Celebration Key will be the hub for many of Carnival Cruise Line’s (CCL) Caribbean cruises after the private vacation paradise opens next July. The world’s largest cruise line invests heavily to collect its guests in its own economy – also on cruises.
Celebration Key is the first private destination designed by Carnival Cruise Line for CCL guests.
– Eighteen ships sailing from 10 different home ports will call at Carnival’s new destination in the Bahamas. From the end of July next year to April 2026, we have over 500 calls planned for Celebration Key, which means more than 2 million guests, CCL Vice President of Planning and Deployment told Cruise Industry News.
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Carnival ships also call at other destinations managed by CCL, 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 self-composed vacation destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key, consists of five different portals that cover all needs. Here is the children’s family area. Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
Portals to experiences
Celebration Key will feature five “portals” catering to various needs stationed around an expansive lagoon-style pool with beach access. Guests enter the beach via the welcome portal, 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 greeted with live music and catch a glimpse of a large sandcastle-like structure upon arrival.
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The family-friendly portal will offer beach access to the lagoon pool, a splash pad, racing waterslides around the sandcastle structure, sports courts, a beach with sunbeds and a variety of dining options. Carnival states that the area will also have a variety of cabins, including beach cabins, floating cabins and villas with personal slides into the pool.
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High atmosphere and relaxation
A DJ will create a high-energy atmosphere in the adult-friendly portal. 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 Bahamian waters. There will be a number of cabins similar to those offered at the family-friendly portal, plus several dining options, including a full-service restaurant serving a variety of dishes. Some dishes will have Bahamian flavors.
Private Club Portal will offer a premium adults-only experience for guests looking for a relaxing day. The private club will have an infinity pool overlooking the sea and sun loungers under palm trees. A dedicated section of beach will provide premium and private access, plus elevated dining experiences.
– Pursuant to an agreement with the Bahamas Port Authority, Celebration Key will offer a Bahamian experience that highlights the local culture, says Carnival.
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The Retail Portal will feature Bahamian artisan goods and local Bahamian retailers, along with duty free shops. Guests will find food and beverages serving up Bahamian flavors. The area will have murals painted by Bahamian artists.
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Celebration Key will also have an event pavilion for weddings and other special occasions.
– The carbon footprint
Theoretically, Carnival can create itineraries that only call at their own ports. But the shipping company believes there are good reasons to also visit other places.
– Because our guests, especially previous guests who have sailed with us before, are looking to explore new destinations, so we also visit San Juan and St. Thomas. And we call at St. Maarten and other destinations across the Caribbean. So we offer a number of itineraries that explore beyond the company-managed ports, says Stein.
According to Carnival, the ports must continue to develop their infrastructure as the ships get bigger 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.
