Celebration Key Photos, Info, Portals, Expansion & Map - Exclusive Carnival Destination Grand Bahama Island
Celebration Key Announcement © Carnival Cruise Line
Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s new private island destination in the Bahamas, created exclusively for Carnival guests. Located on Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key is designed as a full-day beach resort experience with a mix of family-friendly activities, adults-only relaxation areas, shopping, dining, and upgraded experiences. It features both a massive freshwater lagoon and traditional beach access on both sides of the island.
This guide explains how the island is laid out, what’s included in your visit, how food and drinks work, and which upgrades are worth considering.
Celebration Key Rendering © Carnival Cruise Line
Areas of Celebration Key
Celebration Key is evolving into a more dynamic and engaging destination, now divided into several distinct portals that cater to various guest experiences. From family fun to adult relaxation, shopping, and private club exclusivity, the island's layout is meticulously planned to ensure guests can easily navigate between these enriched experiences, maximizing enjoyment and convenience during their visit.
Paradise Plaza: The Central Hub of Celebration Key
Celebration Key Paradise Plaza Rendering © Carnival Cruise Line
Guests arrive at Celebration Key via a short walk from the ship—about 10 minutes—or can take an ADA golf cart. Paradise Plaza is the central point that connects all other areas of the island. This is where you’ll find the Suncastle, a massive walk-through sandcastle that acts as both a photo spot and the highest point on the island.
At the top of the Suncastle, guests can take in sweeping views before choosing between two large waterslides—Flash Flamingo (pink) and Mach III Marlin (blue). Each ride down the slides costs $15 per person, per ride, and tickets can be purchased on the island or in advance through the Carnival Hub app or your cruise planner.
Paradise Plaza also serves as the entry point to the main zones: Starfish Lagoon (family), Calypso Lagoon (adults), and Lokono Cove (shopping).
Starfish Lagoon: Family-Friendly Pool and Beach Area
Starfish Lagoon is the family-oriented side of Celebration Key. Located to the right of Paradise Plaza, this area includes both access to the freshwater lagoon and a wide beachfront area with calm ocean access. Complimentary sun loungers, umbrellas, and towels are available at both the pool and beach.
Families can rent lagoon-side cabanas or daybeds for shade and comfort. Kids can splash around in Guppy Grotto, a shallow 2-foot wading pool with water toys and coral reef-themed decor. There's also a Sports Court with basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts, with equipment available on-site.
Quick-service food options and an ice cream stand are located nearby, making it easy to spend the whole day here without leaving the area.
Calypso Lagoon: Adults-Only Pool and Beach Vibes
To the left of Paradise Plaza is Calypso Lagoon, the adults-only zone for guests 18 and older. Like Starfish Lagoon, Calypso includes both access to the freshwater lagoon and a stretch of white-sand beach. Complimentary loungers, towels, and umbrellas are available at both.
The atmosphere in Calypso Lagoon ranges from laid-back to lively. You can float in the pool with a drink from the swim-up bar, relax on a floating water daybed, or enjoy music from DJ Island. Cabanas and daybeds are available for rent here too, offering an upgraded experience without needing to pay for access to Pearl Cove.
This area also connects directly to Pearl Cove Beach Club if you’ve purchased a pass or reserved a cabana.
Pearl Cove Beach Club: Premium Adults-Only Experience
Located at the far end of Calypso Lagoon, Pearl Cove Beach Club is a private, adults-only area (18+) that requires a paid pass or cabana reservation. It features a private infinity pool, exclusive beach access, premium service, and a full-service restaurant.
There are multiple ways to access Pearl Cove:
Club Access Pass – $99.99 per person (access only; food and drinks are extra)
Open Bar Pass – $139.99 per person (access + unlimited drinks; food is extra)
All-Inclusive Pass – $179.99 per person (includes access, open bar, and one premium lunch)
Cabana Rentals – Starting at $999.99 for 4 guests, includes access, open bar, a cabana attendant, and unlimited Suncastle slide rides (a $15/ride value)
Cabanas at Pearl Cove offer full-day comfort and are the only way to get unlimited rides on the Suncastle slides without paying per use.
Lokono Cove: Shopping and Local Culture
Behind the Suncastle, Lokono Cove is Celebration Key’s shopping and cultural zone. Named in honor of the Lucayan people, this area includes a Bahamian straw market, artisanal shops, and a colorful display of murals and ceramics created by local artists.
It’s a good place to take a break from the sun, pick up souvenirs, or learn more about the culture of Grand Bahama.
Food and Drink at Celebration Key: What’s Included and What’s Not
This is where many first-time visitors get confused. Unlike on the ship, your Carnival drink package does not apply at Celebration Key, and there arbabout what food is included.
Each guest receives one complimentary Island Eats meal during the day. You can redeem this at any of the 14 casual food venues around the island—including food trucks, snack stands, and a central food hall. The included meal comes with one menu item, a side of French fries, and a cookie. Each guest must swipe their own cruise card to redeem it—group swipes are not allowed.
If you want additional food after redeeming your free meal, or if you want to try something outside of the Island Eats menu, you will need to pay using your Sail & Sign cruise card or a credit/debit card.
If you prefer table service, you can also use your Island Eats credit to get 25% off one entrée at participating full-service restaurants. This discount only applies once per guest and only to one entrée.
The full-service restaurant at Pearl Cove is not included unless you’ve purchased the All-Inclusive Pass, which provides one meal along with your access and drinks.
All beverages—including bottled water, soda, and alcoholic drinks—must be purchased separately. Free water stations are located around the island. Drinks must be paid for individually, and there’s a maximum of 10 alcoholic beverages per guest while on the island.
Celebration Key is fully cashless, so bring your cruise card or a credit/debit card.
Click here to view food menus and learn more.
Additional Amenities and Transportation
Both Starfish and Calypso Lagoon areas offer:
Complimentary towels, loungers, and umbrellas at both pool and beach areas
Upgraded cabanas and daybeds available to rent for the day
Restrooms, rinse stations, and shaded seating areas nearby
Celebration Key is walkable, but free trams and ADA-accessible golf carts are available to take guests between the ship and different areas of the island.
Celebration Key FAQ
Is Celebration Key exclusive to Carnival guests?
Yes. Only Carnival Cruise Line passengers on itineraries that stop at Celebration Key can access the island.
Are the Suncastle slides free?
No. Each ride costs $15 per person unless you have a cabana, which includes unlimited rides.
Do Carnival drink packages work on the island?
No. You must pay for all drinks separately while at Celebration Key.
How many meals are included?
Each guest gets one complimentary Island Eats meal. Additional food or meals from non-participating venues must be paid for.
How do I pay for things on the island?
Use your Sail & Sign card or a credit/debit card. Celebration Key is 100% cashless.
How far is it from the ship?
It’s about a 10-minute walk to Paradise Plaza. Free trams and ADA carts are available.
How many ships can dock at Celebration Key?
Currently, the dock at Celebration Key has space for two ships. However, with future expansion, this will grow to 4 ships.
Map of Celebration Key
Celebration Key Map © Carnival Cruise Line
Celebration Key Expansion
Carnival Cruise Line has announced a $100 million expansion of Celebration Key, aimed at doubling the island’s capacity by summer 2026. The cruise pier, originally designed with two berths for Excel-class ships, will be extended to include four total berths—allowing up to four of Carnival’s largest ships to dock at once. This expansion supports the goal of welcoming nearly 4 million guests annually by 2028 and solidifies Celebration Key as a major cruise destination. With the first ships scheduled to arrive in July 2025, Carnival’s investment reflects a long-term strategy to enhance guest experiences and accommodate future demand. We'll continue to update this article as more details are released.
Celebration Key Expansion © Carnival Cruise Line
