Great Stirrup Cay vs CocoCay Comparison |Cruises.com Blog

When it comes to Great Stirrup Cay vs CocoCay, both islands deliver a sun-soaked Bahamas day with white-sand beaches, big pools, waterparks, and complimentary food. The difference comes down to style. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay has just finished a major transformation. It now has a new pier and tram, a 28,000-square-foot heated pool called Great Life Lagoon, and the all-new Great Tides Waterpark. It also offers a perk Royal Caribbean doesn’t match: Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion includes an unlimited open bar in your fare, and it works across the entire island. Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are also valid on CocoCay, but you’ll pay extra for them.

Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay is the more established thrill destination. Its Thrill Waterpark is home to Daredevil’s Peak, one of the tallest waterslides in North America. It also has the free Oasis Lagoon pool, the upscale Coco Beach Club with overwater cabanas, and the adults-only Hideaway Beach. CocoCay feels a bit like a theme park dropped onto a tropical island. Great Stirrup Cay leans into a laid-back resort vibe with luxe add-ons.

Here’s the short version. Choose Great Stirrup Cay if you want a heated pool, an island-wide open bar with your beverage package, and private villa options. Choose CocoCay if you want record-breaking slides and a theme-park energy. The island you visit depends on the cruise line you book. Below, we compare everything side by side so you can plan the perfect beach day.

Are Great Stirrup Cay and Cococay close to each other?

Yes. Both islands sit in the Berry Islands chain of the Bahamas, so close together that you can see one from the other. Picture yourself floating in a pool on Great Stirrup Cay and spotting the bright towers of CocoCay’s waterslides across the turquoise water.

If Great Stirrup Cay and Cococay are neighbors, how different can they really be?

Quite different. Each cruise line has shaped its island around its own brand and guest experience.

Great Stirrup Cay at a glance

Norwegian Cruise Line pioneered the private island concept when it began bringing guests to Great Stirrup Cay in the late 1970s. Today, the island is in the middle of its biggest makeover ever. NCL now calls it “The Great Life,” and new attractions are rolling out across the island.

The island blends classic beach relaxation with fresh, modern upgrades. You can lounge on one of three beaches or snorkel around an underwater sculpture garden. You can also race down slides at the new waterpark or retreat to an air-conditioned villa in Silver Cove.

Perfect Day at CocoCay at a glance

Royal Caribbean reinvented its island, Little Stirrup Cay, as Perfect Day at CocoCay in 2019, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about stops in the Caribbean. It is packed with thrills, including a huge waterpark, a massive freshwater pool, and several distinct “zones.” Each zone has its own personality.

CocoCay suits travelers who want variety and adrenaline, though there’s plenty of quiet beach space if you’d rather do nothing at all.

Great Stirrup Cay vs CocoCay: What is similar and different?

Feature	Great Stirrup Cay	Perfect Day at CocoCay
Cruise line	Norwegian Cruise Line	Royal Caribbean
Location	Berry Islands, Bahamas	Berry Islands, Bahamas
Getting ashore	New pier and tram	Pier with walkable access
Free pool	Great Life Lagoon (28,000 sq ft, heated)	Oasis Lagoon (large freshwater pool)
Waterpark	Great Tides Waterpark (extra cost)	Thrill Waterpark (extra cost)
Signature thrill	Cliffside Cove cliff jumps and Tidal Tower slides	Daredevil’s Peak waterslide
Adults-only option	Vibe Shore Club (extra cost)	Hideaway Beach (extra cost)
Luxury option	Silver Cove villas (extra cost)	Coco Beach Club (extra cost)
Drinks with beverage package	Free at Sea open bar works island-wide	Royal Caribbean drink packages work on the island
Overall vibe	Relaxed resort with luxe upgrades	Theme-park energy meets beach day

What’s New at Great Stirrup Cay?

If you visited Great Stirrup Cay a few years ago, get ready to be amazed. Norwegian has rolled out a wave of upgrades that put it head-to-head with its famous neighbor.

New pier and tram

Gone are the days of tendering ashore on small boats. Great Stirrup Cay’s new pier lets ships dock right at the island, so you can step off and start your beach day sooner. A tram whisks you around the island, making it easy to get from the pier to the beaches, pool, and waterpark without a long walk in the sun.

New welcome plaza

Your island day now kicks off at the new Welcome Plaza. It acts as a central arrival hub where you can get your bearings, snap a photo by the welcome sign, and catch the tram to your first stop.

Great Life Lagoon: A heated pool the size of a cruise ship

The star of the free experience is Great Life Lagoon, a 28,000-square-foot heated pool that stretches toward the sea. It’s NCL’s biggest pool, and it’s included with your visit.

Here’s what makes it special:

Beach-style entry so little ones can wade in at their own pace.
Multiple swim-up bars for sipping a cocktail without leaving the water.
Kids’ splash pad right beside the pool.
Poolside cabanas for families and groups who want shade and space (extra cost).
Heated water, a rare treat on a private island.

Great Tides Waterpark: Norwegian’s biggest splash ever

The all-new Great Tides Waterpark is a full-day adventure for thrill-seekers and families. It’s an upgraded experience with a separate day pass.

The park is divided into themed areas:

Tidal Tower: A cluster of ocean-inspired slides, including tube slides like Breakwater Blasters, Tropic Storm, and Tropic Spiral, plus the Whitewater Dash body slide and Rapid Mat Racers.
Cliffside Cove: Leap into crystal-clear water at Cliffside Leap, plunge down Fearless Falls, or ride The Great Slide with up to four people.
Wandering River: A lazy river with hidden surprises along the way. It’s also accessible by pool lift.
Splash Cay: A dedicated kids’ splash zone with slides sized for younger guests.
Grotto Bar: A cocktail bar tucked inside Cliffside Cove.
Floataway Bar: A bar in the pool connected to the Wandering River.

The day pass includes waterpark access, lounge chairs and umbrellas (based on availability), towels, lockers, complimentary dining options, and tram service. Kids ages 0 to 3 get in free. Guests 17 and under must be with a ticketed adult 18 or older.

Good to know: Height requirements range from 36 to 48 inches depending on the attraction. Book your pass through your MyNCL account before you sail, since availability on board can be limited.

Splash Harbor

Splash Harbor is another new spot built for younger cruisers. It gives kids a fun place to cool off and play near the main pool area.

Vibe Shore Club: Adults-only beach escape

Vibe Shore Club brings Norwegian’s popular adults-only Vibe energy to the beach. Think sleek daybeds, curated music, fresh fruit served to you, and premium cocktails from a private bar, all included with your pass. Private cabanas are also available for an extra splurge.

Silver Cove: The island’s luxury enclave

For a truly VIP day, Silver Cove is Great Stirrup Cay’s private, limited-access retreat. Its air-conditioned villas hold 6 to 16 guests, which makes them a great fit for families and friend groups.

Silver Cove perks include:

Private beach and pool away from the crowds.
Exclusive restaurant and bar with food and beverage service.
Villas with full restrooms, spacious patios, large-screen TVs, and sweeping views.
Priority arrival and departure to and from the ship.
Silver Cove Spa, just steps away.

What are Cococay’s major attractions?

CocoCay has built its reputation on big, bold experiences. Here’s what draws guests to Royal Caribbean’s island.

Thrill Waterpark

Thrill Waterpark is CocoCay’s headline attraction and an extra-cost experience. It’s home to Daredevil’s Peak, a towering slide that rises about 135 feet and ranks among the tallest in North America. The park also has a lineup of racing and tube slides, a wave pool, and a kids’ splash area. It’s a dream for adrenaline junkies.

Oasis Lagoon

Oasis Lagoon is CocoCay’s massive freshwater pool, and it’s included in your visit. It has multiple sections, a swim-up bar, and plenty of space to float under the Bahamian sun. The pool isn’t heated, but most days the tropical warmth keeps it comfortable.

Coco Beach Club

Coco Beach Club is CocoCay’s upscale retreat and comes with a separate fee. It features an infinity pool, a private beach, and upgraded dining. You can also book the Caribbean’s first overwater cabanas, perched right above the turquoise water.

Hideaway Beach

Hideaway Beach is CocoCay’s adults-only beach club, available for an extra fee. It has its own pool, a swim-up bar, a DJ, and a lively, grown-up atmosphere.

Zip Line and adventure activities

CocoCay’s zip line soars over the island with sweeping views of the water and Thrill Waterpark. It’s typically an add-on, so check the price and availability before you sail. For a more laid-back view, float skyward on the Up, Up and Away helium balloon. Other options include kayaks, paddleboards, and guided snorkel tours.

Snorkeling and beaches

You’ll find calm stretches of sand at Chill Island and South Beach, which are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. If you bring your own gear, you can snorkel in designated areas. Guided snorkel tours are available for an extra cost.

Splashaway Bay

Splashaway Bay is a free kids’ water play area with small slides, water cannons, and a giant dumping bucket. It’s a hit with younger cruisers.

What’s included for free on Great Stirrup Cay vs. Cococay?

Both islands give you plenty to enjoy without spending a dime beyond your cruise fare.

Free on Great Stirrup Cay

Three beaches with miles of white sand.
Great Life Lagoon, the 28,000-square-foot heated pool.
Kids’ splash pad at the pool.
Complimentary dining at Jumbey Beach Grill, the Tropic Like It’s Hot food truck, and hot dog carts.
Tram service around the island.
Snorkeling in the island’s waters.
Free at Sea open bar island-wide, if you purchased the beverage package with your cruise.

Free on CocoCay

Chill Island and South Beach for swimming and lounging.
Oasis Lagoon, a huge freshwater pool.
Splashaway Bay kids’ water play area.
Complimentary dining at spots like Chill Grill, Skipper’s Grill, Snack Shack, and Captain Jack’s.
Beach chairs at the main beaches.
Snorkeling in designated areas with your own gear.

What costs extra on Great Stirrup Cay vs. Cococay?

Both islands offer premium add-ons that can elevate your day.

Extra on Great Stirrup Cay

Great Tides Waterpark day pass.
Vibe Shore Club adults-only pass, which includes premium cocktails.
Silver Cove villa access.
Cabanas at the pool, beach, Vibe Shore Club, Silver Cove, and the waterpark.
Flighthouse Zipline across 1,600 feet of open water.
WaveRunners and kayaks.
Swimming with pigs excursion to a nearby island.
Drinks, if you don’t have the Free at Sea beverage package.

Extra on CocoCay

Thrill Waterpark admission.
Coco Beach Club access.
Hideaway Beach adults-only pass.
Cabanas, including the overwater cabanas.
Zip line and other adventure activities.
Up, Up and Away helium balloon ride
Water sports rentals and guided snorkel tours.
Alcoholic drinks, unless you have a Royal Caribbean beverage package.

Pro tip: Norwegian’s Free at Sea promotion also includes a $50 shore excursion credit. You can apply it toward a cabana at Great Tides Waterpark, which covers admission for up to six guests. You can’t use it on individual waterpark tickets.

Perfect Day at CocoCay vs. Great Stirrup Cay cost comparison

Experience	Great Stirrup Cay	Perfect Day at CocoCay
Main beaches	Included	Included
Main pool	Included (heated)	Included
Kids’ splash area	Included	Included
Complimentary dining	Included	Included
Waterpark	Extra cost	Extra cost
Adults-only beach club	Extra cost	Extra cost
Luxury beach club or villas	Extra cost	Extra cost
Cabanas	Extra cost	Extra cost
Zip line	Extra cost	Extra cost
Alcoholic drinks	Included with Free at Sea package	Included with beverage package

Tips for making the most of your island day

A little planning goes a long way, no matter which island you visit.

Pre-book waterpark passes and cabanas before you sail, since they often sell out.
Arrive early to claim a great spot by the pool or beach.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, and water shoes for rocky areas.
Bring your room key card for purchases and island access.
Check the tram or walking routes so you can plan your day around the attractions you want most.
Leave phones and loose items behind when riding slides, since many attractions restrict them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you see CocoCay from Great Stirrup Cay?

Yes. The two islands sit very close together in the Berry Islands, so you can see one from the other. Guests on Great Stirrup Cay can often spot CocoCay’s waterslides across the water.

Which is better, Great Stirrup Cay or CocoCay?

It depends on your style. CocoCay is best for thrill-seekers who want record-setting slides and a theme-park feel. Great Stirrup Cay is great for travelers who want a heated pool, an island-wide open bar with the Free at Sea beverage package, and private villa options.

Is the waterpark free on Gr?eat Stirrup Cay or CocoCay?

No. Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay and Thrill Waterpark on CocoCay both cost extra. The main pools, beaches, and kids’ splash areas are free on both islands.

Are drinks included on Great Stirrup Cay?

If you booked Norwegian’s Free at Sea beverage package, it covers the entire island, including the swim-up bars and the Great Tides Waterpark bars. Vibe Shore Club passes also include premium cocktails.

Are drinks included on CocoCay?

Royal Caribbean beverage packages work on the island. Without a package, you’ll pay for alcoholic drinks.

Is the pool at Great Stirrup Cay heated?

Yes. Great Life Lagoon is a 28,000-square-foot heated pool with swim-up bars, a splash pad, and cabanas.

Does Great Stirrup Cay have a pier now?

Yes. The new pier lets ships dock right at the island, and a tram takes guests around, so you no longer need to tender ashore.

Which island is better for adults, Great Stirrup Cay or Cococay?

Both have adults-only options. Great Stirrup Cay offers Vibe Shore Club, with daybeds and premium cocktails. CocoCay has Hideaway Beach, with its own pool, swim-up bar, and DJ.

Can I visit both Great Stirrup Cay and CocoCay on one cruise?

No. Great Stirrup Cay is reserved for Norwegian guests, and CocoCay is reserved for Royal Caribbean and Celebrity guests. Your cruise line decides which island you’ll visit.

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Great Stirrup Cay vs. CocoCay: Which private island is right for you?