Carnival Cruise Line is in the final stages of construction on Celebration Key, the cruise brand’s first exclusive destination, set to open on July 19, 2025.
The private port, located on the southern coast of Grand Bahama, will welcome guests from more than 20 Carnival ships sailing from 10 U.S. homeports.
Carnival Corporation & plc CEO Josh Weinstein and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy recently visited the site, marking key milestones as the beachfront destination nears completion.
The executives, joined by Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen, toured Celebration Key’s five distinct areas, including its 10-story Suncastle, an adult-only beach club, and the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons. More than 500 workers are on-site daily as construction progresses around the clock.
“Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival, and seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible,” Duffy said in a statement. “We broke ground on this site less than three years ago, and now in five short months, we’ll see our first guests enjoy the many experiences we created just for them.”
The private port features five themed “portals,” each catering to different guest preferences. Paradise Plaza is the gateway, home to the Suncastle, waterslides, and panoramic views. Starfish Lagoon is designed for families, while Calypso Lagoon offers an adult-focused experience with a swim-up bar and DJ island.
The premium Pearl Cove Beach Club provides a more exclusive setting with beachfront cabanas and an infinity pool. Meanwhile, Lokono Cove highlights Bahamian culture with an artisan retail village featuring local crafts and goods.
Carnival has also emphasized sustainability in the development of Celebration Key. The project includes an on-site desalination system to sustain the seven-acre freshwater lagoons and a “Plant a Tree” initiative that has replanted approximately 1,000 sabal palms across the property.
Carnival has committed to environmental goals across its fleet and operations, including reducing carbon intensity by 20% by 2030 and exploring alternative fuels.
Celebration Key will debut with Carnival Vista making the inaugural call on July 19. The destination is expected to be a major draw for the cruise line, with itineraries scheduled through 2027.
Carnival continues introducing new features, including private cabanas, daybeds, and super villas at Pearl Cove Beach Club, which will be available for booking soon.
