Great Stirrup Cay isn't the island it was a year ago. And by the end of the summer, it won't be the island that it is right now.
Things are changing quickly at the Bahamian private destination, owned by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Two sizeable new venues debuted this past winter: the Great Life Lagoon resort pool and the adults-only Vibe Shore Club.
The Splash Harbor play area for kids. Photo Credit: Teri West
There is also a new shaded welcome area and a children's splash pad, called Splash Harbor. Under construction and expected to open by the end of the summer is the 5.6-acre Great Tides Waterpark and a permanent pier with two berths.
I visited the island in late March to see the additions as well as the areas that are still under construction. There are cranes at work while passengers visit, but that shouldn't deter potential visitors, since the work is removed from the areas where guests will spend their day.
The shore club and the lagoon significantly enhance the island experience, and those seeking a more thrill-infused day are sure to appreciate the waterpark on sailings later this year.
The Vibe is 'just right'
Before this winter, there were two tiers of beaches on Great Stirrup Cay: the complimentary section and Silver Cove, which feels like the equivalent of a luxury resort on a private cruise island.
Vibe Shore Club sits physically in between the two and feels like the missing "Goldilocks" piece for a premium beach day. The venue is adults-only and is meant to match the experience of the adults-only Vibe Beach Club on NCL's ships.
The adults-only Vibe Shore Club.
A day pass to the club, currently going for $100, provides access to its 200 plush loungers and umbrellas. The sloped sand offers views of the turquoise water, even from the back row of loungers. And though it is an adults-only venue, don't think of it as having a party vibe; there is no DJ here.
Surrounding the perimeter of Vibe are cabanas that clients can rent for $299 to $699.
There is also a buffet on the site, enabling guests to stay at the beach all day if they choose.
A lagoon for lounging
Cruisers who prefer a pool to the beach finally have one included with their visit to Great Stirrup Cay. The 28,000-square-foot Great Life Lagoon feels both spacious and comfortable thanks to in-water loungers and padded flooring.
There is a DJ booth at the pool's center and two swim-up bars. Cabanas, which are available to rent, line the perimeter of the pool deck and offer some privacy in what could otherwise be a crowded atmosphere with cruisers of all ages.
A Great Life Lagoon cabana. Photo Credit: Teri West
Young ones are certain to enjoy the splash pad, just a short walk from the lagoon.
The lagoon is the closest venue to the new welcome center, and I was able to walk from the pool, over a bridge and straight back onto the ship thanks to the new pier, which is still under construction but complete enough for temporary operations at the time of my visit. (NCL closed the pier on April 1 to complete construction and anticipates reopening it sometime this summer. Until then, passengers will be transported to the island via tender boat.)
A park for thrills, or to just chill
The Great Tides Waterpark will be an additional family-focused area that will redistribute some of the demand for the lagoon and the complimentary beach.
The Great Tides Waterpark is under construction. Photo Credit: Teri West
It will be the second waterpark operated on a cruise line's private island -- the first being at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay -- and will include features that guests won't find at CocoCay.
One is a lazy river with a tunnel where nature-inspired scenery will be projected on its walls. Once through the tunnel, guests will have an option to pull over for a break at a swim-up bar.
Drifting the entire river will take four to six minutes.
The Great Stirrup Cay pier under construction. Photo Credit: Teri West
Another unique feature is a cliff-jump area, where thrill-seekers will be able to plunge from heights of either 10 or 15 feet into a 12-foot-deep pool.
There will be 19 waterslides throughout the waterpark, 16 of which will have minimum-height requirements of 36 or 42 inches. That will make the attractions accessible to a wide range of children, since slide height requirements at waterparks often start at 48 inches, said Chris Doval, senior director of development strategy and program management for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
NCL broke ground on the waterpark last July and has not offered an opening date any more specific than "this summer."
Based on my observations, it will probably be the very end of summer: When I visited, it didn't look like a waterpark at all. It will sit inland and will likely be an attraction to where guests will want to ride a tram due to the distance from the welcome center.