by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 3:15 PM ET, Tue January 30, 2024
Carnival Cruise Line is sharing new details about Celebration Key, its new private destination on Grand Bahama slated to open in July 2025.
Celebration Key will have five distinct areas called “portals,” each offering its own unique experience. When it opens next year, Celebration Key will be accessible via more than 500 different itineraries aboard 18 Carnival ships.
Ships will dock at a nearby pier, allowing guests to walk to Celebration Key. The pier can accommodate up to two of the line's largest ships at the same time.
When guests get off their cruise ship at Celebration Key, they will first enter the “Welcome Portal,” which will have live music and towering sandcastles. From there, they can choose to go shopping in the “Retail Portal,” hit the waterslides in the “Family-Friendly Portal,” enjoy some alone time in the “Adult-Friendly Portal” or indulge with a premium experience in the “Private Club Portal.”
"We are designing Celebration Key, and its five portals, with endless ways for our guests to unlock their own kind of fun in this incredible paradise that also celebrates the beauty of Grand Bahama," says Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line’s president. "Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of 'paradise.'"
Carnival plans to reveal even more details about Celebration Key in the coming months. But, for now, the line shared a quick snapshot of each portal.
The “Retail Portal” will feature hand-painted murals created by Bahamian artists, as well as artisanal goods, Bahamian retailers and dining venues serving up Bahamian fare. Guests will also be able to shop at duty-free stores.
The “Family-Friendly Portal” will encompass a large freshwater lagoon, a splash pad with a shallow pool, two waterslides and sports courts. Families will also be able to lounge on the beach, where the cruise line plans to offer loungers, beach cabanas, villas with personal slides and floating cabanas. This portal will also have various food and drink options.
Adults have their own exclusive area too, complete with a freshwater lagoon, a white sand beach, a swim-up bar and a DJ spinning tunes. They’ll also be able to rent beach cabanas, villas with slides and floating cabanas. The “Adult-Friendly Portal” will have a full-service restaurant, plus other dining venues.
The “Private Club Portal” will be another adults-only area featuring an infinity pool, elevated dining experiences and private access to a dedicated section of the beach.
Beyond the portals, Celebration Key will have an events pavilion that can be reserved for weddings, vow renewals and other celebrations. In the future, Carnival plans to add other features to Celebration Key, including a zipline course and a waterpark.
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