Carnival Cruise Line

Top 5 Things to do on Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key

Iglu Cruise

26 Jun 2024 • 6 min read

Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key

Celebration Key: An Extraordinary Private Island Resort

Opening in summer 2025, Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s new, extraordinary private resort located on the tropical island of Grand Bahama. Spanning an incredible 65 acres, there’s something for everyone on the island, whether you’re looking to relax and unwind or explore all that the resort has to offer. Divided into five unique portals, there’s activities for families and those seeking a more relaxing, adults-only experience.

Featuring the biggest freshwater lagoons in the region, a mile-long beach with beautiful white sands, a selection of restaurants serving up Bahamian-inspired cuisine and plenty of shopping opportunities, Celebration Key will keep all the family busy throughout the day.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the different portals of Celebration Key, and all the information we have so far about this remarkable resort. Keep reading to find out more.

“No one does fun like Carnival, and we are designing Celebration Key, and its five portals, with endless ways for our guests to unlock their own kind of fun in this incredible paradise that also celebrates the beauty of Grand Bahama”...“Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of paradise.” - President of Carnival Cruise Line Christine Duffy

Take in the Sights at Paradise Plaza

Step off of your cruise ship and head into Celebration Key from the colourful pier. As you approach the resort, you’ll be greeted by the spectacular Paradise Plaza, the resort’s first portal that’s waiting to be explored.

Paradise Plaza boasts an ice cream shop, a Bahamian-inspired fountain that’s perfect for a photo-op, an impressive sandcastle slide and an observation deck. Live music fills the air and you’ll be surrounded by turquoise lagoons; the perfect start to your adventure at Celebration Key.

"Paradise Plaza will be the perfect welcome spot and will set the tone for the entire visit to this truly unique destination..." - Christine Duffy

Relax and Unwind at Calypso Lagoon

This adults-only area on Celebration Key has it all- from tranquil cabanas where you can unwind, to a glistening lagoon where you can enjoy a refreshing dip, a sports court and a vibrant swim-up bar. The perfect escape on this tropical island, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise the moment you arrive.

And when you get hungry, Calypso Lagoon has two restaurants specialising in both international and Bahamian cuisine, catering to a wide range of palates.

Enjoy Family Fun at Starfish Lagoon

Known as the ‘family-friendly portal’, Starfish Lagoon is the ultimate destination for families, whether you’ve got little ones or teens. Featuring a variety of fun activities, from a games pavilion offering basketball, volleyball and pickleball to beach villas and a splash pad with a shallow pool.

And don’t worry, the kids will also have a wide selection of food to choose from thanks to Starfish Lagoon’s selection of restaurants and food trucks.

Shop Til’ You Drop at Lokono Cove

If you’re looking for retail therapy during your stopover at Celebration Key, head over to Lokono Cove. Boasting an array of stores, kiosks and even a straw market, it’s a bustling showcase of Bahamian art, live music and artisanal goods- such as handcrafted jewellery.

Taking its name from the island’s earliest settlers, it’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir or gift to take home to loved ones to commemorate your Carnival cruise.

Delight in Exclusive Amenities at Pearl Cove Beach Club

Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more secluded area and an escape from the crowds, why not upgrade your experience on Celebration Key by treating yourself to access to Pearl Cove Beach Club.

An adults-only area – where you have to be over 18 years old for admission and over 21 years old for alcohol consumption – is home to an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool with a swim-up bar, an abundance of waterside loungers, and the exclusive Pearl Cove Restaurant. With access to a picturesque, private beach, and a DJ setting the scene for a day of fun in the sun, this area is the perfect place for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of kid-friendly areas – and a chance to relish in a relaxing day poolside, which is certainly hard to say no to.

Christine Duffy commented the following about Pearl Cove Beach Club: “Celebration Key will give our guests elevated options and experiences across its five portals and we’ve specifically designed Pearl Cove Beach Club as the perfect place for adults to lounge, unwind or relax in their own paradise.”

How many ships can dock at Celebration Key?

There’s expected to be two piers at Celebration Key, catering for up to 4 ships and 20,000+ guests at a time.

Which ships will sail to Celebration Key?

It’s estimated that over the next few years, there will be 500+ itineraries from 9+ U.S ports onboard up to 18 Carnival Cruise Line ships. Cruise ships that will stop at Celebration Key include the likes of Carnival Venezia, Carnival Celebration and Carnival Mardi Gras.

What food will be available on Celebration Key?

Foodies will love the options available on Celebration Key, including four full-service restaurants, nine food trucks, a food hall, five 'snack shacks' and more! Serving an array of Bahamian specialties, whether you're looking for BBQ or another tasty treat, the food options throughout Carnival's private island resort are bound to satisfy!

Christine Duffy had the following comments about the food/drinks options: “Great food and beverage options are essential to the Carnival experience, and we’ve designed Celebration Key with an array of dining opportunities, whether our guests want a casual snack, a quick meal or a full dining experience..”

Calypso Lagoon Eateries/Bars

Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen - featuring waterfront dining, Bahamian favourites (such as conch fritters), tacos, burgers and tropical frozen drinks and cocktails.
Mingo's Express - a food truck providing a casual, on-the-go dining experience.
Surf 'N' Sauce BBQ & Brews - choose from a selection of BBQ delights prepared in the outdoor smoker and a range of drinks from the full-service bar.
Long Necks Bar - a swim-up bar with a lively atmosphere.
Sunshine Swings Bar - a unique bar featuring 40 swings!

Starfish Lagoon Eateries/Bars

Gill's Grill - specialising in Caribbean seafood, chicken, burgers and more.
Captain's Galley Food Hall - five outlets with a range of international cuisine.
Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar - for a relaxing drink whilst taking in picturesque views.

Paradise Plaza Eateries/Bars

Suncastle Grounds Coffee - serving hot, cold and frozen coffee drinks and snacks.
Yumshine Scoops - for a selection of ice cream.

Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurants/Bars

Full service restaurant with an elevated menu
Swim-up bar located next to the infinity pool

Top Celebration Key Cruises

Here’s our top 3 Carnival Cruise Line itineraries that include a stop-off at Celebration Key.

Book Your Celebration Key Getaway with Iglu Cruise Today

So what are you waiting for? Book your Carnival Cruise Line Celebration Key getaway with Iglu Cruise today and look forward to an unforgettable adventure on this magical private island resort filled with fun, spectacular food and a myriad of exciting activities.

See our other Carnival Cruise Line blogs here:

Alternatively, discover our blog - Best Cruise Line Private Islands for information about a variety of other cruise line’s exclusive private island resorts.