Carnival Cruise Line - Celebration Key
Carnival Cruise Line's Private Island
Celebration Key
Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive destination on the southern coast of Grand Bahama, combining a mile-long white-sand beach with expansive freshwater lagoons, family activities, adult-focused spaces and more than 30 places to eat and drink. Unlike a separate private island, it is purpose-built on Grand Bahama itself, with Carnival ships docking directly at the destination so guests can walk ashore along a shaded pier. Five distinct portals make it easy to move between swimming, watersports, entertainment, shopping and quieter time beside the sea.
What Is Included at Celebration Key?
General admission to Celebration Key is included when the destination appears on your Carnival itinerary. Guests can use the white-sand beach, freshwater lagoon areas, complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas, sports courts and family splash facilities.
Live music, selected entertainment, the Junkanoo parade and access to the different public portals are also included. Beach towels must be brought ashore from the ship.
Carnival’s Island Eats programme also provides one complimentary meal at a participating fast-casual venue or 40% off an eligible entrée at participating full-service restaurants. Island Eats is not accepted at every dining venue, so guests should check before ordering.
Explore Celebration Key’s Five Portals
Celebration Key is organised into five distinct areas known as portals: Paradise Plaza, Starfish Lagoon, Calypso Lagoon, Pearl Cove Beach Club and Lokono Cove. Each offers a different atmosphere, helping families, couples and groups create their own version of the day.
Paradise Plaza
Paradise Plaza is the first portal guests reach after leaving the pier. It acts as the destination’s main welcome area, with Guest Services, shore excursion assistance, shops, live music and photo opportunities. The centrepiece is The Suncastle, Carnival’s ten-storey sandcastle-inspired landmark. Two racing waterslides descend from the structure, while live music and the colourful Junkanoo parade bring Bahamian energy to the surrounding plaza. Access to the waterslides carries an additional charge unless included with an eligible rental package.
Starfish Lagoon
Starfish Lagoon is Celebration Key’s main family portal. Its freshwater lagoon provides space for swimming and floating, while Guppy Grotto offers younger children a coral-reef-themed splash pad and shallow wading pool. Complimentary sports facilities include basketball, volleyball, pickleball, table tennis and cornhole. A dedicated family beach sits nearby, with optional equipment rentals, daybeds, cabanas, AquaBanas and larger villas available to reserve. Dining choices include the varied Captain’s Galley Food Hall, local food trucks and Gill’s Grill, which serves seafood alongside more familiar family dishes. Island Eats can be used at eligible participating venues.
Calypso Lagoon
Calypso Lagoon is Carnival’s adult-friendly portal, although it is not exclusively adults-only. Guests can relax beside the freshwater lagoon or on the beach, with music and a more sociable atmosphere centred around DJ Island and the swim-up bars. Long Necks provides an extensive swim-up bar area, while Sunshine Swings Bar features seating suspended above the shallow lagoon. Nearby restaurants include Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen and Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews. Drinks and full-service meals are charged separately unless covered by an eligible package or Island Eats discount.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
Pearl Cove Beach Club is the destination’s exclusive adults-only area, open to guests aged 18 and above. Admission must be purchased separately and includes access to an infinity pool, swim-up bar, an exclusive stretch of beach and attentive poolside and beachfront service. Carnival offers several access levels. Standard entry includes a welcome cocktail, while upgraded packages can add an open bar or combine the drinks package with a premium lunch at Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant. Alcohol service remains subject to the applicable minimum drinking age. The restaurant serves a more elevated menu featuring choices such as seafood, sushi, steak and salads. Cabanas and selected premium seating can also be reserved separately.
Lokono Cove
Lokono Cove provides a stronger connection with the culture and creativity of Grand Bahama. The area contains local kiosks, a traditional artisan market, colourful murals and shops selling work produced by Bahamian makers. Guests can browse handmade gifts, straw goods and artwork or visit the duty-free jewellery shops. Lokono Cove is also the meeting point for Carnival excursions that travel beyond Celebration Key into other parts of Grand Bahama.
Beaches and Freshwater Lagoons
Celebration Key offers a mile of white-sand beach alongside extensive freshwater lagoon areas. Complimentary loungers and umbrellas are available across the destination on a first-come basis.
The family beach sits close to Starfish Lagoon, while Calypso Lagoon offers a more adult-focused atmosphere. Pearl Cove Beach Club has its own exclusive beach section for guests who purchase admission.
Floating mats, snorkelling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, pool floats and noodles can be rented. Guests may also bring personal snorkelling equipment and smaller inflatables, subject to local restrictions and crowd levels.
Food and Island Eats
Celebration Key has more than 30 dining and bar locations, ranging from local food trucks and fast-casual counters to full-service restaurants. Carnival’s Island Eats benefit includes one meal at a participating fast-casual venue or a 40% saving on one eligible full-service entrée.
Fast-casual choices include Captain’s Galley Food Hall, with burgers, pizza, tacos, Mediterranean bowls and other familiar options. Full-service restaurants include Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews and Gill’s Grill.
Island Eats does not cover every venue, drinks or additional meals. Guests should confirm eligibility at the restaurant before ordering.
Drinks at Celebration Key
Carnival’s CHEERS!, CHEERS! Zero Proof and Bottomless Bubbles packages are valid onboard the ship only. They cannot be used at Celebration Key, including at public bars and restaurants.
Drinks must therefore be purchased separately using an accepted payment method. Pearl Cove Beach Club offers optional access packages with an open bar for guests who want drinks included within that area.
Cabanas, Daybeds and Private Rentals
Guests can upgrade the day with a wide range of rentals across Starfish Lagoon, Calypso Lagoon and Pearl Cove Beach Club. Options can include shaded daybeds, lagoon-side cabanas, floating AquaBanas, beach villas and large over-the-lagoon Super Villas.
Facilities, guest capacities and included refreshments differ between rental types. Some cabanas and villas include water, soda, snacks, concierge service and unlimited access to the Suncastle slides. Prices vary by sailing and availability.
Waterslides and Activities
The Suncastle’s Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin racing slides are available for a supplementary charge, with unlimited-use packages offered. Slide access may also be included with selected cabana and villa bookings.
Additional paid experiences can include snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding, dolphin encounters, ATV journeys, guided island tours and excursions to other parts of Grand Bahama. Activities, prices and age requirements vary by departure.
Getting Around Celebration Key
The walk from the ship to Paradise Plaza takes approximately ten minutes along a shaded pier. From there, the main portals are generally within a few minutes of one another on foot.
Complimentary hop-on, hop-off trams operate around the destination without requiring a reservation. Seating is first-come, first-served, and walking may sometimes be faster during busy periods.
What to Bring Ashore
Bring your Sail & Sign card, a towel from the ship, sunscreen, photo identification and a credit or debit card. Some cash can also be useful for smaller local vendors in Lokono Cove.
Water shoes, a sun hat and a refillable bottle may be helpful. Lockers are available to rent around the destination, with medium and large sizes and charging connections inside. Complimentary lockers and towels are provided to guests with Pearl Cove Beach Club access.
Discover Carnival Cruises Visiting Celebration Key
Celebration Key combines an accessible beach day with family activities, adult spaces, Bahamian culture and a wide selection of optional upgrades. Check the itinerary carefully when comparing Carnival cruises, as the amount of time spent at the destination varies between sailings.