Celebrate good times, come on! Advisors from across North America were treated to an in-person and on-line Carnival Cruise Line party on 14SEP which Open Jaw attended.
Labelled “Your Peek at Paradise,” the event saw four agents win early trips to see Celebration Key and six others take home US$500 Carnival gift cards during an event held in Chicago and also on-line. Some 8,000 advisors took part in the show.
“It’s such an exciting new destination for us,” said Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s SVP Global Sales and Trade Marketing. “Celebration Key is going to be a game-changer for us.”
Celebration Key is being built on the south coast of Grand Bahama, just east of Freeport, at a cost of US$600 million, said Amy Martin Ziegenfuss, Carnival’s Chief Marketing Officer. Celebration Key is the first port destination exclusively designed for Carnival Cruise Line guests on the island of Grand Bahama.
The facility will include the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoon, private cabanas, a beach club, retail space feature Bahamian-made goods, food trucks, sports facilities (tennis, pickleball and more), a family-friendly water area and an adults-only, high-energy water area with a DJ spinning tunes.
“People say they want beach vacations and they want amazing experiences, and they trust Carnival,” Ziegenfuss said. “There really is something for everyone.”
Some items, such as cabanas, will involve extra costs. But many things are totally free to Carnival customers, she said.
“If you book with us, you can have an amazing day at Celebration Key and not spend any extra money.”
Ziegenfuss said Celebration Key is a nice contrast with Half Moon Cay, which offers more of a natural setting and is meant to be enjoyed for lazy beach days.
“At Celebration Key you can hang out but also do water sports or enjoy the splash pad or listen to the DJ,” she said.
No times are set yet, but Ziegenfuss said there are plans to let guests stay into the evening at Celebration Key.
Carnival will have some 500 itineraries that involve Celebration Key. Some ships will visit both Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key on the same voyage, she said.
As well as a meeting in Chicago, the "Your Peek at Paradise" event also had stopps in Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta.
“Seeing the enthusiasm from our travel advisors during the Your Peek at Paradise series reaffirms how special Celebration Key will be,” said Perez. “This destination represents an exciting new chapter for Carnival, and sharing an inside look with our loyal advisors is a significant part of our job. We can’t wait to see them bring the magic of Celebration Key to their clients when it officially opens.”
The event allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in what it will feel like to be on Carnival's Celebration Key,” said Joshua Harrell, chief revenue officer at WorldVia. “It's clear that when it comes to creating magical and memorable experiences, Carnival truly knows how to set sail beyond the ordinary.”
Celebration Key will be divided into five zones or portals.
Starfish Lagoon: This is Celebration Key’s family-friendly portal; perfect for both kids and families (and teens). Experience activities like the lagoon and beach, splash pad with shallow pool, plus basketball, volleyball, pickleball and more at the game pavilion. Of course, the adults can do their own thing.
Lokono Cove: This is a colourful showcase of Bahamian culture and shopping. Among the kiosks, stores and straw market, some highlights in this portal — named for Grand Bahama’s earliest settlers, the peaceful Lucayans — include local artist exhibitions, a mural wall, live music performances… plus artisanal goods made by Bahamian vendors.
Calypso Lagoon: This is the adult-friendly portal, and it’s all about the sand, sun and fun… and there’s about as much lively action to find as there are ways to chill. Relax on a float, try a lounger by the lagoon, go full-cabana, hang at a bar where all the seats are actually swings, or get in the game at the sports court. Calypso Lagoon also is home to two full-service restaurants.
Pearl Cove Beach Club: This is Celebration Key’s adults-only area, featuring a private beach and stunning infinity pool overlooking the best views of Bahamian waters. Savour elevated dining and poolside or beachfront service.
Paradise Plaza: This area greets guests on their way to discovering what's great on Celebration Key. Grab something cool from the ice cream shop or stop for a splashy photo-op by the Bahamian-inspired fountain. Keep an ear open for live music, too.
