Great Stirrup Cay named best cruise line island on 2026 hot list
The original cruise line private island in The Bahamas — Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay — has long been a favorite of loyal cruisers, but new island developments are attracting a new wave of paradise seekers in 2026. Driven by a surge in search interest this year, Great Stirrup Cay was unexpectedly recognized on Expedia's 2026 Island Hot List of emerging island escapes.
"The list was finalized until two destinations generated so much buzz from cruise travelers and soccer fans that we had to give them awards of their own," said Expedia Group Brands VP of Public Relations Melanie Fish.
Expedia named Great Stirrup Cay "Best Private Island for Cruises" after interest in the island climbed 50% year over year based on Google Search Trends data. Cape Verde — an island destination you can visit on certain transatlantic cruises — earned the title "Best Ultimate Soccer-inspired Island" due to the massive attention it gained during the country's historic World Cup run.
Rising interest in Great Stirrup Cay comes as Norwegian invests in major island enhancements
My husband and I visited Great Stirrup Cay for the first time on a Norwegian cruise from Miami in 2010, back when the 270-acre island featured few amenities. It was nothing more than a beach day with a barbecue lunch in an untouched island setting — which was all we really wanted at the time.
Years later, the cruise line added a zip line and other activities, expanded dining options, and introduced luxury amenities. Then in 2025, Norwegian unveiled the island's biggest transformation yet: a resort-style expansion that would develop much more of its sandy shores to offer families new ways to spend a vacation day in The Bahamas.
The first phase of the expansion opened at the beginning of 2026, bringing a new cruise ship pier, a lagoon-style pool with swim-up bars, a kids' splash pad, an adults-only Vibe Shore Club retreat, and a tram service to help visitors get around.
The most anticipated addition is still ahead: Great Tides Waterpark, a six-acre fusion of family-friendly adventure and relaxation opening in early September. The new waterpark features 19 waterslides and immersive attractions across four zones, including an innovative, "non-lazy" Wandering River with 828 feet of current, a multimedia tunnel, and a swim-up bar. That's the attraction I'm most looking forward to experiencing when I visit Great Stirrup Cay with my husband and kids this fall.
"As travelers increasingly prioritize unique, exclusive destinations, Great Stirrup Cay represents the 'Next Wave' of cruising, where private island experiences are becoming a primary draw rather than just a port of call," Expedia said about the island and its growing popularity.
Great Stirrup Cay's 1.4-acre Great Life Lagoon gives the island a resort feel.Norwegian Cruise Line
What the growing interest in Great Stirrup Cay means if you're booking a Norwegian cruise
Getting an Expedia "hot list" nod before the waterpark even opens shows just how much attention Norwegian's private island investment is already generating.
"Right now, it's a work in progress, but when it's done, I think it's going to be the equal of Royal Caribbean's CocoCay," said TravelHost's Come Cruise With Me Editor in Chief Dan Kline, who visited Great Stirrup Cay twice this spring.
If a cruise to Great Stirrup Cay is on your travel list for 2026 or 2027, book soon if you haven't yet. Expedia's broader advice for hot-list islands — that high-demand destinations fill up fast, especially around the holidays — applies just as much to Bahamian cruises as it does to resort stays.
Related: Norwegian's new island waterpark has a river that's a voyage itself
For the best value, consider a fall visit after the initial September opening rush for the waterpark. Caribbean cruise prices tend to be lower in October and November before hurricane season ends and the holiday season arrives.
If you're planning for 2027, don't wait to book either. With searches already up 50% and the new waterpark opening soon, Great Stirrup Cay is likely to get even more attention over the next year.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel , or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally published by TravelHost on Aug 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Come Cruise With Me section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
