Carnival Cruise Line relished the scene on July 19, 2025, with the arrival of not one, but two ships, to its newly created, private resort, Celebration Key, in Grand Bahama. The event was, in fact, the first-ever ‘Double Fun’ Day for Carnival, and combined, over 7,000 guests from the Carnival Glory and Carnival Conquest experienced a full day of sun, sand and overall fun on the beautiful beaches of Celebration Key! This historic agreement for Carnival is a tremendous step towards reinforcing the company’s cruise product in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, especially on Grand Bahama.
Celebration Key, which spans over 65 acres, is designed to provide an ultimate beach experience. It features a 1.5-mile stretch of pristine beachfront, offering guests ample space to relax and enjoy the clear waters of the Caribbean. The destination is home to five distinct portals, which are designed to enhance the guest experience by ensuring easy access to various attractions and services throughout the area. Among the top highlights of Celebration Key are the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean and the largest private beach club retreat at any cruise port. The location also boasts the world’s largest swim-up bar and swings bar, perfect for guests looking to enjoy drinks with a view.
In addition to the beach and water activities, Celebration Key features more than 30 dining and beverage outlets, ensuring that guests have a wide variety of culinary options available. For those looking for excitement, the destination includes a 10-story Suncastle water slide and a variety of cabana and daybed options, offering relaxation and fun in equal measure. The destination has been designed to cater to guests of all ages, with attractions for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Carnival’s $600 million investment into the development of Celebration Key reflects the cruise line’s commitment to enhancing the overall guest experience while supporting the growth of The Bahamas’ tourism industry. The $100 million extension of the pier will allow Carnival Cruise Line to accommodate up to four ships simultaneously beginning in the summer of 2026. This expansion is part of Carnival’s broader strategy to attract more visitors to the Bahamas and provide a more robust travel experience for guests.
By 2028, Carnival anticipates that Celebration Key will welcome up to four million guests annually, contributing significantly to the economic growth of the region. As part of this effort, the destination will become a key stop for Carnival’s fleet, with 20 ships from 10 U.S. homeports offering itineraries that include a visit to the Bahamian port. The addition of Celebration Key to Carnival’s lineup of destinations is expected to boost the cruise line’s presence in the Caribbean, attracting a wider range of guests who seek a luxurious and exclusive vacation experience.
On the heels of its first-ever ‘Double Fun’ Day, Celebration Key will continue to offer exceptional experiences for even more guests. On the following Friday, Mardi Gras, the largest ship in Carnival’s Excel class, will make its first visit to Celebration Key, docking alongside the Carnival Pride, which is sailing from Baltimore. This event will continue to build momentum for the destination, as more ships and guests flock to enjoy the unparalleled offerings of this exclusive new stop.
In 2025, the demand for new and exciting cruise destinations is on the rise, and Carnival is positioning Celebration Key as one of the premier destinations in the Caribbean. By catering to the evolving preferences of cruise passengers and investing heavily in infrastructure and amenities, Carnival Cruise Line is reshaping the Caribbean cruise experience. As more ships are scheduled to dock at Celebration Key, the port is expected to become a cornerstone of Carnival’s offerings, attracting travelers from around the world.
The opening of Celebration Key also supports the broader tourism objectives of The Bahamas, contributing to the growth of the nation’s cruise industry and creating jobs and economic opportunities for local residents. The region’s development as a key cruise hub is seen as a vital part of the Bahamas’ tourism strategy, with the government of The Bahamas working alongside cruise lines like Carnival to promote sustainable tourism practices while ensuring the continued success of the industry.
Carnival Cruise Line’s project of Celebration Key is a representation of the company’s commitment to delivering extraordinary vacation experiences for our guests and supporting the economic growth in Grand Bahama.
The successful opening of this new point of call marks a milestone in the transformation of cruise travel in the Caribbean and the potential for growth and development in the years ahead.
Image: Carnival Cruise Line
