Anyone thinking that Carnival Cruise Line’s upcoming private destination Celebration Key will be a carbon copy of Half Moon Cay would be mistaken.
During a presentation designed to help build awareness about the currently-under-construction Celebration Key, reps for the cruise line not only said it would have a different vibe from Half Moon Cay, but shared that some itineraries will allow guests to visit both.
How Celebration Key Will Be Different
While both destinations of course offer beautiful beaches and an opportunity to relax, the comparisons largely stop there. Half Moon Cay is “much more of a hang out, have a drink at the tiki bar and enjoy the beach” kind of place said Amy Martin Ziegenfuss, Chief Marketing Officer at Carnival Cruise Line.
“At Celebration Key, you can do that too, but you can do so many other things,” she added, including water sports, a splash pad are for the kids, an adults-only retreat and more. “Eventually, when we open Phase 2, there will be even more to do, activity-wise.” For example, Celebration Key will have a live DJ. “There’s not [one] at Half Moon; that’s not the vibe.”
Even the way each is marketed will be slightly different. “We call [Celebration Key] your key to paradise, for a reason. Because it’s sort of whatever your paradise looks like, you can have it at Celebration Key, whereas Half Moon Cay is our relaxing slice of paradise.”
You Will Be Able To Visit Both on One Cruise
“There will be itineraries which include stops at both. “If you’re a real beach person, or a water and beach person, those are perfect for you,” said the exec. Currently, there are plans for 18 Carnival Cruise Line ships out of 9 homeports to sail approximately 500 itineraries with scheduled stops at the new destination.
Meanwhile, there are many more details to be unveiled in the weeks and months ahead. Among the teases dropped during the presentation was news that there are plans for some itineraries to include longer stays.
“That’s something people really want, and we hear you,” said the exec. “I don’t know what time yet, but we’re making sure we’re going to be able to have some evening fun there and, over time, maybe stay even later.”
Look for Celebration Key to open in July of 2025.
READ MORE: Carnival Details Celebration Key Highlights
