Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new private destination, Celebration Key, has officially opened, and I was lucky enough to be there for the very first day. On July 19, while sailing aboard Carnival Vista, we became some of the first guests to set foot on this much-anticipated spot in Grand Bahama.
As we approached, we could see Celebration Key from our balcony and immediately, I was impressed with the sheer size of the new destination. From the moment we stepped off the ship, it was clear that Celebration Key is designed to be more than just a beach day. With its massive freshwater lagoons, unique dining spots, and vibrant Bahamian touches, it already feels like a must-visit Caribbean port.
Cruisers have been buzzing with questions: What’s Celebration Key really like? What’s included (and what isn’t)? And how does it compare to other private cruise islands? After experiencing it firsthand, I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your own visit and make the most of your day.
About Celebration Key
Celebration Key is divided into five distinct “portals”: Paradise Plaza, Starfish Lagoon, Calypso Lagoon, Pearl Cove Beach Club, and Lokono Cove. Each area offers a different experience, from family-friendly fun to adult party vibes.
The destination spans roughly 379 acres, although the first phase that has just opened covers around 68 acres. Carnival has invested an estimated 600 million dollars into building the private destination, which includes two huge freshwater lagoons, the iconic 10-story Suncastle, a variety of dining spots, and vibrant Bahamian-themed shopping and entertainment areas.
This is only the beginning for Celebration Key. What guests are experiencing now is considered Phase 1 of a three-phase project.
What’s Included at Celebration Key
Pools, Beaches, Lounge Chairs and Umbrellas
At Celebration Key, several amenities are included for all guests at no additional charge. Guests have access to plenty of complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas, both on the soft sandy beaches and around the massive freshwater lagoon pools.
There are two huge lagoon-style pools that are completely free to use, along with stretches of beautiful white-sand beach and clear turquoise Bahamian waters.
Families will appreciate the included splash park designed for young children, while adults can head to the dedicated adults-only pool area. This space features a swim-up bar, in-water loungers, and a live DJ, making it perfect for a more lively atmosphere.
Casual Meals Included
When it’s time to eat, every guest can enjoy one complimentary casual meal and dessert from the island’s food truck-style restaurants. The stands are spread out in different areas of Celebration Key, so you’ll find one close to where you’re spending the day.
The menus feature casual foods like burgers, chicken sandwiches, tacos, salads, and sides. A dessert is included as well. As you order with your Carnival Sail and Sign card, you’ll notice a credit for your meal so the total will be $0.
What I Tried for Lunch
For lunch I tried the fish tacos near Starfish Lagoon. They were really good! In each soft taco there were two pieces of fish, along with some fresh salsa and toppings. It came with a chocolate cookie as well.
This is definitely my recommendation! However, I suggest that you watch some YouTube videos and read some blogs and reviews for “research purposes” before you go.
Drinks
Water and ice machines are available throughout the island, so you can easily refill a bottle or grab a cup to stay cool and hydrated during the day without any additional cost.
Additional food items, drinks, and certain amenities are available for purchase.
Sports and Games at Celebration Key
Celebration Key has a dedicated sports area where guests can enjoy several activities at no extra cost. The courts include basketball, volleyball, and pickleball, giving cruisers a chance to stay active or join a friendly game during their day on the island. Equipment, including balls and paddles, is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so you don’t need to bring anything with you to play.
These courts are located near the Starfish Lagoon portal, making them easy to access if you want a break from the pool or beach. Along with the courts, guests can also enjoy included games like cornhole, foosball, and table tennis, which are set up around the island and free to use throughout the day.
Wifi Package and Carnival Hub App
If you’ve purchased a Wi-Fi plan for your cruise, it will also work while you’re at Celebration Key, so you can stay connected while off the cruise ship.
The Carnival Hub App is also accessible on the island when you’re connected to the ship’s Wi-Fi network. This means you can still check the daily schedule, see dining menus, or keep an eye on your onboard account even while spending the day ashore.
What’s Not Included on Celebration Key
While Celebration Key offers plenty of complimentary amenities, some experiences come at an additional cost.
Suncastle Racing Slides
One of the highlights of Celebration Key is the pair of Suncastle Racing Slides, named Flash Flamingo and Mach 3 Marlin. These twisting body slides are over 350 feet long and start from the top of the 10-story Suncastle, winding in and out before splashing down into Starfish Lagoon. They add a fun, energetic option to what is otherwise a very relaxing beach day.
The waterslides are not included in the cruise fare and require an all-day wristband, which costs about $14.99 per person. The pass gives you unlimited rides, so you can go as many times as you like throughout the day.
Guests staying in certain cabanas and Super Villas have slide access included, but for everyone else, the small fee is required to join the fun.
Daybeds and Cabanas
Private cabanas and daybeds are available both on the beaches as well as the lagoon area – although they are an extra cost.
Luxury daybeds start at $149 for 2 guests, small cabanas start at $599 for up to 4 guests, large cabanas start at $899 for up to 6 guests. Unique aquabanas (floating) are $449 for up to 8 guests.
For cruisers looking for the highest level of comfort, Celebration Key also offers Super Villas. These extra-large cabanas are built to accommodate groups of up to 10 and come with enhanced amenities compared to the standard options.
Inside, you’ll find plenty of space to spread out with a sectional sofa, six loungers, and hammocks for relaxing in the shade. Lockers, fans, and coolers are provided, along with a stocked mini fridge filled with non-alcoholic beverages. Guests receive light snacks, lunch delivered directly to the cabana, and the convenience of a dedicated attendant for the day.
Prices for these premium spaces start at roughly $1,999 for up to 10 guests, making them a popular choice for larger families or groups of friends who want to split the cost while enjoying a more exclusive experience.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s adult only retreat. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, with a gorgeous infinity pool that looks out over the turquoise water and plenty of comfortable loungers. The overall design and aesthetic feel more like a private resort than a cruise port stop.
If you’re considering Pearl Cove, it can help to think of it less as a simple beach upgrade and more as a day-long excursion. For cruisers who enjoy a quiet, upscale atmosphere away from the crowds, the added cost can feel well justified, especially if you’re using an onboard credit or want to splurge a little for a more upscale experience.
There are three different ways to enjoy Pearl Cove, depending on how much you want to include in your day.
Pearl Cove Beach Club Packages
A general access pass starts at about $99.99 per person and includes use of the infinity pool, loungers, and the adults-only beach area. The open bar package, priced around $139.99 per person, adds up to 10 alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine.
For the most complete experience, the all-inclusive package costs about $179.99 per person and includes premium lunch options along with the open bar and access to all of Pearl Cove’s amenities.
Luxury daybeds and private cabanas are also available within Pearl Cove for cruisers who want more privacy and comfort.
Pearl Cove Cabanas
Cabana prices start at approximately $999.99 for up to four guests, while the most exclusive option, the Pearl Cove Super Villa, is around $2,799.99 and includes added space, upgraded furnishings, a stocked mini fridge, snacks, and dedicated service for the day.
Drinks and Dining that Are Not Included
Alcoholic beverages and specialty cocktails are also extra, and Carnival’s Cheers drink package does not apply on the island. Even though each guest gets one complimentary meal and dessert from the food truck-style restaurants, additional servings or return visits are charged a la carte.
Shore Excursions, Rentals and Shopping
Other upgrades, such as water sport rentals, guided excursions, and spa-style services, also come with a fee. Souvenirs and locally made crafts are available throughout the island but aren’t included in the day pass.
Can You Go to Celebration Key and Not Spend Any Extra Money?
One of the biggest questions I heard before visiting was, “Can I enjoy Celebration Key without spending a fortune?” The good news is yes, you absolutely can.
Celebration Key is designed so that you can have a full beach and pool day without paying for any extras. You’ll have access to the gorgeous white-sand beaches, two huge freshwater lagoon pools, and plenty of complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas. Kids can splash in the included play area, while adults can relax by the pool or shoreline without spending a dime.
If you have kids or teens, you may want to consider purchasing access to the Suncastle Racing Slides as a low-cost extra. The slides are one of Celebration Key’s standout features and add a fun, active option to the day, especially for families. An all-day pass is about $14.99 per person and gives unlimited rides, which can be well worth it if your kids plan to go up and down all day.
A good tip is to purchase or book the slide passes in advance through Carnival’s shore excursion portal or onboard the ship. They do sell out on some sailings, and buying early saves you from waiting in a separate line once you’re on the island.
Your day also includes one complimentary meal and dessert from the food truck-style restaurants, plus water and ice stations throughout the island to keep you cool. A little tip: the food lines get longest right at lunchtime, so if you can eat a bit earlier or later, you’ll avoid the crowds.
Getting Around and Accessibility
Celebration Key is easy to navigate, with complimentary trams running between the ship and the main areas of the island. The trams stop near the lagoons and beaches and can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters.
The island has flat, paved pathways, zero-entry sections in some pools, and accessible restrooms. Beach wheelchairs are also available at no cost, making it easier for guests with mobility challenges to get across the sand and enjoy the shoreline.
My Experience at Celebration Key
I really enjoyed Celebration Key and was impressed from the moment we arrived. It took about five to seven minutes to walk down the pier, and as we got closer, the 10-story Suncastle came into view. It actually reminded me a bit of seeing Cinderella’s Castle at Disney. Of course, it’s smaller, but it had that same kind of magical, “we’ve arrived” feeling.
For lunch, I went with the fish tacos near Starfish Lagoon and I do think I may have found the best food truck on the island!
We spent most of the day at Pearl Cove and it was absolutely beautiful. The infinity pool was the highlight, with its view of the beach, turquoise water and our ship in the background. It felt calm and relaxing and was the perfect spot to just sit back and soak it all in.
Frank and I ordered watermelon mojitos while we were there and they were so good!
Before heading back to the ship, we did a little shopping in Lokono Cove. The staff were really friendly and the whole area had such a fun vibe. It was a nice way to end the day.
I share more of our experience at Carnival’s new Celebration Key and answer questions in this video:
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- 30 Cruise Cabin Essentials Every Cruiser Needs
- What to Pack for Kids on a Cruise: Kid’s Cruise Packing List
Have you been to Celebration Key or do you want to go? Please let me know in the comments below.
