Inside the Celebration Key: Carnival Cruise Line Unveils $600 Million Private Island in the Bahamas

A New Era for Bahamian Tourism

The sun shone brightly over Grand Bahama as Carnival Cruise Line officially opened its latest private destination, Celebration Key. This highly anticipated location has been more than 25 years in the making and marks a significant milestone for the region. On Saturday, the first guests arrived aboard the Carnival Vista, a ship that can carry nearly 4,000 passengers. The event was attended by top executives from the company, including Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, and even “chief fun officer” Shaquille O’Neal.

Duffy expressed her excitement during the grand opening ceremony, stating, “This is incredible and, as you know, this truly is just the beginning.” She highlighted the importance of the project to the local community, noting that more than 25 local business owners are operating on-site, and Carnival has hired over 1,200 Bahamians to help build and now operate the destination. This commitment to the local economy is a key part of the development’s vision.

Before the official opening, Carnival hosted a special preview for government officials, community leaders, and residents. This gesture was a way to express gratitude and share the vision of Celebration Key with those who have supported it. Many of the employees at the site are returning to Grand Bahama after Hurricane Dorian in 2019, which had a devastating impact on the island. Their return symbolizes resilience and hope for the future.

During the opening, Duffy, Weinstein, O’Neal, and Paolo Severini, the captain of the Carnival Vista, turned a giant key that “unlocked” the gates of the 10-story Suncastle. They also opened the Lokono Cove shopping area, where O’Neal made the first shot on the basketball court. The celebration continued with a Champagne toast at Pearl Cove Beach Club, an adults-only retreat that offers a premium experience.

Passengers of the Carnival Vista quickly took advantage of the destination’s attractions, splashing into the waters of Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon, each spanning 275,000 square feet. Children enjoyed the two 350-foot water slides, while adults relaxed at the Sunshine Swings Bar. The lagoons are just the beginning of what Celebration Key has to offer.

Celebration Key is set to welcome 20 Carnival ships sailing from 10 American homeports. By 2025, the destination is expected to welcome two million guests, with projections reaching four million by 2028. Currently, travelers can explore 68 acres, but the company plans to expand the destination to include an additional 154 acres, with 110 acres reserved as a wetlands preserve.

The current cruise pier can accommodate two of Carnival’s largest ships at the same time, and construction is already underway to expand this capacity. As travelers walk down the 2,200-foot-long pier, they arrive at Paradise Plaza, a vibrant promenade featuring a sun-shaped arch, guest services deck, and an ice cream shop.

From here, guests can choose from four different “portals” at Celebration Key. Starfish Lagoon is a family-friendly spot with a splash pad, sports courts, and water slides. Nearby, casual dining options include Captain’s Galley Food Hall, Gill’s Grill Seafood, and the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.

Calypso Lagoon is an adult-oriented area featuring the Sunshine Swings Bar, with nearly 50 swings for guests to enjoy while sipping drinks. Additional food and beverage options include Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brew, and Long Necks Swim-Up Bar.

For souvenirs, there’s Lokono Cove, which features authentic Bahamian artisanal goods, local retail stores, duty-free items, and vibrant murals painted by local artists. The name “Lokono” means “the people” and was inspired by the Lucayans, an Indigenous group that inhabited Grand Bahama before the arrival of Europeans.

Pearl Cove Beach Club is a luxury retreat for guests aged 18 and up, offering an infinity pool, exclusive beach access, a restaurant, a bar, and a swim-up bar. Travelers can also rent various cabanas and villas, including Beach Supervillas and Over-the-Lagoon Supervillas that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Floating AquaBanas and water daybeds provide comfortable spots for relaxation.

Beyond Celebration Key, travelers can choose from a variety of shore excursions, such as kayak quests, Jeep tours, and glass-bottom boat rides. Daily Junkanoo parades, featuring 26 costumed performers, along with Bahamian musicians playing “rake and scrape” tunes and live DJs, add to the vibrant atmosphere of the destination.