Bahamas cruise: Great Stirrup Cay, Nassau, and the Norwegian Getaway
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I tried a four-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line in the Bahamas, between the new water park Great Tides, the beaches of Great Stirrup Cay, a Nassau excursion, and a musical finale aboard the Norwegian Getaway.
Great Stirrup Cay and the Norwegian Getaway
The Norwegian Cruise Line private island and the ship that took me there set the tone from the moment we arrived: this is a cruise built to mix relaxation, swimming, and plenty of fun.
Bahamas Cruise
Four days at sea, a private island and discoveries
I was lucky to experience a four-day cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line aboard the Norwegian Getaway, in the Bahamas. The trip’s aim was simple and frankly appealing: to try the new water park Great Tides, located on the company’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay.
Right from boarding in Miami, the vibe was already set in motion. We explored the ship and our balcony cabin, then enjoyed a departure party that immediately set the tone: vacation, sun and good vibes. The rest was even more intense, with busy days, but always in that pleasant cruise-pace: you go with the flow.
Fun at Great Stirrup Cay
Beach, water slides, swimming and water activities: Great Stirrup Cay feels like a real extension of the ship, with plenty to do to fill the day without rushing.
Great Tides: the new water park stealing the show
The heart of this stop was of course Great Tides. The water park is now open to the public and offers 19 slides, a themed river, cliff jumping into a pool, and truly inventive attractions.
The slide that intrigued me most looked almost like a mix between a water slide and a roller coaster: you sit in a raft, then the water jets push you up and down on surprising climbs and drops. It’s the kind of activity that makes everyone laugh, even those who thought they'd only do “one little slide.”
Around the park, the island also offers plenty of options to enjoy the sea: beach, snorkelling, transparent-bottom kayaks, jet skis, volleyball courts, a large lively pool, bars and restaurants included with the cruise. You can easily spend the whole day there without noticing time flying by.
Beach, snorkelling and a vacation-club vibe
Beyond the water park, what struck me was how Great Stirrup Cay feels like a natural extension of the ship. You hop from one activity to another without ever losing that all-inclusive vacation vibe.
Between the pale sandy beaches, turquoise waters and spots set up for relaxing, the place invites both action and downtime. I also loved the marine life watching aspect, especially with snorkelling and the underwater statue garden, which adds a unique touch to the stop.
Nassau, Paradise Island and a hint of history
The next day, off to Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. I chose to spend part of the day at Paradise Island, taking a water taxi for about $7, a quick and easy crossing that completely changes the vibe.
There, I enjoyed the beaches and a snorkeling session in water so crystal clear that the backdrop looked unreal. You can also spot the famous Atlantis, Nassau’s iconic pink hotel, which you notice from afar and is even more impressive in real life.
I then visited the Pirates of Nassau Museum, a short but very interesting visit, perfect for adding a bit of historical context to the stay. Before returning to the ship, I also ate at a restaurant on a pier over the water: fried fish, local rice and even sea turtles swimming beneath the restaurant. A simple moment, but truly memorable.
Colorful Nassau
From pastel façades to sea views, Nassau blends tropical charm, history and laid-back living.
A musical finale on the deck
On the last day aboard, the cruise ended on a high note with a musical show on the deck, by the pool, featuring the ship's performers. It was a very successful way to wrap up the trip: festive, inclusive and totally in the spirit of a cruise where each day brings its own little surprises.
If you’re looking for a travel plan that combines a private island, a water park, tropical ports of call and a lively onboard experience, this Bahamas cruise type really ticks many boxes.
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Anick Dupuis
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