Carnival Cruise Line Unveils $600 Million Celebration Key in the Bahamas

21 July 2025 4:52pm

Carnival Cruise Line has officially launched Celebration Key, its exclusive new destination on Grand Bahama, marking a major milestone in the brand’s expansion with an initial $600 million investment. The Carnival Vista made the first official call to the resort-style port, bringing nearly 5,000 guests to experience this unique Caribbean paradise.

The grand opening ceremony featured Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal, and Carnival Vista Captain Paolo Severini, who symbolically turned the key to the iconic 10-story Suncastle, home to thrilling racing waterslides. The event also included a ribbon-cutting for Lokono Cove, the island’s vibrant shopping village, and a celebratory toast at Pearl Cove Beach Club, the adults-only retreat.

“Celebration Key is more than just a beautiful place; it's a celebration of the Bahamian paradise our guests love, complemented by a wide array of new experiences and offerings,” said Duffy. “We’ve created the ultimate beach day—whether you want adventure or relaxation.”

The destination is divided into five immersive zones:

Paradise Plaza: The arrival point, welcoming guests with live music and tropical energy.
Starfish Lagoon: A family-friendly area with one of the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, featuring a splash pad, sports courts, casual dining spots and Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.
Calypso Lagoon: A lively adults-only zone with a DJ Island, 166-seat swim-up bar (the largest in the world), and cocktail swings at Sunshine Swings Bar.
Pearl Cove Beach Club: The Caribbean’s largest adults-only beach club with an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, supervillas, and elevated food and beverage options.
Lokono Cove: A retail village celebrating Bahamian culture through local art, handmade crafts and unique shopping experiences.

Across Celebration Key, guests can explore more than 30 food and drink venues, join Junkanoo parades, enjoy live music and DJs, or relax in private cabanas, villas and daybeds. More than a mile of pristine white sand beach lines the property, while water activities, sports courts and shore excursions offer action-packed alternatives.

Carnival projects that Celebration Key will host over two million guests annually, growing to four million by 2028, and will significantly boost Grand Bahama’s economy by creating hundreds of long-term jobs. The cruise pier currently accommodates two large Carnival ships, with an expansion underway to dock two more simultaneously.

With Celebration Key now officially open, Carnival Cruise Line has added a vibrant new chapter to Caribbean cruising—one that blends entertainment, nature, and Bahamian hospitality in spectacular fashion.