Norwegian Getaway Just Made History at Great Stirrup Cay—And It Means No More Tender Boats for NCL Guests

Norwegian Getaway became the first cruise ship to dock at Great Stirrup Cay’s brand-new pier on December 28, 2025, marking a historic moment for Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island in the Bahamas. According to Cruise Hive, this long-awaited pier eliminates the need for tendering—meaning guests can now walk straight off the ship instead of waiting for smaller boats to transport them to shore.

What This Means for Your Next Cruise

For years, visiting Great Stirrup Cay meant dealing with tender boats. Weather conditions and capacity constraints often led to delays and logistical headaches. Some guests waited hours just to get to the beach.

That changes now.

The new 1,500-foot pier can accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously, allowing passengers to walk directly onto the island. No tender tickets. No waiting in crowded lounges. No weather-related cancellations of island visits.

We think this is one of the most significant cruise port improvements in recent years—particularly for families with young children or guests with mobility concerns who found tendering challenging.

Beyond the Pier: A Massive Island Upgrade

The pier is just the beginning. Norwegian has transformed Great Stirrup Cay into a next-level private island experience.

The centerpiece is a 28,476-square-foot pool—one of the largest cruise line pools ever built. It holds nearly 1,900 people and features swim-up bars, a family splash pad, poolside cabanas, and an on-site DJ. Think resort-style amenities, but on a private Bahamas island.

An island-wide tram system now helps guests explore the destination without long walks in the sun. A new welcome center greets arriving passengers. Additional features and activities will roll out progressively throughout 2026.

Who Benefits

All Norwegian Cruise Line ships will use the new pier going forward. But here’s the bonus: sister brands Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises will also benefit from the upgraded infrastructure.

If you’ve got an NCL cruise to the Bahamas booked for 2026, you’re in for a dramatically improved experience compared to previous years.

Why It Matters

Private islands have become battlegrounds for cruise line differentiation. Royal Caribbean invested heavily in Perfect Day at CocoCay. Disney has Castaway Cay. Carnival recently revamped Celebration Key.

Norwegian’s $100+ million investment in Great Stirrup Cay shows the company is serious about competing in the private island space. The pier alone was worth the wait—construction began in January 2025 after being announced in April 2024, with completion coming right on schedule at year’s end.

For cruise travelers, this means more options, better amenities, and increasingly resort-like experiences at private destinations. The bar keeps rising, and we’re here for it.

If you’re planning a Norwegian cruise to the Bahamas in 2026, Great Stirrup Cay just became a major selling point instead of a tender-boat headache.