Carnival Cruise Line has revealed further details of Celebration Key, a new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama scheduled to begin welcoming cruise guests in July 2025.
The new destination will feature five distinct areas called portals, featuring the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, a white sand beach, an exclusive adult-only private club, spaces designed to maximize family fun and a variety of dining venues and libation stations all in one place.
Celebration Key will be a featured destination on more than 500 cruise itineraries currently open for sale on 18 Carnival ships sailing from nine U.S. homeports. A video of plans for the destination can be viewed here.
Carnival Cruise Line announced the name of its new destination in the Bahamas is Celebration Key. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line Media)
New Details Give First Look at Five Portals
The Welcome Portal is where guests are greeted with information to help guide them toward their own kind of fun. As live music fills the air, a much-larger-than-life sandcastle stands tall in the centre of Celebration Key as the embodiment of all that is fun in the sun.
The Family-Friendly Portal is the place for families with kids of all ages to enjoy their time at Celebration Key. The day can include swimming in the large freshwater lagoon, alongside a splash pad with a shallow pool, two exciting racing waterslides in the large sandcastle, sports courts, spaces designed for kids and teens to enjoy, a beautiful beach with all types of beach loungers and a variety of cabana rentals, including beach cabanas, villas with personal slides into the lagoon and floating cabanas. There will be a variety of dining options and cuisines available.
This rendering shows Carnival's new destination, Celebration Key, in the Bahamas. (Photo Credit: Carnival Cruise Line)
The Adult-Friendly Portal is designed for grown-ups looking to spend their day enjoying the freshwater lagoon or at the beach lounging. Guests will be able to find their favourite cocktails at a large swim-up bar while enjoying the high energy vibe curated by a talented DJ. A variety of cabana rentals, including beach cabanas, villas with personal slides into the lagoon and floating cabanas will be available, along with several dining venues.
The Private Club Portal is a premium experience curated for those seeking a relaxing and luxurious day in paradise. An adult-only retreat, the private club will feature an infinity pool, , with loungers swaying beneath palm trees. A dedicated section of the beach will provide premier and private access, along with elevated dining experiences.
The Retail Portal will showcase Bahamian culture, featuring a backdrop of murals by local artists and shopping that will include authentic Bahamian artisanal goods and local Bahamian retailers, along with Duty-Free stores. As they explore this portal, guests will also find several food and beverage options serving Bahamian flavours.
"No one does FUN like Carnival and we are designing Celebration Key, and its five portals, with endless ways for our guests to unlock their own kind of fun in this incredible paradise that also celebrates the beauty of Grand Bahama," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
"Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of 'paradise.'"
Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier that can accommodate up to two of the cruise line's largest ships simultaneously. Celebration Key will also include an events pavilion dedicated to hosting weddings, vow renewals and other special celebrations.
Carnival plans to share more details over the coming months. There are also plans for future expansion, including a waterpark and zipline course, to give guests more reasons to return and enjoy the destination for years to come.
Topics From This Article to Explore
