New Lagoon, Cabanas and Drink Rules at Great Stirrup Cay

Norwegian Cruise Line is reshaping the experience at Great Stirrup Cay, pairing a wave of new pools, cabanas and beach zones with evolving rules for how onboard beverage packages work on the Bahamian private island.

Major Expansion of Great Stirrup Cay Facilities

Publicly available company information outlines a multi-year buildout at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s 270-acre private island in the Berry Islands of the Bahamas. The plans center on adding capacity for more guests while widening the range of activities and places to relax. The island has long featured beaches, snorkeling and casual food venues, but the latest phase is described as a broader reimagining of the destination.

Reports indicate that a key element of the expansion is a new two-ship pier designed to significantly reduce reliance on tender boats. Industry coverage notes that the pier is part of a strategy to accommodate increased traffic to the island over the next several years, with projections running into more than a million guests annually once the buildout is complete.

Norwegian’s development plan also calls for an island-wide tram system to help move guests between the pier, beaches, new pool areas and premium enclaves. This focus on internal transportation reflects the growing footprint of amenities and the desire to make the expanded island easier to navigate, particularly on days when multiple ships are in port.

According to recent cruise industry briefings, several of the enhancements are scheduled in stages, with additional features opening through 2026 and beyond. That phasing means travelers in the near term may see active construction in some zones while others, such as existing beaches and the Silver Cove area, remain fully operational.

New Lagoon Pools, Beaches and Cabanas

Among the headline additions is a large central pool complex often described in coverage as a lagoon-style centerpiece. Company documents detail a 1.4-acre pool area framed by complimentary loungers, swim-up bars and cabanas with both ocean and pool views. Early guest reports from late winter sailings in 2026 suggest portions of this lagoon environment are already in use, with shaded seating and bar service proving to be popular on busy port days.

Alongside the main lagoon, Norwegian is introducing new named zones that divide the island into distinct experiences. Plans reference areas such as Horizon Park and Hammock Bay, which are positioned as laid-back beach and relaxation spaces, plus an adults-focused enclave marketed as Vibe Shore Club. Each area is expected to combine its own mix of loungers, shade, food access and in some cases upgraded seating or cabanas for an extra charge.

The expansion includes more private and semi-private structures than before. Cabanas and villas, some with dedicated attendants, upgraded furnishings and enhanced views, are being marketed to travelers who want guaranteed shade and a more controlled environment away from the busiest sections of the beach. Travel commentary notes that pricing for these spaces can be substantial on peak sailings, which reinforces their positioning as premium add-ons.

For families, development materials highlight a new splash-focused zone, including a children’s water play area integrated near the lagoon and tram routes. Together with the existing beach and snorkeling options, these additions are intended to provide more to do for guests who may previously have treated Great Stirrup Cay as primarily a sun-and-sand stop.

Silver Cove and Upgraded Premium Experiences

While much of the current expansion targets the broader guest population, Norwegian is also emphasizing upgrades within Silver Cove, the private enclave that sits apart from the island’s main public areas. Company information describes Silver Cove as featuring an oceanfront lagoon, private beach access, villas, an exclusive restaurant and bar, and a branded Champagne bar experience.

Within Silver Cove, guests can book a range of villa categories, from smaller studios to multi-bedroom options suitable for families or groups. These spaces typically include indoor air-conditioned lounges, outdoor decks, direct water access or close beach proximity, and upgraded service elements. Travel reports indicate that access to Silver Cove and its restaurant is generally restricted to villa guests or those holding specific day passes, positioning the enclave as a significant upsell compared with standard island access.

The private enclave concept aligns with a wider industry trend toward tiered experiences at private destinations. At Great Stirrup Cay, that stratification is further supported by add-ons such as spa services operated by the line’s Mandara Spa brand and specialty beverage offerings. Together, these features are aimed at travelers looking to combine a traditional beach day with more secluded surroundings and higher-touch service.

As the broader island redevelopment continues, observers expect Silver Cove and similar premium zones to play a larger role in Norwegian’s marketing, particularly for guests sailing on newer ships positioned as more upscale within the line’s fleet.

Evolving Beverage Package Rules on the Island

Alongside the physical changes, Norwegian’s approach to beverages at Great Stirrup Cay has undergone several shifts over the past two years, generating close attention from frequent cruisers. Historically, the line’s onboard beverage packages, including its open bar offerings linked to popular promotions, applied both on the ship and on Great Stirrup Cay, allowing guests to order covered drinks on the island in the same way they would at sea.

In late 2025, widely shared communications to travel advisors and guests outlined a policy change set to take effect on March 1, 2026. Under that plan, shipboard beverage packages would no longer be valid for drinks purchased on Great Stirrup Cay, with separate on-island pricing and the introduction of a standalone island-specific beverage package. Travel and consumer press summarized the move as decoupling the island from the onboard bar program.

Reaction among cruisers was mixed, with some commentary welcoming clearer pricing for those without packages and others expressing concern over the potential added cost of cocktails, beer and frozen drinks on what many consider a key highlight of their itinerary. Comparisons were frequently drawn with other major cruise brands, some of which currently honor shipboard drink packages at their own private destinations.

More recent coverage in early 2026, however, indicates that Norwegian has adjusted course in response to guest feedback. Reports from cruise-focused outlets and travel news sites state that the line has chosen to restore the applicability of its core beverage packages on Great Stirrup Cay, again allowing covered drinks on the island for eligible guests. This reversal has been framed as an effort to keep the experience aligned with guest expectations while broader island enhancements continue.

What Guests Can Expect for Food, Drinks and Access

For travelers planning an upcoming visit, current information suggests that most standard food offerings on Great Stirrup Cay remain included as part of the cruise fare. Buffet-style barbecue, casual snacks and certain non-alcoholic beverages are typically available at no extra cost, mirroring long-standing practice at many private-island destinations in the region. Specialty dining-style options and premium venues, particularly within enclaves such as Silver Cove, can carry additional charges.

On the drinks side, guests holding Norwegian’s qualifying beverage packages can expect to use them both onboard and on Great Stirrup Cay under the restored policy described in early 2026 reports. Those without a package will continue to pay per drink according to current island bar menus, which generally reflect pricing comparable to shipboard rates for cocktails, beer, wine and frozen beverages.

Separate from beverage inclusions, travelers are being encouraged in travel-agency advisories and online forums to pay attention to the timing of the island’s construction phases. While the primary beaches and many key amenities are open, certain areas may be temporarily closed or operating in soft-launch mode as new pools, tram routes and cabanas come online. Cruise line communications typically provide updates closer to sailing dates, and some itineraries may be adjusted if infrastructure work or weather affects tendering or pier access.

Overall, the picture emerging from recent coverage is of a rapidly evolving Great Stirrup Cay that is moving beyond its origins as a simple beach stop. With new lagoon pools, expanded cabana options, premium enclaves and clarified beverage package rules, the island is being positioned as a more complex, tiered destination where guests can tailor their day according to budget and preferences.