Carnival Opens $500M Celebration Key, Expanding Grand Bahama Cruise Options

Carnival Cruise Line’s newest private destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key, is poised to become a major draw for Caribbean cruisers. Developed over three years at an estimated cost of $500 million, the 65-acre property welcomed its first guests on July 19, 2025, when Carnival Vista officially kicked off a busy summer schedule. Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy led the ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of the inaugural festivities, underscoring the company’s expansion plans within its Paradise Collection.

Inauguration and Economic Significance

Following Carnival Vista, Carnival Conquest arrived the next day, and 10 more Carnival ships were set to call at Celebration Key before the end of July. Through Labor Day weekend, the line projects 80 total calls, reflecting the destination’s strong initial demand. According to Carnival, these visits are expected to boost Grand Bahama’s local economy by bringing a steady flow of cruise travelers to the island. The addition of Celebration Key aligns with the ongoing enhancement of existing Paradise Collection locales such as Half Moon Cay and Isla Tropicale, both slated for significant upgrades by 2026.

Ship Visits and Expanded Itineraries

One of the earliest highlights since the official opening was the arrival of the Excel-class ship Mardi Gras, which became the largest vessel to visit Celebration Key. At approximately 183,900 gross tons with a capacity of 5,200 guests, Mardi Gras docked for a nine-hour stay as part of a seven-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary from Port Canaveral. The ship will continue calling year-round, with 18 more visits through late December and 51 scheduled for 2026.

Carnival Celebration is scheduled to begin calls on July 26, launching 22 visits this year, while Carnival Jubilee will add regular calls from Galveston starting in September 2026. Looking further ahead, Carnival’s new Ace-class vessels, approximately 230,000 tons, are slated to debut between 2029 and 2033 and will also call at Celebration Key as part of their Caribbean deployments.

Destination Highlights

Celebration Key was designed to cater to a wide range of interests, featuring freshwater lagoons totaling about 275,000 square feet, Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon, as well as DJ Island, home to what Carnival calls the world’s largest swim-up bar. Mingos Tropical Bar & Kitchen provides oceanfront dining and entertainment, while families can enjoy a coral-reef-themed Guppy Grotto Splash Pad and eight-person floating AquaBanas cabanas.

A 10-story Suncastle with two 350-foot-long waterslides sits at the center of the property, surrounded by five oversized decorative conch shells. For guests seeking a private retreat, Over-the-Lagoon Super Villas accommodate up to 10 people and offer panoramic water views. The Pearl Cove Beach Club features an 11,000-square-foot beachfront infinity pool, and Paradise Plaza serves as the entry point with guest services kiosks and wayfinding assistance.

As Carnival continues to welcome visitors, Celebration Key is expected to become a cornerstone of the line’s Caribbean itineraries. With multiple Excel-class ships already making stops and Ace-class ships on the horizon, the destination provides fresh beach, lagoon, and adventure experiences for passengers sailing from various homeports.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Celebration Key?

Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s new 65-acre private destination on Grand Bahama. It features extensive freshwater lagoons, water attractions, dining options, and premium accommodations designed to offer a comprehensive getaway experience.

When did Celebration Key open and where is it located?

The destination officially opened on July 19, 2025, on Grand Bahama in The Bahamas. It is part of Carnival’s Paradise Collection and was built to accommodate large vessels year-round.

Which Carnival ships will visit Celebration Key?

Carnival Vista was first to dock, followed by Carnival Conquest. The Excel-class Mardi Gras now visits regularly, and Carnival Celebration begins calls on July 26. Carnival Jubilee will join in September 2026, and future Ace-class ships will add calls between 2029 and 2033.

What experiences are new at Celebration Key?

Highlights include a 10-story Suncastle with towering waterslides, the massive Starfish and Calypso Lagoons, a large swim-up bar at DJ Island, floating AquaBanas, and over-the-lagoon Super Villas for private gatherings.

How does Celebration Key impact tourism in Grand Bahama?

Its development cost of $500 million and the high volume of incoming passengers are expected to stimulate Grand Bahama’s tourism economy. Frequent ship visits bring consistent foot traffic to the region, supporting local businesses and service providers.