A Brand-New Private Paradise, Built From the Sand Up
Carnival Cruise Line broke ground on Celebration Key in 2022, but the concept had been on the drawing board for years. Unlike Half Moon Cay—which Carnival shares with sister-brand Holland America—Celebration Key has been designed exclusively for Carnival guests and tailored to the line’s “Choose Fun” spirit. The 65-acre destination sits on the sunny south shore of Grand Bahama Island, bringing together Bahamian culture, sweeping beaches, and high-energy attractions in one purpose-built resort.
Built Just for Carnival Guests
Three years after construction began, Carnival Cruise Line will unveil Celebration Key on Grand Bahama’s southern coast. Unlike Half Moon Cay—shared with sister line Holland America—this 65-acre destination belongs solely to Carnival. Expect sunny beaches, subtle Bahamian design elements, and the “Choose Fun” energy the fleet is known for.
Grand Opening: 19 July 2025
Circle 19 July 2025 on your calendar: that’s when the first Carnival ships—Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, and Carnival Celebration—will tie up at the brand-new pier. Sailings from Port Canaveral, Miami, and Galveston already include Celebration Key on itineraries, with additional vessels such as Vista, Glory, Freedom, and Magic joining the rotation as capacity expands.
No Tenders, No Hassle
A dedicated pier means you can step straight from gangway to beach in minutes—no waiting for water shuttles. Phase 1 accommodates two Excel-class ships side-by-side; future phases will double that.
Five “Portals” = Five Ways to Spend Your Day
Celebration Key is laid out as five walkable “portals,” each with its own vibe:
| Portal | Who It’s For | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Paradise Plaza | Everyone | Live music, selfie-ready murals, shore-excursion desk, market stalls |
| Calypso Lagoon | Adults 18+ | The Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoon (7+ acres), DJ stage, swim-up bars, private cabanas |
| Starfish Lagoon | Families | Two 350-ft waterslides, splash pad, floating playground, shaded beach loungers |
| Pearl Cove | Premium seekers | Infinity pools, upgraded dining, daybeds & over-water hammocks (from US $99 pp) |
| Loco Cove | Culture lovers | Hand-crafted Bahamian goods, street-food stalls, live Junkanoo beats |
What’s Free—and What Costs Extra
Included in your cruise fare
Access to public beaches and lagoons
Lounge chairs & umbrellas (first-come, first-served)
Walk-up “Island Eats” food shacks (one complimentary meal ticket per guest)
Live music, beach games, and an afternoon mini-parade
Additional-charge options
Pearl Cove Beach Club day pass (from US $99 pp; all-inclusive upgrades cost more)
Private cabanas, floating daybeds, over-water hammocks
Snorkel sets, paddleboards, jet-ski and eco-tours, glass-bottom-boat rides
Specialty dining & signature cocktails (note: the ship’s CHEERS! drink package is not honored ashore)
Food & Drink: Introducing “Island Eats”
Carnival is debuting a new fast-casual concept—think bright food carts and walk-up windows serving conch fritters, jerk chicken, tropical bowls, and guava-duff doughnuts. One meal is on the house; premium à-la-carte venues in Pearl Cove and Loco Cove showcase Bahamian fusion cuisine for an extra fee.
Instagram-Ready…and Accessibility-Minded
Yes, the swinging hammocks, pastel-painted boardwalks, and over-water swings are pure eye-candy, but Celebration Key was also laid out with wide promenades, ample shade, and wheelchair-friendly ramps so every cruiser—solo travelers included—can explore comfortably.
Why Celebration Key Matters
Private destinations have become a cruise-industry arms race. With Celebration Key, Carnival finally answers Royal Caribbean’s blockbuster Perfect Day at CocoCay, giving Fun-Ship loyalists a marquee port of their own and positioning Grand Bahama as a four-million-visitor-per-year hub by 2028.
Ready to Book?
If your upcoming Carnival sailing lists Celebration Key, brace for a day that can be as chill or thrill-filled as you like—just remember to budget for those frozen daiquiris and cabana splurges. Not booked yet? Check summer-2025 itineraries from Port Canaveral, Miami, or Galveston and look for that shiny new port call.
Tip for solo cruisers: Arrive early, claim a shaded lounger in Calypso Lagoon, and book group-style excursions (kayak tours, mixology classes) to meet like-minded travelers without paying single-supplement prices.
See you on the sand! 🌴
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