Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line's newest private destination, located on the western tip of Grand Bahama Island. Phase 1 opened in July 2025, and the destination is already a highlight of Carnival's Bahamas itineraries. The resort is organized into five distinct zones called portals — each with its own atmosphere, amenities, and bars — so whether you want a quiet beach chair or a swim-up bar with a live DJ, you'll find your spot.
The centerpiece of Celebration Key is its massive 275,000-square-foot lagoon, split between two portals: Starfish Lagoon on the family-friendly side and Calypso Lagoon on the more adult-oriented side. The lagoon's soft sandy bottom and calm water make it ideal for a full day of swimming, and beach loungers and umbrellas are included at no charge. Tram service runs throughout the destination, so you're never more than a few minutes from your next stop.
Celebration Key – Quick Facts
Getting Around Celebration Key
Transportation options once you're ashore.
Celebration Key is accessed exclusively by Carnival Cruise Line ships. The pier accommodates up to two ships simultaneously, with expansion planned to handle four. After docking, a short 5–10 minute walk along the pier brings you to Paradise Plaza, the main entrance. Complimentary tram service is available for those who prefer not to walk. Two tram loops cover the western and eastern sides of the destination.
If you want to explore beyond Celebration Key, taxi service is available at the Locono Cove exit for day trips into Freeport and Grand Bahama Island.
Things To Do in Celebration Key
Make the most of your time ashore.
The Five Portals at Celebration Key
Celebration Key is divided into five zones Carnival calls portals. Each has its own character, and most guests end up spending the day bouncing between two or three of them.
Paradise Plaza
This is where you arrive. Paradise Plaza acts as the hub — guest services, shore excursion desks (organized by ship, so follow the signs for your vessel), and the Sun Castle water slides are all here. The Flash Flamingo and Mach 3 Marlin are two racing slides, each 250 feet long. Rides are not included; unlimited access costs $15 per person for the day. Sun Castle Grounds Coffee is also in this portal, serving hot, iced, and frozen coffees and teas. Yumshine Scoops ice cream is nearby with flavors including cotton candy, mango, and strawberry — both are extra charge.
Starfish Lagoon
Starfish Lagoon is the family-friendly half of Celebration Key's 275,000-square-foot lagoon. The freshwater lagoon has a soft sandy bottom that gets gradually deeper toward the center, surrounded by beach loungers, hammocks, daybeds, and cabanas. Starfish Beach sits alongside with turquoise water, loungers, and umbrellas — all included at no charge. For the youngest guests, Guppy Grotto is a dedicated splash pad with water sprayers and a two-foot wading pool.
Calypso Lagoon
The other half of the lagoon has a more adult-focused party atmosphere (13 and older). This is where you will find the Long Neck Swim Bar — a swim-up bar inside the lagoon with over 130 seats — and Mingo's Tropical Bar and Kitchen, a full-service restaurant serving Bahamian classics and frozen drinks with a live DJ. Sunshine Swings Bar is one of the most popular spots on the island: seats are swings, some over sand and some over the water. Get there early. Beach chairs and umbrellas are included throughout.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
Pearl Cove Beach Club is the adults-only (18+) paid-access area at Celebration Key. Three day pass tiers are available from $100 to $180. Tier 1 is entry only. Tier 2 includes up to 10 drinks from a limited menu. Tier 3 is all-inclusive with up to 10 drinks plus lunch at the Pearl Cove restaurant. Guests not on the all-inclusive pass can dine a la carte. Amenities include an infinity pool, swim-up bar, and a private beach.
Locono Cove
Locono Cove is the shopping hub — the name means "the people" in the local language. You will find Bahamian handicrafts, duty-free jewelry, rum cakes, and souvenir shops throughout. This is also the departure point for excursions booked to elsewhere on Grand Bahama Island, and where taxis are available to Freeport.
What Is Included at Celebration Key
All Carnival guests can visit Celebration Key as part of their cruise fare. Included at no extra charge: access to both lagoons and beaches, beach loungers and umbrellas, Guppy Grotto Splash Pad, one complimentary meal through the Island Eats program, iced water stations, sports courts (pickleball, basketball, volleyball, ping pong), live entertainment including the Junkanoo parade, and tram service.
What Costs Extra
Pearl Cove Beach Club entry, all beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), meals at full-service restaurants, cabanas and daybeds, sports rental equipment (kayaks, pool inflatables, snorkel gear), water slide access ($15/person unlimited), shore excursions, ice cream and coffee, and lockers.
Food at Celebration Key
One meal is included for every guest through Carnival's Island Eats program — one entree, a side, and a chocolate chip cookie at participating quick-service venues. Captain's Galley Food Hall is the main complimentary restaurant, with grab-and-go stalls offering Mexican bowls, Mediterranean bowls, pizza, chicken tenders, and cheeseburgers. Food trucks in both lagoon areas include Seaside Burgers and Dogs, Calypso Chicken Company, Flipping Fritters (conch, shrimp, corn, coconut), Grand Bahama Taco, and Streetery Sushiva. Full-service restaurants — Mingo's Tropical Bar and Kitchen, Surf and Sauce Barbecue and Brews, and Gills Grill — carry a cover charge, though your Island Eats credit gives you 40% off your first entree.
Drinks and Pricing
Carnival drink packages do not apply at Celebration Key — all drinks cost extra regardless of your onboard package. Expect to pay $7–$11 for beer or wine, $3.50 for soft drinks, and $12–$18 for cocktails. An 18% gratuity and tax are added automatically. Payment is via sail and sign card or credit card.
Cabanas and Daybeds
Multiple cabana types are available to reserve. The Over-the-Lagoon Super Villa ($2,000, up to 12 guests) includes a sectional sofa, bar, dining table, swing chair, four padded loungers, and a private slide. Standard Super Villas at Starfish or Calypso Lagoon run $1,800 for up to 12 guests. Smaller cabanas accommodating up to 8 guests range from $500–$1,000. Daybeds are $150 (or $350 at Pearl Cove) and include a shaded padded bed and two lounge chairs for up to four guests. Standard beach chairs and umbrellas throughout are free.
Celebration Key – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line's private island destination located on the western tip of Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas. Phase 1 opened in July 2025. The resort is divided into five zones called portals — Paradise Plaza, Starfish Lagoon, Calypso Lagoon, Pearl Cove Beach Club, and Locono Cove — each with its own atmosphere, amenities, and bars.
What is included at Celebration Key?
All Carnival guests can visit as part of their cruise fare. Included at no extra charge: access to both lagoons and beaches, beach loungers and umbrellas, Guppy Grotto Splash Pad, one complimentary meal through the Island Eats program, iced water stations, sports courts (pickleball, basketball, volleyball, ping pong), live entertainment including the Junkanoo parade, and tram service.
What costs extra at Celebration Key?
Pearl Cove Beach Club entry, all beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), meals at full-service restaurants, cabanas and daybeds, sports rental equipment (kayaks, pool inflatables, snorkel gear), water slide access ($15/person unlimited), shore excursions, ice cream and coffee, and lockers.
Does my Carnival drink package work at Celebration Key?
No. Carnival drink packages do not apply ashore at Celebration Key. All drinks cost extra regardless of your onboard package. Expect to pay $7–$11 for beer or wine, $3.50 for soft drinks, and $12–$18 for cocktails. An automatic 18% gratuity and tax are added to all purchases.
What is the Island Eats program?
Every Carnival guest receives one meal credit covering one entree, a side, and a chocolate chip cookie at participating quick-service restaurants. Eligible venues include Captain's Galley Food Hall, most food trucks, and snack shacks. Full-service restaurants like Mingo's, Surf and Sauce, and Gills Grill are not included, though your Island Eats credit gives you 40% off your first entree there.
What is Pearl Cove Beach Club?
Pearl Cove is the adults-only (18+) paid-access section of Celebration Key. Three tiers run from $100 to $180. Tier 1 is entry only. Tier 2 adds up to 10 drinks from a limited menu. Tier 3 is all-inclusive with up to 10 drinks plus lunch at the Pearl Cove restaurant. Amenities include an infinity pool, swim-up bar, and a private beach.
How do you get around Celebration Key?
On foot or by complimentary tram. Paved walking paths connect all portals and the longest walk between any two portals is under 10 minutes. Two tram loops run throughout the day — one around Calypso Lagoon, one around Starfish Lagoon.
Can I leave Celebration Key and explore Grand Bahama Island?
Yes. Taxi service is available at the Locono Cove exit for day trips into Freeport. Shore excursions to Grand Bahama Island — swimming with pigs, dolphins, or sharks — also depart from Locono Cove.
What ships stop at Celebration Key?
Celebration Key is exclusive to Carnival Cruise Line. The pier currently accommodates two ships simultaneously, with expansion underway to handle four. Guest services and shore excursion desks are organized by ship — follow the signs for your vessel.
When did Celebration Key open?
Phase 1 opened in July 2025. Phase 2 will expand Starfish Lagoon and Starfish Beach. The pier is also being extended to accommodate four ships at once instead of the current two.
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