We recently returned from Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new $600 million resort on Grand Bahama Island.
The private destination joins Relax Away at Half Moon Cay and Isla Tropicale (formerly Mahogany Bay) as part of Carnival’s growing Paradise Collection.
As a point of reference, Celebration Key is located on the southern part of Grand Bahama Island, approximately 22 miles east of Freeport.
A 5 AM Start to the Day
Our day started early (very early) as we flew out of Miami Airport for the 23-minute flight to Grand Bahama Island.
Most guests will arrive by ship, docking right at Celebration Key’s brand-new pier, but since I couldn’t be on the inaugural sailing of Carnival Vista, Carnival offered me the chance to fly over and experience the grand opening firsthand.
Once we landed, it was a short drive to the heart of the action—and after years of watching the project take shape, I was finally standing on Celebration Key.
Grand Opening Celebration
I’ve covered every update since Carnival broke ground five years ago. From drone footage to renderings to the first concrete being poured, I’ve followed along obsessively.
So to be there on opening day, watching the ribbon-cutting ceremony with Carnival President Christine Duffy, Shaq, and Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein in attendance, was a special event.
And then a spectacular fireworks display over the suncastle, which is the centerpiece of Celebration Key.
First Impressions
Walking in, you’re immediately hit with bright colors, upbeat music, and the massive 10-story Suncastle towering above everything. Celebration Key feels like a cruise line playground brought to life.
This was my first time attending a grand opening, and while I’ve seen plenty of artist renderings before, they don’t do justice to the vibe once you’re actually there.
The scale of the property is massive, and very walkable, but you can use the tram so you don’t overdo it. I found something to explore in every direction.
A Chill Adults-Only Retreat
One of my favorite spots? Pearl Cove Beach Club. The adults-only hideaway tucked off to the side and is pure serenity. If I wan’t running around like a madman getting interviews and videos, I would have jumped into that infinity pool to cool off!
This is a premium area that costs $99. But you get access to a giant infinity pool, poolside service, upgraded food and cocktails, and some of the best views at the resort.
Food Without Fuss
Let’s talk food. There’s a ton of it, and if you love trying different bites, the food truck areas are where you’ll want to be.
Think jerk chicken sandwiches, conch fritters, wings, tacos, burgers, you name it. The setup feels more like a casual beachside food festival than typical cruise fare.
Digital kiosks help speed up ordering, which is great because this is not an all-you-can-eat situation. Each guest gets one complimentary meal, and everything else is a la carte.
Some guests we talked to found that limiting, and the fact that the Cheers! Drink Package doesn’t work here was a surprise to a few.
That said, the cocktails were solid, and the swim-up bars were buzzing. You can also use your credit card at the drink kiosks, so it may be smart to carry that along.
What Guests Had to Say
Throughout the day, I chatted with dozens of guests, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive.
Families loved the kid-friendly splash zones and shaded lounge areas. Couples raved about the lagoon and how it didn’t feel crowded even with thousands of people there.
One guest told me it reminded them of a high-end resort in Mexico. Another said the variety of seating, shade, and space to spread out made it their favorite stop of the cruise.
Even folks who didn’t plan to get off the ship said they were glad they did. At one point during the day, only 168 guests remained on Carnival Vista. That is saying a lot for being at a cruise port.
Final Thoughts
After a day of exploring it was time to head back to the airport and fly back to Miami. Celebration Key delivered on its promise of a next-level private destination.
If the goal was to give Perfect Day at CocoCay a run for its money, Carnival is well on its way. And as more ships and phase two already under construction, I can only imagine this place getting better.
