Celebration Key Carnival opens in Grand Bahama, offering guests a private island paradise with lagoons, beach clubs, and world-class cruise experiences.
Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened the gates to paradise with the launch of Celebration Key, its newest exclusive destination located on Grand Bahama Island. The festivities began as the Carnival Vista became the first ship to dock at the newly unveiled private cruise port on Saturday, bringing nearly 5,000 excited guests ashore. From towering sandcastles to the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, Celebration Key is already turning heads.
Celebration Key Carnival: A Grand Opening Worth Celebrating
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a star-studded affair. Carnival president Christine Duffy, Carnival corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Captain Paolo Severini, and none other than chief fun officer Shaquille O’Neal helped “unlock” the fun by opening the 10-story Suncastle. This whimsical landmark features two thrilling racing waterslides. Guests also watched Shaq sink the first basketball shot on the island’s court, followed by a champagne toast at the luxurious Pearl Cove Beach Club.
Exploring the Five Zones of Celebration Key Carnival Cruise
Carnival designed Celebration Key to deliver the ultimate beach day experience. The destination is divided into five distinct zones, each tailored to different styles of fun:
1. Paradise Plaza
The welcome area filled with upbeat music, photo ops, and tropical vibes — it’s the gateway to the Celebration Key experience.
2. Starfish Lagoon
Perfect for families, this lagoon features a massive 275,000-square-foot freshwater pool, a splash pad, and the Suncastle itself. Kids and adults alike will enjoy water slides, beachside loungers, and eats from Captain’s Galley Food Hall, Gill’s Grill, and the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.
3. Calypso Lagoon
An adult-friendly zone with another equally massive lagoon. Home to the world’s largest swim-up bar (with 166 seats!), DJ Island, and plenty of food and drink stops like Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brew and the Sunshine Swings Bar, which includes nearly 50 swing seats for sipping cocktails in style.
4. Pearl Cove Beach Club
A luxurious adults-only retreat with private cabanas, a massive infinity pool, and elevated dining at Pearl Cove Restaurant and Bar. This area sets the bar high for relaxation.
5. Lokono Cove
Celebration Key’s retail village offers authentic Bahamian culture, handmade goods, and colorful murals — the perfect place for shopping and soaking in the island spirit.
More Than Just a Beach Day
With over 30 dining and drink options, live entertainment ranging from Junkanoo parades to DJs, and a full mile of pristine white sand beach, Celebration Key offers something for every traveler. Guests can lounge in daybeds, rent private villas, or participate in active adventures such as water sports and island excursions.
Celebration Key Carnival: A Major Economic Boost for Grand Bahama
Celebration Key is projected to bring more than two million guests annually, with that number expected to double to four million by 2028. Carnival has committed over $600 million to this project, creating hundreds of long-term jobs and boosting the local economy. The island features a massive adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate two of Carnival’s largest ships, with expansions underway to double that capacity in the near future.
Plan Your Visit
Celebration Key is now part of many Carnival itineraries. For more information or to book your tropical escape:
- Call 1-800-CARNIVAL
- Visit www.carnival.com
- Or contact your favorite travel advisor.
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