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Forbes
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Review Of Celebration Key, Carnival's New Private Island Destination
The grand unveiling of Celebration Key, Carnival's new private island destination Carnival Last Saturday, Carnival Cruise Line unveiled Celebration Key, its new private island destination, in festive style with rousing music from the Bahama Brass Band, kaleidoscopic fireworks, a surprise appearance from Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal, and a symbolic turning of a 'key' to unlock the 10-story Suncastle, Celebration Key's towering crown jewel. Celebration Key's 10-story Suncastle at Paradise Plaza Carnival Excitement ran high among the nearly 5,000 passengers on the inaugural eight-night sailing on Carnival Vista from Port Canaveral to Celebration Key. The same could be said for Carnival employees, too, since the destination was twenty-five years in the making. Beyond logistics, like securing the rights to the land and partnering with the Bahamian government, Carnival took its time to ensure the $600 million destination truly catered to its longtime fans. 'We designed this with our guest in mind and what they love to do,' shared Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line's president. Celebration Key's Starfish Lagoon is home to one of the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoons. Carnival In contrast to Carnival's other private destination, Half Moon Cay, Celebration Key is bigger, livelier, and more family-friendly. Stretched across 379 acres—complimentary trams are available for scooting around—the leisure destination can currently berth two ships, regardless of size, whereas Half Moon Cay can only be accessed via tender. (Celebration Key's second phase will add two additional berths.) Another perk is having direct access to Grand Bahama Island. 'Many other exclusive destinations are isolated,' said Duffy. 'There's transportation right here if you want to get to the main city of Freeport.' Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club is the largest adults-only retreat at any cruise destination. Katie Chang With five distinct areas, Celebration Key has, in Duffy's words, 'fun for all.' Anchored by the Suncastle, Paradise Plaza serves as the island's entry point with a desk for booking shore excursions. Created with families in mind, Starfish Lagoon is home to one of the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoons, a splash pad called Guppy Grotto, Suncastle's two water slides (additional costs apply), and cabanas and loungers for laying out. Like Starfish Lagoon, the adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon also has a massive lagoon, along with a DJ island, Swings Bar with 50 swings, and the world's largest swim-up bar. Lokono Cove celebrates Bahamian culture with colorful murals and retail stalls from local artisans (Coco Baya Craft Studio, Adonis Bahamas) selling jewelry, straw goods, and other handcrafted items. A premium experience for adults, Pearl Cove Beach Club (pricing starts at $179.99 per guest) is a tranquil retreat with its own infinity pool, dedicated beach area, restaurant and bar, and swim-up bar. Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen is one of Celebration Key's sit-down restaurants. Katie Chang With multiple sit-down restaurants, food trucks—where you order from kiosks—and Captain's Galley Food Hall scattered across the island, Celebration Key makes sure guests don't have to look far when hunger kicks in. Guests can use their Sail & Sign card for one complimentary meal (an entree, drink, and cookie) at a designated outlet, or a twenty-five percent discount towards a single entree at a full-service restaurant. As for what to expect, the food runs the gamut from basic burgers to Bahamian specialties. The sit-down restaurant Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen, for example, prepares conch in fritters, chowder, and ceviche, alongside locally caught fish and lobster, while Captain's Galley Food Hall is best suited for a quick and casual bite. The infinity pool at Celebration Key's Pearl Cove Beach Club Carnival As with any leisure destination, especially a new one, it's best to do a little planning in advance: how much money do you want to spend, and how do you want to spend the day with so many options? As Duffy puts it, 'Whether you want to have a meal at Mingo's looking at this beautiful view and get back on the ship, or hang in the infinity pool at the exclusive beach club all day, there's something for everyone.'
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@
USA Today
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Racing waterslides and aquamarine lagoons: A guide to Carnival's new private island
When I arrived at the beach, I found a giant sandcastle waiting for me. Carnival Cruise Line didn't do a sand mold; it went above and beyond with water slides coming out of the top. The 10-story Suncastle – technically made of sturdier stuff than sand – is the grand centerpiece of Celebration Key, the line's new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama. Adorned with conch shells and a golden sun, the castle sets the tone for an epic beach day. 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: 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.
Malaysian Reserve
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE OPENS $600M CELEBRATION KEY, ITS SPECTACULAR NEW EXCLUSIVE DESTINATION
Carnival Vista Makes First Official Visit with Nearly 5,000 Guests CELEBRATION KEY, The Bahamas, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Cruise Line officially unlocked paradise as it opened Celebration Key – the cruise line's beautiful new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama this weekend. Carnival Vista made the first official visit to the world's newest premier cruise port on Saturday, and nearly 5,000 guests experienced all the fun of Celebration Key: from the unique Suncastle, the world's tallest sandcastle, the world's largest swing and swim-up bar and the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoons. Highlights from the special day can be seen here. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal and Carnival Vista Captain Paolo Severini turned the key that 'unlocked' the gates to the iconic 10-story Suncastle, home to two thrilling racing waterslides. They also cut the ribbon to open Lokono Cove, the shopping village; and O'Neal made the first shot at the basketball court; followed by a champagne toast at Pearl Cove Beach Club, an adults-only retreat. The ceremony was livestreamed and can be watched here. 'Opening this new exclusive destination marks an extraordinary milestone for Carnival as we open the first phase of our initial $600M investment, with more to come. Celebration Key is more than just a beautiful place; it's a celebration of the Bahamian paradise our guests love, complemented by an impressive variety of incredible new experiences and offerings,' said Duffy. 'We've built the ultimate beach day for our guests whether they crave fun in the sun or relaxation under a palm tree.' There are five areas to explore, including: Paradise Plaza – The central location where guests are welcomed inside Celebration Key with live music. Starfish Lagoon – A fun-filled area for families that features one of the two largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, with 275,000 square feet. Families will also enjoy a splash pad with a shallow pool, sports courts and the Suncastle's body slides that wind through 350 feet of turns and sudden drops. The beach in this area is lined with loungers and cabanas for those looking to relax, and guests can also enjoy casual dining at Captain's Galley Food Hall, Gill's Grill Seafood, Snack Shacks, and drinks at the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar. Calypso Lagoon – This adult-friendly area features an equally large, 275,000-square-foot lagoon as well as a dedicated area for adults only, a DJ Island, where guests can enjoy music and drinks at the world's largest swim-up bar with 166 in-water seats. Nearby is the Sunshine Swings Bar with nearly 50 swings offering a fun spot to enjoy cocktails while staying cool. Other dining and drink options include Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brew, Calypso Food Trucks and Snack Shacks. Pearl Cove Beach Club – The largest adults-only retreat at any cruise destination, this private club features an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool overlooking a white sand beach, alongside loungers, cabanas and supervillas. Guests will also find elevated dining and beverage options at Pearl Cove Restaurant and the Pearl Cove Bar as well as a separate swim-up bar. Lokono Cove – The island's retail village offers unique shopping and showcases authentic Bahamian culture through vibrant murals and local art, as well as handmade goods. Guests will find more than 30 food and beverage venues across the destination, offering something for everyone, and will be treated to a variety of live entertainment that includes Junkanoo parades, roaming rake-and-scrape musicians, DJs and all-day beach games. For private relaxation, a wide variety of cabanas, daybeds and villas are available and sports courts, water activities and shore excursions are available to those seeking action and adventure. Guests simply looking for a perfect beach day will enjoy over one mile of pristine, white sand beach overlooking the beautiful Bahamian waters. Celebration Key will initially bring more than two million guests a year to Grand Bahama. By 2028, this number is expected to grow to four million. The economic impact for Grand Bahama is substantial, with hundreds of long-term jobs created by daily operations. The destination features an adjacent cruise pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival's largest ships simultaneously. Already, construction on an extension to the pier is underway to accommodate two additional ships. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.
Associated Press
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE OPENS $600M CELEBRATION KEY, ITS SPECTACULAR NEW EXCLUSIVE DESTINATION
Carnival Vista Makes First Official Visit with Nearly 5,000 Guests CELEBRATION KEY, The Bahamas, July 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Line officially unlocked paradise as it opened Celebration Key – the cruise line's beautiful new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama this weekend. Carnival Vista made the first official visit to the world's newest premier cruise port on Saturday, and nearly 5,000 guests experienced all the fun of Celebration Key: from the unique Suncastle, the world's tallest sandcastle, the world's largest swing and swim-up bar and the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoons. Highlights from the special day can be seen here. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O'Neal and Carnival Vista Captain Paolo Severini turned the key that 'unlocked' the gates to the iconic 10-story Suncastle, home to two thrilling racing waterslides. They also cut the ribbon to open Lokono Cove, the shopping village; and O'Neal made the first shot at the basketball court; followed by a champagne toast at Pearl Cove Beach Club, an adults-only retreat. The ceremony was livestreamed and can be watched here. 'Opening this new exclusive destination marks an extraordinary milestone for Carnival as we open the first phase of our initial $600M investment, with more to come. Celebration Key is more than just a beautiful place; it's a celebration of the Bahamian paradise our guests love, complemented by an impressive variety of incredible new experiences and offerings,' said Duffy. 'We've built the ultimate beach day for our guests whether they crave fun in the sun or relaxation under a palm tree.' There are five areas to explore, including: Guests will find more than 30 food and beverage venues across the destination, offering something for everyone, and will be treated to a variety of live entertainment that includes Junkanoo parades, roaming rake-and-scrape musicians, DJs and all-day beach games. For private relaxation, a wide variety of cabanas, daybeds and villas are available and sports courts, water activities and shore excursions are available to those seeking action and adventure. Guests simply looking for a perfect beach day will enjoy over one mile of pristine, white sand beach overlooking the beautiful Bahamian waters. Celebration Key will initially bring more than two million guests a year to Grand Bahama. By 2028, this number is expected to grow to four million. The economic impact for Grand Bahama is substantial, with hundreds of long-term jobs created by daily operations. The destination features an adjacent cruise pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival's largest ships simultaneously. Already, construction on an extension to the pier is underway to accommodate two additional ships. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line
