CCL-Carnival Cruise Line unveils ships and itineraries visiting Grand Bahama's new port Celebration Key

   September 29, 2023 ,   Cruise Industry

CCL-Carnival Cruise Line has commenced the sale of ~400 voyages that visit Celebration Key, its newly developed private cruise port destination in The Bahamas. The maiden calls are scheduled for July 2025.

Travelers can now make reservations for voyages on the initial 12 ships, embarking from eight different homeports, with scheduled stops at Celebration Key throughout 2025 and 2026.

Celebration Key is on Grand Bahama Island's southern coast, located ~32 km/20 mi to the east of Port Lucaya Freeport cruise port, between Mather Town and Freetown.

Celebration Key promises diverse options for enjoyment, encompassing relaxation, adventure, and entertainment.

At this exclusive destination (accessible only to CCL guests), visitors can revel in various activities, including lounging on the pristine mile-long beach, exploring authentic Bahamian shops and dining, and partaking in excursions to explore Grand Bahama Island. The destination will center around the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, catering to families and adults with a wide array of recreational and leisure pursuits.

CCL ships will dock at a dedicated pier capable of accommodating two EXEL-class liners simultaneously.

The 12 Carnival ships embarking from 8 homeports to visit Celebration Key include:

  • PortMiami, FL: Carnival Celebration will operate 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises starting from July 20, 2025. Carnival Conquest will offer 3- and 4-day Bahamas sailings commencing July 18, 2025.
  • Port Canaveral, FL: Mardi Gras will embark on 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from July 19, 2025, as well as a 9-day Eastern Caribbean voyage on October 30, 2025. Additionally, Mardi Gras will undertake two 14-day Transatlantic journeys (RepositionCruises.com): eastbound from Port Canaveral to Barcelona (September 13th) and westbound from Barcelona to Port Canaveral (October 16th). Carnival Freedom will provide four- and five-day Bahamas sailings commencing July 19, 2025. Carnival Glory will set sail on 3- and 4-day Bahamas sailings from July 21, 2025.
  • Galveston, TX: Carnival Dream will present 8-day Eastern Caribbean sailings starting from July 26, 2025, while Carnival Legend will feature Celebration Key on several 10-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean cruises.
  • New Orleans: Carnival Liberty will embark on 7- and 8-day Eastern Caribbean voyages from July 20, 2025, along with a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal cruise commencing on January 11, 2026.
  • Baltimore MD: Carnival Pride will cruise on 7-day Bahamas sailings starting from July 20, 2025, and offer a 14-day Carnival Journeys Panama Canal voyage on January 11, 2026.
  • Jacksonville FL: From July 21, 2025, Carnival Elation will offer 4- and 5-day Bahamas cruises.
  • Norfolk, VA: Carnival Sunshine will embark on 6- and 8-day Bahamas cruises from October 18, 2025.
  • Mobile, AL: Carnival Spirit will feature 6- and 8-day Bahamas cruises commencing on November 2, 2025.

In the upcoming months, Carnival intends to unveil over 100 additional itineraries involving Celebration Key, encompassing 6 more cruise ships.