Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest private destination — a massive, purpose-built tropical experience on Grand Bahama Island designed exclusively for Carnival guests. Unlike a typical cruise port, Celebration Key feels more like a mini-resort island where a day ashore becomes an adventure, a beach break, and a cultural stop all in one.
📍 What Celebration Key Is
Celebration Key is a Carnival-exclusive destination located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island — not just a private beach but a full-scale island welcome with multiple themed zones (“portals”), dining, bars, lagoons, beaches, shopping, and family-friendly fun.
It opened in July 2025 after a major development by Carnival (part of a roughly $600 million investment) and in 2026 is one of the Caribbean’s newest and most talked-about cruise stops.
🗺️ How Celebration Key Is Laid Out
Celebration Key is divided into five main areas (portals) — each with its own vibe and activities:
🌴 Paradise Plaza
This is the entry point when you walk off the pier. Expect:
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A lively, colorful welcome space
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Live music
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Ice cream shops and quick bites
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Observation decks and photo spots
Perfect for photos and getting your bearings.
🏖️ Calypso Lagoon
A centerpiece of Celebration Key with activities for adults and active visitors:
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Lagoon swimming and beach space
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Sports courts (basketball, volleyball, pickleball)
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Swim-up bar and water features
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Restaurants and bars
Great for socializing, sports, and cooling off.
👨👩👧 Starfish Lagoon
Family-friendly fun lives here:
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One of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean
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Shallow pools and splash zones
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Beach villas and shade areas
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Games and kid-oriented spaces
This spot is perfect if you’re cruising with children.
🛍️ Lokono Cove
A taste of local culture and crafts:
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Artisan market with Bahamian goods
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Shopping kiosks and souvenirs
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Live music and artistic displays
Enjoy a stroll through stalls showcasing regional craftsmanship.
🍹 Pearl Cove Beach Club
The adults-only oasis on Celebration Key:
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Private beach access
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Large infinity pool and swim-up bar
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Poolside service and luxury cabanas
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Elevated dining with Caribbean views
Perfect for couples or adults wanting relaxation and luxury.
🏖️ What You’ll Do on Celebration Key
Celebration Key is designed so you never have to leave the island to enjoy your day. Here’s how a typical visit goes:
🏝️ Relax & Play
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Lounge on pristine white sand beaches
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Swim in crystal-clear ocean waters
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Cool off in freshwater lagoons and pools
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Join a beach volleyball!
🍽️ Eat & Sip
Food options range from casual to elevated:
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Food trucks and snack shacks
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Full-service restaurants with Bahamian and Caribbean fare
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Beach bars and frozen cocktails
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Coffee shops and ice cream spots for a sweet treat
🎶 Music & Culture
Celebration Key often features live music and a taste of Bahamian culture right at Paradise Plaza or Lokono Cove, adding lively local flavor to your stop.
🚢 Getting There
Carnival has built a modern pier at Celebration Key, meaning most ships can dock directly. No tender boats — you step off the ship and walk straight onto the island.
It’s included in many 7–14-night Caribbean cruise itineraries from U.S. homeports like Miami, Port Canaveral, Jacksonville, and even seasonal ships from New York and Galveston.
🧠 Tips for Visiting Celebration Key
✔ Early arrival: Head ashore early to get the best beach loungers and calmer spaces.
✔ Pack essentials: Bring sunscreen, water bottles, sunglasses, and beach shoes.
✔ Plan your experience: Decide whether you want more relaxing beach time, lagoon fun, or a luxury day at Pearl Cove.
✔ Cash & cruise card: Most purchases can be charged to your cruise card, but some vendors may accept credit cards or cash too.
🏖️ Best Celebration Key Experiences
Family Fun:
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Starfish Lagoon & water slides
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Lagoon games and splash pads
Romantic & Adults Only:
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Pearl Cove Beach Club infinity pool
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Upscale relaxing beachside service
Shopping & Culture:
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Lokono Cove crafts and Bahamian art
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Live music and local flavors
Classic Beach Day:
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White sand beach access
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Lagoon swimming and beach bars
