Celebration Key is Carnival's newest and most ambitious private destination, opened in 2025 on Grand Bahama. It's organized into five themed 'portals,' anchored by Paradise Plaza and the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. Highlights include the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club, a huge family pool area, water slides and Suncastle, a 10-story centerpiece. As a new build it's modern, accessible and dock-served — no tendering. Sailing with Carnival Cruise Line? Compare it with their other private islands, or jump to the beaches & swimming, water sports, thrills & adventure, family & kids, food & drink, relaxation & wellness guides.
Key takeaways
- Editor's Score4.5 / 5
- Cruise lineCarnival Cruise Line
- Best forFamilies, Thrills, Groups, Relaxation
- Getting ashoreShip docks alongside — no tender required
- What's includedIncluded (beaches & lunch); paid Pearl Cove club, cabanas & the lagoon attractions
- StandoutCalypso Lagoon area for families; Pearl Cove for adults
What we love
- Newest, most modern private island
- Ship docks — highly accessible
- Largest lagoon in the Caribbean
- Adults-only Pearl Cove club
- Built for big crowds and families
Worth knowing
- Opening-phase kinks as it matures
- Best areas are paid add-ons
- Large footprint means lots of walking
- Can get very crowded on full sailings
Highlights & what to do
Five portals, one big destination
Celebration Key is split into themed zones ('portals') — from the lively Calypso Lagoon to relaxed beachfront — so different traveler types can find their pace. Paradise Plaza is the central hub with shops, bars and dining.
The Caribbean's largest lagoon
A massive freshwater lagoon sits at the heart of the destination, with swim-up bars, an in-water stage and floating fun. It's the visual and social centerpiece of the island.
Pearl Cove Beach Club (adults)
The premium, adults-only enclave: an infinity pool, private cabanas, upscale food and a quieter, more refined vibe — Carnival's answer to Royal's Hideaway Beach and Coco Beach Club.
Suncastle & family fun
A 10-story Suncastle tower anchors the family zone alongside slides, a big pool and splash areas. Being brand-new, the whole destination is modern, shaded in parts and built for accessibility.
Bahamian artisan shopping and crafts
Among the portals is a retail and crafts area built around local Bahamian artisans and shops. It's the spot to browse handmade goods and souvenirs and grab a coffee, and it gives the day a sense of place beyond the pools and slides. A worthwhile wander even if you're not a dedicated shopper.
An included casual lunch
A complimentary casual meal is part of the visit, so a basic lunch is genuinely covered on top of the free beaches. If you'd rather have a fuller sit-down meal or specialty bites, those are available as paid options. Check the details with your line for exactly how the included meal works on your sailing.
Beyond the beach: lawn games and live music
The destination isn't only sand and slides. Free lawn and court games and live music and Bahamian-style entertainment run through the day, so there's something to do between swims without spending extra. It's an easy way to round out the day, especially for groups with mixed interests.
Activities & experiences
Pearl Cove Beach Club (adults)
18+ club with infinity pool, cabanas and elevated dining.
Private cabana
Shaded cabanas across the portals; book pre-cruise.
Lagoon day pass / floats
Access the giant lagoon's bars, stage and floating features.
Water slides
Family slide complex near Suncastle.
Beach & pool (free)
Included beaches, family pool and BBQ lunch.
Shore excursions (Grand Bahama)
Reef, kayak and cultural tours nearby.
Getting there & around
Celebration Key is a docked port, so there's no tendering involved: your ship ties up right at the pier and you simply walk off and into the heart of the destination. The pier feeds guests into the central hub area, and from there it's a short, flat stroll into most of the action. If you'd rather not walk, look for the destination's internal transport between the main areas, and ask crew about accessible options if you need them. Because the whole place is laid out around the lagoons with the hub in the middle, it's worth glancing at the port map before you step off and deciding which direction you're heading first. Roughly speaking, one side leans family and the other leans livelier. Guests on early excursions or chasing a prime lounger tend to make the most of stepping off near the front of the disembarkation window, while those who prefer a slower start can let the first wave clear and arrive to a calmer hub.
Best time to visit Celebration Key
As a Bahamas beach day, Celebration Key is enjoyable year-round, with warm, sunny weather the norm and only the season's general rhythm to factor in. Winter and major U.S. school holidays tend to bring the busiest, most heavily booked sailings, which means more competition for free loungers and cabanas and livelier lagoons; the shoulder periods on either side of peak generally feel a touch more relaxed. The Atlantic hurricane season runs roughly summer through late fall, when passing storms can occasionally reshuffle or cancel a call, so trip insurance and a flexible mindset are wise if you're sailing then. Whenever you go, the strong subtropical sun is a constant, so plan around shade and hydration rather than around any single "best" month.
Good to know before you go
- Bring a towel from your stateroom. Beach towels generally aren't provided out on the beaches and at the free pools; the main exception is the paid Pearl Cove club, where towels are part of the experience.
- It's a cashless destination. Purchases are charged to your onboard account card (or a credit/debit card), so you don't need to carry cash ashore.
- Standard cruise drink packages may not apply the same way here, and bar drinks can be charged separately, so it's worth checking the terms and budgeting for beverages accordingly.
- Loungers and umbrellas are first-come, first-served. If a shaded spot or a particular lagoon matters to you, it pays to head there early rather than lingering at the hub.
- The bigger-ticket extras, paid cabanas and daybeds, the Pearl Cove club, and the Suncastle waterslides, are popular and limited, so book the ones you care about ahead of your sailing rather than counting on day-of availability.
- A casual lunch is included with your visit, alongside the free beaches. Treat sit-down dining or specialty food and drink as an extra cost.
Insider tips for Celebration Key
- Adults wanting calm should book Pearl Cove early; it's the quiet counterpoint to the busy lagoon.
- The ship docks here (no tender), which makes it one of the most accessible private islands for guests with mobility needs.
- Cabanas across the portals are limited — reserve in your Cruise Planner as soon as it opens.
- Use Paradise Plaza as your meet-up point with a group; the destination is large and spread out.
What to pack for Celebration Key
Tap an item to check it off. Every pick is here for a reason specific to this island.
- ✓Reef-safe sunscreen EssentialLarge open destination with strong sun.
- ✓Water shoes EssentialHot walkways between the spread-out portals.
- ✓Waterproof phone pouch For the lagoon, slides and pools.
- ✓Refillable water bottle EssentialIt's big — you'll walk a lot between zones.
- ✓Cash for tips Bar and cabana service runs on tips.
- ✓Light cover-up For dining and shaded breaks at Paradise Plaza.
Editor's verdict
In our view, Celebration Key is a polished and ambitious cruise-line beach destination, and its docked-pier convenience, genuinely free beaches and included lunch, and clearly themed portals make it easy to recommend for families, groups, and thrill-seekers alike. It falls a hair short of a perfect score because so much of the standout fun, the Suncastle slides, cabanas, and the Pearl Cove club, sits behind extra charges, and a brand-new, high-volume destination is still finding its rhythm. Set expectations around those paid upgrades and it's an excellent, flexible day ashore. We score it 4.5 out of 5.
How Celebration Key compares
Trying to choose between islands? These head-to-head comparisons line up Celebration Key against the closest alternatives on score, access, cost and vibe:
- Celebration Key vs Perfect Day at CocoCay — Royal Caribbean (we score it slightly higher)
- Celebration Key vs Castaway Cay — Disney Cruise Line (we score it slightly higher)
- Celebration Key vs Great Stirrup Cay — Norwegian Cruise Line (we score this island higher)
Open the full comparison tool →
Celebration Key FAQ
When did Celebration Key open?
Carnival's Celebration Key opened in 2025 on Grand Bahama and is being rolled out in phases, making it the newest private island in cruising.
Do you tender to Celebration Key?
No. Carnival ships dock directly at Celebration Key, so guests walk off — a major accessibility advantage.
What is Pearl Cove Beach Club?
Pearl Cove is the adults-only (18+) premium club at Celebration Key, with an infinity pool, private cabanas and elevated dining — the calm alternative to the lively lagoon.
Is Celebration Key free?
The beaches, family pool and BBQ lunch are included. Pearl Cove, cabanas, the lagoon attractions and excursions cost extra.
Are beach towels provided at Celebration Key?
Generally no, not on the free beaches and at the public pools, so bring a towel from your stateroom. The main exception is the paid Pearl Cove Beach Club, where towels are part of the package.
Can I use my drink package at Celebration Key?
It may not apply the same way ashore as it does onboard, and bar drinks can be charged separately, so check the terms before you go. Drinking water is generally available, and it's wise to budget for beverages.
How do you get around once ashore?
Most of the destination is walkable on flat paths, with the central hub a short distance from the pier. Look for the destination's internal transport between the main areas, and ask crew about accessible options if you need them.
Do I need cash at Celebration Key?
No. The destination is cashless, so purchases are charged to your onboard account card or a credit/debit card. There's no need to bring cash ashore.
