Head to head
Labadee vs Celebration Key: Which Private Island Wins?
Comparing Labadee (Royal Caribbean) and Celebration Key (Carnival Cruise Line) on the things that actually decide your beach day — score, access, cost and vibe. Here's how they stack up, and who should pick which.
| Celebration Key | Labadee | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Score | 4.5 / 5 | 4.2 / 5 |
| Cruise line | Carnival Cruise Line | Royal Caribbean |
| Location | Grand Bahama | Northern Haiti |
| Getting ashore | Ship docks alongside — no tender required | Ship docks alongside — no tender required |
| What's included | Included (beaches & lunch); paid Pearl Cove club, cabanas & the lagoon attractions | Included (beaches & lunch); paid zip line, alpine coaster, cabanas & jet skis |
| Vibe | Brand-new, big, modern | Scenic, adventurous, lively |
| Best beach | Calypso Lagoon area for families; Pearl Cove for adults | Columbus Cove and Adrenaline Beach; Nellie's Beach for families |
| Best for | Families, Thrills, Groups, Relaxation | Thrills, Beaches, Adventure, Families |
Editor's Scores are our editorial assessment, not user reviews. How we score →
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Who should choose which
Choose Labadee if…
- Most dramatic scenery of any RCI island
- World's longest over-water zip line
- Great variety of thrills
Choose Celebration Key if…
- Newest, most modern private island
- Ship docks — highly accessible
- Largest lagoon in the Caribbean
The verdict
Celebration Key edges it on our Editor's Score (4.5 vs 4.2), largely thanks to newest, most modern private island. That said, Labadee is the smarter pick if you value thrills and beaches. Use the full comparison tool to weigh them against the rest.