cruise lines are responsible for the injuries that passengers sustain on and off the ship. Florida law is clear that cruise lines have a non-delegable responsibility to make sure that passengers are safe when being transported between the ship and shore.
If you have been injured on a cruise ship, tender or in port, it is important that you seek immediate medical care and report the incident. Cruise lines often defend cases based upon a “lack of reported incident.” Also, immediately consult with an experienced passenger injury lawyer who is admitted to practice in Federal Court. Our law firm is based in Miami, Florida, the hub of cruise ship law.
The laws involving cruise lines are very different compared to other typical personal injury lawsuits. Maritime cases must be submitted in writing within 180 days of the incident, and suits must be filed in federal court in Miami, Florida.
Aronfeld Trial Lawyers has obtained millions of dollars in compensation for injured cruise ship passengers and crew members onboard the major cruise lines. We are constantly filing lawsuits against Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, Disney and other cruise lines around the world in Federal Court. Since 1991, our law firm has helped injured passengers hold the cruise lines accountable. We work hard to get our clients compensation for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering. The cruise lines are part of multi-billion-dollar industry and employ the most aggressive and experienced lawyers–which is why you need experienced legal counsel on your side, too. There are few injuries and accidents our Miami personal injury law firm has not dealt with, and we are prepared to take on any cruise accident case. For more information, call our office at 305-770-6553, or toll-free at 1-866-597-4529 or send us an email at newcase@aronfeld.com.
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