On July 19, 2025, CCL-Carnival Cruise Line is set to officially inaugurate Celebration Key, its latest purpose-built destination in The Bahamas. Developed as part of the company’s Paradise Collection, the venue will be opened by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, coinciding with the arrival of its first guests. Celebration Key has already gained significant interest within the cruise market, consistently appearing among the most searched cruise destinations online.
Located on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key complements Carnival’s portfolio of private destinations, joining Half Moon Cay and Isla Tropicale. Enhancements to both of those locations are scheduled for 2026, as part of a broader expansion of the Paradise Collection.
Guests arriving at Celebration Key will first pass through the Sun Portal, a stylized arch designed in the shape of a radiant sun, which serves as the primary entry landmark. Beyond the portal lies Paradise Plaza, a central orientation point where visitors can access destination maps and choose from a range of activity options for the day.
At the heart of the development is the Suncastle, a 10-story structure featuring five large sculpted conch shells. Two water slides extend over 350 feet from the structure, offering a high-speed, competitive descent with dynamic light effects and a water splash finish. The area serves as the central hub for Celebration Key’s five designated "portals," or thematic zones.
The venue features two major lagoon areas—Calypso Lagoon and Starfish Lagoon—together forming what Carnival states is the largest network of freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, spanning over 275,000 square feet. Calypso Lagoon is tailored toward adult visitors, incorporating features such as DJ Island and Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, the latter anchored by a 166-seat in-water swim-up bar, which Carnival claims to be the largest of its kind globally. Starfish Lagoon is designed for families and includes various interactive and aquatic features.
For those seeking premium private accommodations, the destination includes Over-the-Lagoon Super Villas. These units, designed to accommodate up to 10 guests, are outfitted with shaded lounging areas, dining facilities, stocked refrigerators, private sun-shelves, and direct water access via personal slides. Four such villas are positioned over the lagoons, with additional beach-facing options available at both adult and family beaches.
Pearl Cove Beach Club, designated as an adults-only retreat, features an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, sun loungers with striped umbrellas, a private beachfront, and a full-service restaurant. Access is offered through tiered reservation packages, including options for drink packages and inclusive dining.
For family groups, Starfish Lagoon also offers AquaBanas—reservable floating cabanas designed to seat up to eight guests around a central table. These units provide shaded, water-level relaxation with easy access to the lagoon. Nearby, the Guppy Grotto splash pad provides a reef-themed play area and shallow pool for toddlers and younger children.
With its scale and segmentation by guest type, Celebration Key is positioned as a key strategic development for Carnival, offering a controlled, branded shore experience. As cruise lines continue investing in proprietary destinations, this site underscores Carnival's intent to broaden its destination offerings in the Caribbean region while enhancing passenger amenities both ashore and afloat.