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 latest port destination, situated on Grand Bahama Island. While some might refer to it as a private island, it’s more accurately a private beach resort created exclusively for Carnival guests. It’s staffed by locals rather than ship crew, and is designed to offer an exclusive beach experience. With lots of conflicting details circulating online, we’re sharing our firsthand visit so you can get the facts.
This all-day beach retreat offers a huge lagoon, beach access on both sides of the resort, a variety of dining spots, shopping, entertainment, and optional upgrades. Whether you're visiting as a family or looking for a more laid-back adults-only experience, this guide explains everything you need to know—including transportation, food and drink policies, beach seating, and what’s included.
Celebration Key Portals
Celebration Key is split into themed “portals” or zones, each catering to a different type of beach day. All areas are connected through the central hub known as Paradise Plaza.
Main Zones:
Paradise Plaza: The main entrance with guest services, slides, and tram connections
Starfish Lagoon: A family-friendly area with a beach, lagoon, and dining options
Calypso Lagoon: A mix of all-ages and 18+ zones, with live music, bars, and games
Pearl Cove Beach Club: Adults-only beach club with paid access, pool, and restaurant
Lokono Cove: Local shopping area and exit point for excursions and taxis
Paradise Plaza: Your Starting Point
After getting off the ship, it's about a 5-minute walk or a quick free ride via tram or ADA golf cart to Paradise Plaza. This central plaza features:
Guest Services and Shore Excursion Desk
Yumshine Scoops ice cream counter
Shops with souvenirs, sun gear, and snacks
The Suncastle tower with scenic views and two paid waterslides ($15 per ride)
From here, you’ll find tram routes branching to each of the main portals.
Lokono Cove: Culture and Shopping
Right behind the Suncastle, you’ll find Lokono Cove—a vibrant market space featuring:
Bahamian artisan vendors and shops
Suncastle Grounds Coffee
Local murals and art installations
Shore excursion staging and taxi pickup zone
It’s a good stop for browsing or picking up a cool drink before heading to the beach.
Starfish Lagoon: Family Fun and Water Play
Located to the right of Paradise Plaza, Starfish Lagoon is ideal for families with kids of all ages. It offers:
Casual food options: Captain’s Galley Food Hall and Gill’s Grill
Quick bites: Starfish Food Trucks and Snack Shack
Bars: Shoalmates Island Bar, Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar, and Lagoon Bar East
Guppy Grotto splash pad and shallow pool for young children
Sports zones with games and courts
Watersport equipment rentals
Free loungers and umbrellas by lagoon and beach
Optional extras: cabanas, daybeds, and overwater options (bookable as shore excursions)
Calypso Lagoon: Chill Vibes and Adults-Only Areas
To the left of Paradise Plaza, Calypso Lagoon blends active and relaxed spaces. The west side is adults-only (18+), while the east end is open to everyone.
Highlights include:
Dining: Mingo’s Restaurant, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ, Calypso Food Trucks, Beachside Burgers, and Snack Shack
Bars: Long Necks Swim-Up Bar, Lagoon Bar West, Sunshine Swings Bar
Live music and DJs
Game areas and watersports
Free loungers and umbrellas by lagoon and beach
Paid rentals: cabanas, daybeds, and overwater options
Pearl Cove Beach Club: Premium Adults-Only Experience
Pearl Cove is Celebration Key’s premium beach club for guests 18 and up. It’s only accessible by purchasing a pass or booking a cabana or daybed.
Pearl Cove offers:
Secluded beach area with lounge seating
Infinity pool with swim-up bar
Dedicated Pearl Cove Restaurant (included only with All-Inclusive pass)
Beach Club Bar
Rental watersports
Entry wristband required (based on your package tier)
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 + open bar; 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, 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.
Getting Around: Celebration Key Tram System
While Celebration Key is walkable, the free tram system helps you navigate faster. Here’s how it’s organized:
Trams run between the ship and Paradise Plaza
Two dedicated routes serve the zones:
Starfish Line: Travels to Starfish Lagoon and Lokono Cove
Calypso Line: Stops at Calypso Lagoon and Pearl Cove
There are multiple clearly marked tram stops in each area. No reservations needed.
Dining and Drinks at Celebration Key
Every guest gets one Island Eats meal credit, good at food trucks, snack shacks, and casual dining locations. The credit includes:
One entrée
A side of fries
A chocolate chip cookie
Just swipe your Sail & Sign card to redeem it. You can use the credits of others in your stateroom, but each card is single-use only.
Want more food? You can pay for additional items using your Sail & Sign card or any major credit card.
You can also use your meal credit for 25% off an entrée at full-service restaurants (not valid on appetizers or desserts). The Pearl Cove Restaurant is only included with the All-Inclusive package.
Drinks, including bottled water, are not included, and Carnival drink packages do not apply. You’ll need to pay for all beverages separately.
Additional Notes:
All purchases include an 18% service charge and 10% Bahamian VAT
No cash is accepted on the island
Guests may buy up to 10 alcoholic drinks per day
Refillable water stations are located throughout the resort
Click here to learn more about food and drink, and to view all menus.
Towels, Seating, and Accessibility
Lounge chairs and umbrellas are free and available across Celebration Key on a first-come basis. Cabanas and daybeds must be booked through Carnival before arrival.
Towels are not provided on the island unless you're in Pearl Cove—so be sure to bring towels from your cruise cabin.
The island is fully ADA accessible with paved paths, ramps, and available beach wheelchairs. Many lagoon areas have zero-entry access. Lifeguards are stationed throughout the property.
Celebration Key FAQs
Is Celebration Key exclusive to Carnival?
Yes. Only Carnival Cruise Line passengers can visit.
Is it a private island?
No, it’s a resort built for Carnival on Grand Bahama Island, not a standalone island.
Do I need to bring my own towel?
Yes, unless you’re booked at Pearl Cove, where towels are provided.
Are drinks included with my cruise?
No. Carnival’s drink packages don’t work at Celebration Key. You’ll need to pay for all beverages.
What comes with my Island Eats meal?
One entrée, fries, and a cookie—one use per guest. You can use credits from cabinmates.
Can I use someone else’s food credit?
Yes, but only if they’re in your stateroom. Each card works once, so be careful.
Are lifeguards on duty?
Yes, all swimming areas are monitored during open hours.
Are cabanas worth the cost?
They’re a great option if you want a guaranteed shaded space, some extra privacy, and added amenities.
Do I need cash?
No. Celebration Key is entirely cashless. Bring a Sail & Sign card or credit/debit card.
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
