Everything You Need to Know About Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key

Carnival Cruise Line is set to revolutionize the cruise experience with its newest exclusive destination, Celebration Key! Opening in July 2025, this 65-acre paradise on Grand Bahama Island is designed exclusively for Carnival guests, offering a mix of adventure, relaxation, and Bahamian charm. If you’re planning a Carnival cruise, here’s everything you need to know about Celebration Key before you set sail! We are travel advisors and can help you book your cruise. Click Book a Trip to submit details and get started on your free no-obligation quote.

What is Celebration Key?

Unlike traditional private islands, Celebration Key is a dedicated cruise destination located 20 miles east of Freeport. Built exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line passengers, it features five unique portals, each designed to cater to different types of fun. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly experience, an adults-only retreat, or a mix of both, Celebration Key delivers.

How to Visit Celebration Key

Starting in July 2025, 20 Carnival ships from 10 U.S. homeports will offer sailings to this destination, with over 1,400 itineraries already available for booking.

The 5 Portals of Celebration Key

1. Paradise Plaza Portal – The Grand Entrance

• Home to the 10-story SunCastle, Celebration Key’s signature landmark.

• Features Yumshine Scoops, a specialty ice cream shop.

• The perfect starting point to learn about the different portals and plan your experience.

2. Calypso Lagoon Portal – The Adult-Friendly Escape

• Features Lagoon West, one of the two largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean.

• A portion of the beach is adults-only (18+), while bars require guests to be 21+.

• Home to The Long Necks Swim-Up Bar, Sunshine Swing Bar with 60 suspended swings, and Lagoon West Bar.

• Dining options include Mingo’s Tropical Bar, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews, and casual eateries like Mingo’s Express, food trucks, and snack shacks.

3. Starfish Lagoon Portal – The Ultimate Family Zone

• Home to the second freshwater lagoon, along with waterslides, splash pads, and a sports court.

• Features Guppy Grotto, a coral reef-themed splash area for young children.

• Dining includes Gill’s Grill, Captain’s Galley Food Hall, and multiple snack shacks.

• Sports courts for basketball, pickleball, foosball, cornhole, and volleyball.

• Beachfront with loungers, cabanas, kayaks, and paddleboard rentals.

4. Pearl Cove Portal – The Exclusive Adults-Only Beach Club

• 11,000-square-foot infinity pool with a sun shelf.

• A DJ spinning tranquil beats for a laid-back, upscale vibe.

• Beach loungers and umbrellas are included, with upgrade options for private cabanas and daybeds.

• Exclusive Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant features premium dining (not included in Island Eats credit).

• Entry Pricing:

  • $99 – Beach club access + welcome drink

  • $139.99 – Club access + 10 drinks

  • $179.99 – Club access + 10 drinks + all-inclusive dining

5. Retail Portal – A Taste of the Bahamas

• Celebration Key’s Retail Portal is a must-visit for those who love shopping and supporting local artisans.

• Features a vibrant marketplace with Bahamian artists and retailers selling authentic handcrafted goods, souvenirs, jewelry, and artwork.

• It is a fantastic way to experience the rich culture of the Bahamas while bringing home a unique piece of local craftsmanship.

• Expect to find handwoven straw goods, locally made beauty products, and island-inspired fashion.

Island Eats: How Dining Works at Celebration Key

Unlike other cruise destinations, Celebration Key uses a special dining credit system. Every guest gets an Island Eats credit, which can be used for:

• One free meal at a casual eatery (e.g., snack shacks, food trucks, or quick-service restaurants).

• 25% off an entrée at a full-service restaurant (excluding Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant).

Dining Options at Celebration Key

Casual Venues (Included in Island Eats Credit):

• Mingo’s Express (Calypso Lagoon) – Fried fish, conch, burgers, tacos.

• Captain’s Galley Food Hall (Starfish Lagoon) – Burgers, pizza, tacos, burritos.

• Food Trucks & Snack Shacks – Quick bites like conch fritters and fried chicken.

Full-Service Restaurants (25% Off with Island Eats Credit):

• Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen (Calypso Lagoon) – Waterfront dining with seafood, steak, and Bahamian classics.

• Gill’s Grill (Starfish Lagoon) – Seafood baskets, shrimp, crab, and local dishes.

• Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews – Smoked meats and local craft beers.

What’s NOT Included in Island Eats:

• Food Carts (e.g., coffee and ice cream vendors).

• Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant, which requires an additional fee.

Carnival’s Drink Package Doesn’t Work on Celebration Key

If you’re used to Carnival’s Cheers! Drink package, note that it does NOT applyf to the Celebration Key. You must purchase drinks individually unless you opt for the Pearl Cove Beach Club all-inclusive option. The 10-drink limit at Pearl Cove is separate from the 15-drink ship limit, so you can still enjoy your beverages when you return to the ship.

Final Thoughts: Is Celebration Key Worth Visiting?

We’ll find out in July when we visit on the first sailing. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to watch our full review and experience on Carnival Celebration Key. Please fill out our contact form for a no-obligation FREE travel quote on Carnival Celebration Key. We can do all the heavily lifting and find you the best cruise. You can also fill out the form below to get started on your journey to Carnival Celebration Key!