Well, modern life can get a little too fast, can’t it? Every now and then, you just need to swap the line at the coffee shop for a palm tree, trade the daily grind for a little salt water therapy, and head south until the butter melts.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to kick off your flip-flops and head for the Bahamas, Norwegian Cruise Line just gave us a pretty big one. They’ve officially cut the ribbon on Great Tides Waterpark, a brand-new six-acre slice of paradise right on their
private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Grab a cold drink, lean back, and let’s talk about what’s waiting down in the Berry Islands, including what's included, what's extra, and how folks in the Mid-Atlantic can get there without ever stepping foot on an airplane.
A Little Island History & Big New Energy
Back in 1977, NCL was the first cruise line to give folks their own little private island getaway at Great Stirrup Cay. Fast forward nearly 50 years, and while over 60% of the island remains untouched green paradise, they’ve added a whole lot of fun to the footprint.
After 15 months of work, the island just got a whole lot sunnier. They’ve even added a brand-new concrete pier that can hold two ships at once—so getting off the boat and onto the sand is smoother than a cold boat drink on a warm afternoon.
High Drops and "Not-So-Lazy" Currents
Whether your island mood is strictly hammock-based or you like a little wind in your hair, there's a pace for everyone here:
The 170-Foot Tidal Tower & 19 Waterslides: If you're looking for an adrenaline rush before lunch, this tower dominates the horizon and offers plenty of fast tracks straight down to the turquoise water.
Cliffside Cove: For the adventurous souls who just want to leap right in, there’s a dedicated cliff-jumping spot.
The "Wandering River": Now, don't let the name fool you—they call this the "not-so-lazy river" for a reason. It packs a brisk 6 mph current, meaning you can float around the island with a little extra breeze in your face.
Splash Cay: Got mini-cruisers in tow? There’s a whole splash park area designed just for the little ones to stay cool.
To keep things easygoing and uncrowded, NCL capped daily waterpark capacity at 1,200 guests (even though it can hold 1,800). That means fewer lines, less waiting, and more time enjoying the island rhythm.
Island Eats & Island Treats: What’s Included vs. Extra Charges
Now, a lot of folks wonder how much silver you need to slide across the counter once your toes hit the sand. Here’s the lay of the land so you can plan your day without any surprises:
1. What’s Included with Your Cruise Fare
Beach & Lagoon Access: Unlimited access to the island's pristine white-sand beaches, lounge chairs, and beach umbrellas.
Complimentary Island Buffets: Grab a plate at Jumbey Beach Grill or Abaco Taco for unlimited burgers, hot dogs, tacos, sides, iced tea, water, and soft-serve ice cream.
Splash Harbor & Pools: Free access to the main lagoon swimming areas and outside-the-park splash areas for kids.
Waterpark Amenities (with Pass): If you grab a waterpark pass, locker rentals, towels, life jackets, and tram transport across the park are all included.
2. What Costs a Little Extra
Great Tides Waterpark Pass: Entry to the 6-acre slide and river complex requires a day pass (typically around $99/adult, though prices vary by sailing; toddlers under 3 enter free).
Themed Food Trucks: In addition to the free buffets, three specialty food trucks serve up tasty bites for $10–$15 per item:
Catch of the Day (fresh island seafood)
Low Tide Smoke (savory barbecue)
Tidal Treats (taiyaki-style waffle cone ice cream)
Bar Drinks: Cocktails and cold brews at island bars (like the swim-up Floataway Bar) run standard menu prices—unless you have an eligible NCL Beverage Package active onboard.
Cabanas & Adventure Rentals: Private cabanas or luxury Silver Cove villas, as well as paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and parasailing, carry an extra excursion charge.
No-Flight Island Hopping: Sail Straight from Philly!
Here’s where it gets even sweeter for Mid-Atlantic travelers. You don't need to deal with airport security, lost luggage, or flight delays to reach this island paradise. You can simply pack the trunk, drive down to the PhilaPort Terminal in Philadelphia, toss your bags onboard, and let the ship do the driving.
NCL homeports their Jewel-Class ships (Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jewel) right out of Philly, offering two main ways to catch the Great Tides:
1. 8-Night Bahamas & East Coast Sailings
Ship: Norwegian Pearl
Port Highlights: Philadelphia $\rightarrow$ Norfolk / Jacksonville / Port Canaveral $\rightarrow$ Grand Bahama Island $\rightarrow$ Great Stirrup Cay (Great Tides Waterpark) $\rightarrow$ Philadelphia
The Vibe: A one-week-plus escape heading straight down the Eastern Seaboard into the turquoise waters of the Berry Islands. Perfect for a quick reboot.
2. 10-to-12-Night Long Caribbean & Bahamas Escapes
Ships: Norwegian Pearl & Norwegian Jewel
Port Highlights: Philadelphia $\rightarrow$ Dominican Republic (Puerto Plata) $\rightarrow$ St. Thomas / San Juan $\rightarrow$ Great Stirrup Cay $\rightarrow$ Philadelphia
The Vibe: An extended island-hopping odyssey that combines classic Eastern Caribbean hot spots with an all-day stop at NCL's private island before sailing back home to Philly.
Ready to Set Sail?
Great Tides officially opened its gates on September 4th with a call from the Norwegian Luna, and NCL is running sailings to Great Stirrup Cay year-round out of ports like Miami, Port Canaveral, Tampa, Jacksonville, New York, and now directly from Philadelphia.
So if your watch is stuck on island time and you're feeling that familiar tug of the ocean, it's time to make it happen. Contact Come Monday Travel today to start planning and booking your escape to Great Tides Waterpark—we'll handle all the details so all you have to do is pack your sandals.
Keep it breezy, keep the salt in your hair, and we'll see you down where the water turns turquoise.
Fins up and tight lines!
