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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned
What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned
What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport 7 best cruise ship cabins to book if your family needs more space 7 kid-friendly European river cruises for the whole family 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget 25 best family resorts and hotels in the U.S. Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Family cruises with autism: What to pack, prep and expect Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
6 days ago
- USA Today
How I cruised the Caribbean with my autistic son, and what I learned
What I love most about traveling with my kids is the chance to see the world through their lenses. So, when I had the opportunity to take my four-year-old son with autism on a Carnival Vista cruise to the Southern Caribbean, I knew it would offer a special window into his sensory-seeking soul. I also knew it wouldn't be easy, no matter how much we prepared ahead of time. Cruising with autism – as with any form of travel – comes with its challenges. The effects of shaking up normal routines, processing new environments, and other factors are further nuanced by where your child lies on the spectrum. Note that most mainstream lines support cruises for kids with autism, thanks to accommodations like special training for passenger-facing crew, priority boarding options, and sensory-friendly programming. SAVE UP: Kids sail free on these 8 family cruise lines Carnival also has a partnership with KultureCity, a "sensory inclusive" non-profit organization that lends sensory bags with noise-canceling headphones, strobe glasses to help with light sensitivity, fidget toys, and other autism-friendly accoutrements on a complimentary first-come, first-serve basis. (Just make sure you return the bag at the end of your cruise, to avoid the $50 fee.) Additionally, Carnival provides free Wi-Fi to families with autism. All you need to do is contact Guest Access before your sailing and provide a copy of your child's diagnosis paperwork. For families who need more support, Carnival occasionally hosts Autism on the Seas charter cruises. Regardless of which cruise you choose, preparing ahead of time is key to reducing stress and enjoying the experience. The following list is a mix of personal measures I took on this sailing, plus general tips when planning cruises for kids with autism. 1. Take advantage of the priority boarding option. Long lines and crowds can be overwhelming for kids with autism. You can mitigate this with priority boarding. A perk often reserved for cruisers with loyalty status or those staying in designated suites, priority boarding is offered by some lines as an add-on package. With Carnival's Faster to the Fun (FTTF), for example, families pay one set price per cabin and enjoy a slew of benefits including priority check-in, early bag drop-off, and priority luggage delivery. 2. Alert your cruise line of food sensitivities ahead of time. Is your kiddo sensitive to certain food textures, sides (a la sauces), or ingredients? Let your cruise line know ahead of time. You can typically alert special services of any dietary restrictions or needs weeks prior to embarkation day. Once onboard, touch base with the maitre d' or head waiter to ensure your preferences are noted. You can also request the night before to have meals specially prepared and tailored to your child's needs. 3. Pack familiar comforts to help your child adapt to sleeping in a new place. To tee everyone up for restful nights of sleep, I try to mimic what I can of my son's at-home sleep routine whenever we travel. This involves bringing our Slumperpod toddler bed to help with his sensory needs, his favorite pajamas and bedtime toy, and a white-noise machine with a nightlight that I can use to easily check on him throughout the night. If you're able to, you can also try to prepare your child a few days before you leave, talking about the cabin you'll be sleeping in, and even involving them in the packing process. SWEET DREAMS: I took the SlumberPod toddler bed on a cruise, and now it's my entire personality 4. Bring your own drinks and snacks. Many families don't realize that you can actually bring your own drinks and snacks on board, which can be game-changing on cruises for kids with autism. The limitations on how much you can bring vary by line. Carnival, for example, allows 12 standard cans or cartons per passenger. Pre-packaged, non-perishable foods are also allowed in certain quantities. Having some of my son's favorite and familiar snacks on hand made for smoother transitions between activities and meals. 5. Pack key necessities in your carry-on for boarding. From noise-canceling headphones to sensory toys, anything that helps your child regulate is a must have in your carry-on. This will be the only bag you have until your luggage is delivered to your cabin, which could take hours, if you opt to drop if off at the terminal. Other items to consider packing in your carry-on include snacks, spare outfits, and any medications you might need. 6. Request a quiet safety drill. International maritime law requires all cruise passengers to participate in a safety (muster) drill prior to embarkation. The format of these briefings varies by line and ship, though many involve gathering in a crowd for a brief demo of what to do in the event of an emergency. If your child is sensitive to crowds, you can request a quieter session in advance. This will take place in a separate, more secluded space. BON VOYAGE: 5 boarding tips to help you avoid losing your mind 7. Get to know the kids' club and staff before you drop off your child. If you plan to utilize the kids' club and childcare programming, make time to familiarize yourself with the space and youth staff. Most lines offer kids' club open houses on the first day, while others carve out family hours for parents to join their kids in activities. On our Carnival cruise, I found the family activities to be a great way for me and my son to engage with the space and get to know the camp leaders on a more personal level. (They also generally have low attendance.) After a few sessions, my son was excited to try out the club on his own. You can also ask the staff what times the club tends to be quieter during the day, and request a phone in advance. 8. Review the daily agenda and deck plans to navigate triggering environments. Cruise ships are abuzz with live music, deck parties, and other festivities throughout the day. Simply passing through these loud, overstimulating environments can be distressing for your kiddo with autism. Check your ship's daily agenda and review the deck plans ahead of time, so you know to steer clear of the main pool from 1 to 2 p.m., or the atrium at 4 p.m., for example. Other possible triggers include sailaway, when ships sound their horns as they depart from port, as well as the buffet during peak mealtimes and the casino. NEW PRIVATE ISLAND: 8 secrets to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key 9. Avoid set dining times and request special seating arrangements. Don't choose a set dining time, where you could be seated at a table with strangers. While some cruisers like the social aspect, it's not the most flexible option on cruises for kids with autism. Go with the option that lets you dine on your own schedule, and consider requesting special seating arrangements. This might include sitting at a corner table or against a window, where you can have a little more space and privacy, and be able to easily slip away in case of an emergency. If cruising Carnival, seek out lower key venues like BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast or a specialty restaurant for lunch. 10. Keep a flexible schedule, and follow your child's lead. Rather than keeping an open schedule when traveling with my son, I find that building in some structure—as long as the plans are flexible—ensures he thrives and everyone has fun. Many kids with autism depend on routines and a sense of predictability. Plan activities during which you can easily pivot or take breaks if necessary, and be strategic about factoring in downtime. This will allow you to more easily follow your child's lead and embrace changes in plans. The 10 things I always do on cruises to help my son with autism thrive originally appeared on More from FamilyVacationist: The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author's and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. and are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology, we review and select family vacation ideas, family vacation spots, all-inclusive family resorts, and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators, tour operator reviews, tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations. If you buy an item through a link in our content, we may earn a commission.
USA Today
24-07-2025
- USA Today
Carnival's Celebration Key: 5 surprises from the cruise line's new destination
I waded into the aquamarine water off Carnival Cruise Line's new Bahamas destination, Celebration Key. The Carnival Vista ship, which had delivered more than 4,000 passengers to its pier that morning, towered in the distance, but I saw no more than a dozen swimmers nearby. Looking at the shoreline behind me, I was struck by how secluded it felt. I leaned backward and floated in the gentle waves under the late July sun, relishing the quiet. That was one of several things that surprised me during my visit to Celebration Key, which will be visited by 20 Carnival ships from 10 U.S. homeports. USA TODAY was among the first guests to visit this month. Here are four other takeaways. Celebration Key is walkable While Celebration Key's first phase comprises 68 acres, the destination's five areas (or 'portals') were easy to navigate on foot. I followed walking paths in a loop through them all in less than half an hour. If you get tired or need assistance, however, there are options. The Starfish Tram Line takes guests between the kid-friendly Starfish Lagoon and the Lokono Cove shopping area at no charge, while the Calypso Tram Line operates between Calypso Lagoon – located opposite Starfish – and Lokono Cove. Beach wheelchairs are also available on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are designated relief areas for service dogs. Passengers planning to use those areas should notify Guest Services ahead of time, who can direct them to the designated areas. There is ample seating at Celebration Key Rows of plentiful complimentary loungers line the beaches and freshwater lagoons at Celebration Key, and it seemed I didn't walk more than a few minutes at a time without stumbling upon other kinds of seating, from hammocks to swing benches and picnic tables. The Sunshine Swings Bar has close to 50 swings alone. Only one ship was occupying Celebration Key's two berths during my visit, so crowds will surely fluctuate depending on the number of ships visiting and their capacities. Still, passengers have many options when looking for a place to perch. There are also various daybeds, cabanas and supervillas for an extra charge (prices vary by selection). The lagoons are huge at Celebration Key Carnival billed Celebration Key's two freshwater lagoons as the largest in the Caribbean, but I still found myself marveling at their scale in person. The destination's attractions are built around the bright blue water – totaling roughly 350 million gallons – giving guests easy access points from nearly any location so they can cool off. They also form a kind of moat around the giant sandcastle at the heart of the destination, called the Suncastle. Head up to the top, where its two water slides are located, for a particularly striking view. Guests have easy access to Grand Bahama Unlike at a private island, passengers can come and go from Celebration Key and enjoy other parts of Grand Bahama on their own or with guides. Guests can find taxis and rental cars at Lokono Cove, and Freeport is a roughly 25-minute drive away. Shore excursions are also available through the cruise line. As much as Celebration Key has to offer, it's by no means the only place to explore on the island.
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Celebration Key: Inside each area at Carnival's Bahamas destination
The structure also towers over Paradise Plaza, one of five distinct areas or "portals." "There really is something for everyone," Christine Duffy, Carnival's president, told USA TODAY onboard Carnival Vista ahead of Celebration Key's grand opening. Here's how each portal is different. Paradise Plaza A walkway - which is partially covered, a welcome feature on a nearly 90-degree day in late July - connects the pier where Carnival's ships dock to Celebration Key. Guests enter at Paradise Plaza, passing through a sun-shaped archway. The area is home to Suncastle's pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin racing water slides, which cost $14.99 for unlimited access and are included with cabana and supervilla reservations. Guests can also cool down with ice cream at Yumshine Scoops; visit the shore excursions and guest services desk to make bookings and get information; and find beach wheelchairs (available first-come, first-served). The plaza also offers access to other portals via walking paths and nearby tram stops. Starfish Lagoon Starfish Lagoon is designed with families in mind, built around what the line bills as one of the Caribbean's two biggest freshwater lagoons. Guests can swim there or at nearby Starfish Beach; sunbathe in loungers; or grab burgers, pizza, tacos and more at the open-air Captain's Galley Food Hall. Other dining options include Gill's Grill, serving up Caribbean seafood along with other fare, and the Starfish Food Trucks (look out for Mini Donut King's guava cheesecake donut, which was tangy and just the right portion). Parents and kids alike can also enjoy tropical drinks, such as the frozen cocktails and mocktails from Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar. For the sporty set, basketball - at an on-site court - table tennis and other games can be found in Starfish Lagoon (there are sports offered in another area, Calypso Lagoon, as well). Water-based excursions also depart from a pier off Starfish Beach. Lokono Cove As the destination's retail hub, guests can buy handmade Bahamian goods and other items, from woodcarvings to jewelry and duty-free products. Suncastle Grounds Coffee also offers iced drinks - or hot beverages, if you dare - for a price and a place to perch. Land-based shore excursions depart from Lokono Cove, and guests can find taxis and rental cars to go elsewhere on Grand Bahama. Calypso Lagoon Calypso Lagoon is the grown-up answer to Starfish Lagoon. Sunshine Swings Bar has swings for seats, while guests can float up to the adults-only Calypso Lagoon Swim-Up Bar (guests must be at least 18 to enjoy the western portion of Calypso Lagoon). That part of Celebration Key felt like more of a party during my visit, thanks in part to the in-water DJ Island. Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen offers covered seating and serves a wide range of options, from conch fritters to chicken wings and sandwiches. Pro tip: try the key lime pie. For other casual dining, visitors can head to Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews - with Bahamian craft beers on the menu - or the Calypso Food Trucks, among others. Calypso Beach is just a short walk away, too. Pearl Cove Beach Club Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost. The area features its own stretch of beach, an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, and a private restaurant and bar, all offering prime views of the pier. There are three tiers of pricing: Pearl Cove Beach Club Access includes access to the portal and a welcome drink for $99.99 per guest Pearl Cove Beach Club Open Bar also includes up to 10 drinks for $139.99 per guest Pearl Cove Beach Club All Inclusive includes the open bar perk along with dining at the restaurant for $179.99 per guest How much does Celebration Key cost? In addition to the water slides and beach club, guests can pay extra to customize their experience in other ways, such as choosing from a range of daybed, cabana and supervilla rentals if they want more comfort, but there is plenty of open space. The destination's Island Eats program allows each guest to get one free meal at fast casual venues - many come with a side and cookie - or a 25% discount on an entree at a full-service restaurant. Kids who haven't redeemed their Island Eats meal can also order from the kids menu at full-service restaurants for no additional charge. Visitors can buy other food for an additional charge. Not all venues participate in Island Eats, but I noticed complimentary options were denoted for those that did on the menus during my visit. While onboard drink packages do not extend to Celebration Key, onboard internet plans do. Shore excursions, from dolphin encounters to Jeep tours, also come at an extra cost, and there are kayaks, snorkel gear and lockers available to rent. Travelers can browse add-ons and pricing on Carnival's website. Duffy noted that this month's opening is just phase one. Celebration Key currently has two berths, and the cruise line previously said it will add two more by 2026. The destination builds on parent company, Carnival Corp.'s, long-held portfolio of land-based offerings, with another one of its Bahamas destinations, Princess Cays, established in 1992. "I think the scale of what we have at Celebration key is really what's new," Duffy said. Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@
