Great Stirrup Cay Is Getting a Major Upgrade: Here’s What’s Coming

By Amy Krieger
In Cruise Lines, News & Updates, Norwegian
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For years, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay has offered beautiful beaches and a laid-back island vibe—but it’s also lagged behind other cruise line private islands when it comes to amenities and attractions. That’s about to change. Starting in Winter 2025, Great Stirrup Cay is undergoing a major transformation aimed at delivering a more immersive, all-ages experience. From a massive 28,000-square-foot pool and high-thrill waterpark to easier island access and upgraded guest areas, these additions promise to elevate the destination into a true highlight of any NCL itinerary.

Easier Access, Better Arrival – Coming Winter 2025

Walk Straight From Ship to Sand

Say goodbye to tender boats. With the new pier, you’ll be able to stroll directly from ship to shore, starting your day in paradise without delay. Whether you’re an early riser or prefer a slow start, you’ll have the flexibility to arrive at your own pace.

Explore with Ease

Once ashore, hop aboard the new island tram, designed to make exploring the entire island easier than ever. Whether you’re headed to the pool, beach, or waterpark, getting there is now part of the fun.

A Stylish Welcome

Your island adventure now begins at the Welcome Plaza, where shaded seating and tropical vibes set the stage. Then, don’t miss a stop at the Overlook Bridge—perched 40 feet above the ocean—for picture-perfect panoramic views of Great Stirrup Cay’s coastline.

Great Tides Waterpark – Winter 2025 Excitement

A Thrill Seeker’s Paradise

Launching alongside the new pier and plaza, the Great Tides Waterpark is a bold new addition that combines heart-pounding fun with laid-back leisure.

Highlights include:

  • High-speed, sea-inspired slides
  • Cliffside jump zones into crystal-clear water
  • Lazy river with winding tunnels (and hidden surprises!)
  • Vibrant splash area for kids
  • Grotto bar with tropical cocktails for adults

Whether you’re chasing thrills or chilling in the shade, Great Tides brings next-level excitement for every cruiser.

Great Life Lagoon – Opening Summer 2026

The Ultimate Caribbean Pool Experience

Clocking in at 28,000 square feet, the Great Life Lagoon will be one of the largest pools in the region—and it’s built for fun, relaxation, and unforgettable views.

What to expect:

  • Two swim-up bars with unlimited drinks
  • Gradual beach-style entry ideal for little ones
  • Water features and ocean panoramas
  • Loungers and cabanas with plenty of shade

Perfect for families, couples, and groups, the Lagoon is the heart of your next island day.

Splash Harbor – Opening Summer 2026

Little ones get to live The Great Life, too!
Splash Harbor is the brand-new, complimentary splash pad area designed just for kids—though grown-ups might find themselves tempted to join the fun. This colorful water zone offers a whimsical mix of spray features, fountains, and shallow water play, giving children endless ways to cool off and explore in a safe, inviting space.

What You Need to Know

FeatureLaunchHighlights
New Pier, Trams & Welcome PlazaWinter 2025Direct access to shore, shaded welcome area, tram system
Overlook BridgeWinter 2025Elevated views 40 ft. above coastline
Great Tides WaterparkWinter 2025Slides, lazy river, cliff jumps, kid zone, grotto bar
Great Life LagoonSummer 2026Heated 28,000 sq ft pool, swim-up bars, cabanas
Splash HarborSummer 2026Kid’s spash pad area

Why These Upgrades Matter

Pros:

  • Easier and faster island access
  • More activities for all ages and energy levels
  • Instagram-worthy scenery and photo ops
  • Seamless blend of luxury and adventure

Cons:

  • Lagoon pool won’t open until Summer 2026
  • Some guests may prefer the simplicity of the earlier island setup

Norwegian Cruise Line is reimagining Great Stirrup Cay as more than just a port—it’s becoming a fully immersive island destination. With the new pier, welcome plaza, overlook bridge, and waterpark launching Winter 2025, followed by the Great Life Lagoon opening in Summer 2026, this beloved private island is evolving into something even more spectacular.

Whether you’re seeking high-speed thrills, scenic views, or serene poolside moments, Great Stirrup Cay promises something for every traveler—and it’s all just getting started.

Stay tuned to thecrusingcompass.com for information, news, tips, and tricks on all things cruising and join in the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook group.

Author

Amy Krieger

Amy, originally from West Virginia, now lives in Central Florida with her husband, Paul, and their three Spanish galgos—Hermes, Cinders, and Emerson. With a background in English Education and 11 years of teaching experience, Amy transitioned to a career in finance as the Manager of Loan Origination at Monera Financial, helping clients purchase Disney Vacation Club contracts. She also serves as the Senior Editor of DVCFan.com, sharing her expertise on Disney-related topics. A Disney Vacation Club owner, Annual Passholder, and avid cruiser, Amy enjoys exploring new destinations—Alaska being her favorite—and her top cruise ship is the Icon of the Seas. When not traveling or at theme parks, Amy loves reading, writing, running, spending time with family, and relaxing at home.

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Norwegian Cruise Line Says Farewell to Norwegian Sky & Norwegian Sun

By Paul Krieger
In News & Updates

Big changes are on the horizon for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) as two of their long-standing ships prepare to set sail into a new chapter—outside the NCL fleet.

Norwegian Cruise Line has officially announced that Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun will be leaving the fleet in the coming years, marking the end of an era for these beloved vessels. The news comes as part of NCL’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and make way for the next generation of ships, including the cutting-edge Prima Plus Class.

Departure Dates and New Homes

  • Norwegian Sky will be leaving the NCL fleet on August 20, 2026
  • Norwegian Sun will follow in Q4 of 2027

Both ships have been chartered long-term by Cordelia Cruises, India’s leading premium cruise line. The move not only signals exciting growth for the Indian cruise market but also gives these two vessels a fresh start with a new audience.

Unfortunately, this also means that all sailings on Norwegian Sky starting August 20, 2026, and beyond will be canceled. Guests affected by the cancellations will receive a full refund automatically, along with a 10% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) as a gesture of goodwill. Commissions for fully paid bookings will also be protected.

For many NCL loyalists, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun hold a special place in their cruise memories. Whether it was short Bahamas getaways or scenic Alaska adventures, these ships have been workhorses of the fleet and delivered unforgettable experiences for decades.

As Norwegian Cruise Line put it in their announcement:

“We are truly grateful for their years of service… it is the right time to say farewell.”

If you’re hoping to cruise on either ship one last time, NCL encourages guests to explore their remaining itineraries before they retire from the fleet.

What’s Next for NCL?

This transition is part of NCL’s larger fleet evolution plan, which includes an ambitious lineup of new ships through 2036. At the forefront are two eagerly awaited additions:

These ships are part of the Prima Plus Class, which builds upon the innovation introduced with Norwegian Prima and Viva. Expect boundary-pushing features like the Aqua Slidecoaster, the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, and a revamped Game Zone experience that blends VR, retro arcade games, and interactive challenges.

With seven new ships currently on order, NCL is doubling down on enhancing guest experiences and bringing more of what cruisers love—innovative design, elevated dining, and immersive onboard entertainment.

While it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to familiar ships, the future of Norwegian Cruise Line looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re planning to be part of Norwegian Sky or Sun’s final sailings or dreaming of future voyages aboard Aqua or Luna, The Cruising Compass will be here to guide you through every wave of change.

We’ll continue to keep you updated on the latest cruise news, fleet announcements, and tips for making the most of your time at sea. And hey, if you’ve sailed on Norwegian Sky or Sun—let us know your favorite memories! Drop a comment or join the conversation in our Cruising Compass Facebook Group.

Carnival Rewards
Carnival Cruise Lines News & Updates

Carnival Overhauls Loyalty Program with Carnival Rewards — But At What Cost?

By Paul Krieger
In Carnival, Cruise Lines, News & Updates

Carnival Cruise Line is making waves with a major update to its loyalty program. Starting June 2026, the current VIFP Club® will transition to the newly launched Carnival Rewards — a points-based system that aims to provide more flexible and personalized benefits for loyal cruisers. But while the update introduces exciting new possibilities, it also raises concerns about the future of cruise line loyalty programs as a whole.

What’s Changing?

Carnival Rewards will replace the current “cruise days sailed” model with a points-based structure that takes into account not only the number of cruises but also how much you spend on cruise fares and onboard purchases. A few key highlights of the new program include:

  • Earning Points based on cruise fare, onboard spending, and purchases made with the Carnival Rewards Mastercard.
  • Redeemable Rewards that can be used toward cruise fare, onboard purchases like shore excursions, spa treatments, retail, and specialty dining.
  • New Status Qualifiers (Stars) which determine your tier in the program, replacing the lifetime cruise-day model.
  • Phased Transition: Existing VIFP Club status will be honored for a limited time — two years for most tiers and six years for Diamond members — starting June 1, 2026.
  • Elimination of VIFP Club Gifts, such as branded merchandise.

Carnival emphasizes that this shift is meant to give guests more choices and control over how they are rewarded — a cruise-industry first that could soon be followed by other major lines.

Why the Change Was Necessary

Carnival’s reasoning is simple: too many guests are hitting elite tiers, diluting the value of benefits. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of Platinum members more than doubled, and Diamond members more than tripled. On newer ships like those in the Excel Class, more than 1,200 guests on a single sailing may qualify as Platinum or Diamond — making it nearly impossible to offer meaningful perks like priority boarding or exclusive event access.

This is a challenge that extends beyond Carnival. We’ve seen similar pressures on Royal Caribbean, where lounges meant for suite and certain loyalty level guests have become so crowded that certain sailings now restrict Crown Lounge access to Diamond Plus and Pinnacle members only. These loyalty tiers were originally designed to recognize a small percentage of guests — not thousands per cruise.

My Thoughts: Will This Hurt Long-Term Loyalty?

Here’s where I get personal. Amy and I have spent the last five years building our cruise habits around achieving Diamond status on Royal Caribbean. That decision came with intention — the perks (lounge access, free drinks, priority services) were worth the investment of time, money, and loyalty.

But if the industry moves toward points-based models that devalue those hard-earned tiers, the entire equation changes. If I can’t rely on consistent status benefits, then what’s the incentive to remain loyal to a single brand?

Points are great, but they’ve never held the same tangible value as elite perks. If all cruise lines go this route, I’ll likely start shopping around for better deals — maybe even sampling more cruise lines instead of sticking to one. And I doubt I’m alone in that sentiment.

So yes — while I understand the problem Carnival is trying to solve, I’m not sure this is the solution. The cruise industry has built powerful loyalty among its base, but eroding that loyalty in favor of generic “points” could backfire in the long run.

What do you think about these changes? Will Carnival Rewards enhance or diminish your experience? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation in The Cruising Compass Facebook Group!

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