CELEBRATION KEY, Bahamas – The Bahamian sun shone brightly as Carnival Cruise Line officially opened its highly anticipated private destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key.
On Saturday, the first guests arrived at Celebration Key aboard the 3,934-guest Carnival Vista. The company’s leaders—including Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation chief executive officer Josh Weinstein and “chief fun officer” Shaquille O’Neal—welcomed travelers to the $600 million destination.
Christine Duffy, Shaquille O’Neal and Josh Weinstein at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
“We are finally here at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama with nearly 5,000 guests from Carnival Vista, the first Carnival cruise ship to call on this beautiful new destination, which has been more than 25 years in the making,” said Duffy during the grand opening ceremony. “This is incredible and, as you know, this truly is just the beginning.”
After thanking the many people and partners who helped bring Celebration Key to life, Duffy emphasized the company’s commitment to the Bahamas. More than 25 local business owners are operating on-site, and Carnival has hired more than 1,200 Bahamians to help build—and now operate—the destination.
Carnival Vista at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Sarah Kuta)
Last weekend, to express its gratitude, the cruise line’s leaders hosted government officials, community leaders and local residents for a special preview of Celebration Key ahead of its debut.
“And, remember, many of [the Bahamian employees at Celebration Key] are coming back home after Hurricane Dorian in 2019 that really ravaged this island, so the fact that they are able to come back home means so much to them and all of us,” she said. “Supporting the local community, creating jobs, giving people opportunities to build their businesses here in Grand Bahama [were] important objectives to us in this development project.”
Paradise Plaza at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Sarah Kuta)
With much fanfare, Duffy, Weinstein, O’Neal and Paolo Severini, the captain of Carnival Vista, turned a giant key that “unlocked” the gates of the 10-story Suncastle behind them. Later, they also opened the Lokono Cove shopping area, and O’Neal made the first shot on the basketball court. They also celebrated with a Champagne toast at Pearl Cove Beach Club, the destination’s premium, adults-only retreat.
Carnival Vista passengers, meanwhile, wasted no time splashing into the refreshing waters of Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon, which both span 275,000 square feet. As gulls soared overhead, children gleefully whooshed down the two 350-foot water slides on the 10-story Suncastle while adults sipped cocktails at the Sunshine Swings Bar.
Sunshine Swings Bar at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Sarah Kuta)
Celebration Key will welcome 20 Carnival ships sailing from 10 American homeports. In 2025 alone, Celebration Key will welcome two million guests, a number that is expected to grow to four million by 2028.
For now, travelers can explore 68 acres. But, moving forward, the company plans to expand the destination to include an additional 154 acres, with another 110 acres being set aside as a wetlands preserve.
Starfish Lagoon at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Sarah Kuta)
The current cruise pier can accommodate two of Carnival’s largest ships at the same time, and construction is already underway to accommodate two additional ships in the future.
After walking down the 2,200-foot-long pier, travelers find themselves in Paradise Plaza, a brightly colored promenade with a sun-shaped arch, signs, maps, the guest services deck and an ice cream shop.
From there, guests have their choice of four other “portals” at Celebration Key. Starfish Lagoon is a family-friendly spot with a splash pad with a shallow pool, sports courts and the two water slides snaking around the Sandcastle. Nearby, casual dining options include Captain’s Galley Food Hall, Gill’s Grill Seafood, Snack Shacks and the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.
Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brew at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Sarah Kuta)
Another option is Calypso Lagoon, an adult-oriented area that’s home to the Sunshine Swings Bar, with nearly 50 swings for guests to sit and sway on while sipping drinks. Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brew, Long Necks Swim-Up Bar, Calypso Food Trucks and Snack Shacks round out the food and beverage options.
For souvenirs to take back home, there’s Lokono Cove, which features authentic Bahamian artisanal goods, local retails, duty-free items, a coffee shop and vibrant murals painted by local artists. The name “Lokono” means “the people” and was inspired by the Lucayans, an Indigenous group that inhabited Grand Bahama before the arrival of Europeans.
Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s luxury retreat for guests 18 and up. The private club has an infinity pool, a dedicated beach area with exclusive access, a restaurant, a bar and a swim-up bar.
Carnival Vista at Celebration Key (Photo Credit: Sarah Kuta)
Throughout the destination, travelers can rent a variety of different cabanas and villas, including “Beach Supervillas” and “Over-the-Lagoon Supervillas” that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Floating “AquaBanas” provide shady spots for up to eight people to sit around a table with their feet in the water, while water daybeds offer refreshing lounging for two.
Travelers who want to adventure beyond Celebration Key can choose from a diverse array of shore excursions, like a kayak quest, a Jeep tour of the island and a glass-bottom boat ride, to name a few.
Other activities include daily Junkanoo parades featuring 26 costumed performers, Bahamian musicians playing “rake and scrape” tunes, live DJs, classic beach games and more.
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