Celebration Key will be the hub for several of Carnival Cruise Line's (CCL) Caribbean cruises after the private vacation paradise opens next July. The world's largest cruise line is investing heavily to bring its guests together in its own economy – also in cruises.
Celebration Key is the first private destination designed by Carnival Cruise Line for CCL guests.
Eighteen ships sailing from 10 different domestic ports will arrive at Carnival's new destination in the Bahamas. From the end of July next year to April 2026, we have more than 500 calls planned for Celebration Key, which means more than 2 million guests, says CCL's vice president of planning and publishing. Cruise industry news.
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Carnival ships also stop at other CCL-operated destinations, including Amber Cove, Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay. The latter is also under development and, according to Stein, will be able to welcome the first visitors sometime after 2026.
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Carnival Cruise Line's new vacation destination in Grand Bahama, Celebration Key, consists of five different gates covering all needs. Here is the children's family area. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Gateways to experiences
Celebration Key will feature five “gates” catering to various needs centered around a spacious lagoon-style pool with beach access. Guests enter the beach through a welcome gate, where they can find information that guides them through the island.
The cruise line anticipates future expansion, including the development of a water park and zipline.
according to Travel weekly Guests will be welcomed with live music and a glimpse of a large sandcastle-like structure upon arrival.
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The family-friendly gateway will offer beach access, a lagoon pool, a splash pad, water slides to race around a sandcastle structure, sports courts, a beach with sun loungers, and a variety of dining options. Carnival states that the area will also feature a variety of cabins, including beach cabins, floating cabins and villas with personal pool slides.
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High and relaxing atmosphere
A DJ will create a high-energy atmosphere at the adult-friendly gate. This area will feature a swim-up bar, access to the lagoon pool, and the opportunity to relax on a white sand beach and swim in the Bahamian waters. There will be a number of cabins similar to those available at the family-friendly Gateway, as well as several dining options, including a full-service restaurant serving a variety of dishes. Some dishes will have Bahamian flavors.
Private Club Portal will provide a premium, adults-only experience for guests looking for a day of relaxation. The private club will feature an infinity pool overlooking the sea and sun loungers under palm trees. A dedicated section of beach will provide premium and private access, as well as fine dining experiences.
– Under an agreement with the Bahamas Port Authority, Celebration Key will offer a Bahamas experience that highlights local culture, Carnival says.
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The retail portal will feature artisanal goods from The Bahamas and local Bahamian retailers, along with duty-free shops. Guests will find food and drinks that showcase the flavors of the Bahamas. The area will feature murals painted by Bahamian artists.
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Celebration Key will also have an events pavilion for weddings and other special events.
– Carbon footprint
In theory, Carnival could create itineraries that call only at their ports. But the shipping company believes there are good reasons to visit other places, too.
– Because our guests, especially former guests who have sailed with us before, are looking to explore new destinations, so we also visit San Juan and St. Thomas. We connect to St. Maarten and other destinations across the Caribbean. Therefore, we offer a number of itineraries that explore beyond the ports the company operates, says Stein.
According to Carnival, ports must continue to develop their infrastructure while increasing the size of ships if they want to attract more cruise visitors.
Stein tells Cruise Hive that the cruise line has a very high priority on reducing its carbon footprint, which can be achieved by sailing shorter distances or at a slower speed.
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