In reporting on Carnival’s Celebration Key opening for Cruise Week, Doug Parker, executive producer of Cruise Radio, said his first thought was, “The giant freshwater lagoon left me speechless.”
Carnival Vista was the first ship to visit the newest private cruise port as Carnival Cruise Line officially opened Celebration Key on Grand Bahama. Opening day on 19JUL welcomed nearly 5,000 guests.
Parker writes in his own blog: “Walking in, you’re immediately hit with bright colors, upbeat music, and the massive 10-story Suncastle towering above everything. Celebration Key feels like a cruise line playground brought to life.”
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal and Carnival Vista Captain Paolo Severini turned the key that “unlocked” the gates to the iconic 10-story Suncastle, home to two racing waterslides.
They also cut the ribbon to open Lokono Cove, the shopping village, and O’Neal made the first shot at the basketball court. That was followed by a champagne toast at Pearl Cove Beach Club, an adults-only retreat. The ceremony was livestreamed and can be watched here.
"Today marks an extraordinary milestone for Carnival as we open the first phase of our initial $600M investment, with more to come,” said Duffy. “We’ve built the ultimate beach day for our guests, whether they crave fun in the sun or relaxation under a palm tree.”
Here is a rundown of the areas:
- Paradise Plaza – The central location where guests are welcomed inside Celebration Key with live music.
- Starfish Lagoon – A fun-filled area for families that features one of the two largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, with 275,000 square feet. Families will also enjoy a splash pad with a shallow pool, sports courts and the Suncastle’s body slides, which wind through 350 feet of turns and sudden drops. The beach in this area is lined with loungers and cabanas for those looking to relax, and guests can also enjoy casual dining at Captain’s Galley Food Hall, Gill’s Grill Seafood, Snack Shacks, and drinks at the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.
- Calypso Lagoon – This adult-friendly area features an equally large, 275,000-square-foot lagoon as well as a dedicated area for adults only, a DJ Island, where guests can enjoy music and drinks at the world’s largest swim-up bar with 166 in-water seats. Nearby is the Sunshine Swings Bar with nearly 50 swings offering a fun spot to enjoy cocktails while staying cool. Other dining and drink options include Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brew, Calypso Food Trucks and Snack Shacks.
- Pearl Cove Beach Club – The largest adults-only retreat at any cruise destination, this private club features an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool overlooking a white sand beach, alongside loungers, cabanas and supervillas. Guests will also find elevated dining and beverage options at Pearl Cove Restaurant and the Pearl Cove Bar as well as a separate swim-up bar.
- Lokono Cove – The island’s retail village offers unique shopping and showcases authentic Bahamian culture through vibrant murals and local art, as well as handmade goods.
There are more than 30 food and beverage venues across the destination but according to recent reviews, the food trucks are the highlight. According to Parker “Think jerk chicken sandwiches, conch fritters, wings, tacos, burgers, you name it. The setup feels more like a casual beachside food festival than typical cruise fare.”
Celebration Key will initially bring more than two million guests a year to Grand Bahama. By 2028, this number is expected to grow to four million. The economic impact for Grand Bahama is substantial, with hundreds of long-term jobs created by daily operations. The destination features an adjacent cruise pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival's largest ships simultaneously. Construction on an extension to the pier is underway to accommodate two additional ships.
