Just five months in from its summer launch, Carnival’s Bahamas private destination Celebration Key has celebrated its first major milestone. This week it welcomed its one millionth guest.
Guest Andrew Sexton and his family from Tennessee were surprised as they stepped off Carnival Vista.
Carnival Vista was the first ship to dock at Celebration Key in July.
In recognition of the milestone, the Sextons, who were first time cruisers, were awarded a VIP package of a private cabana, free food and drinks, and unlimited use to the waterslides.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line hailed Celebration key’s instant success. “Local residents have benefited from the job creation and our guests have embraced Celebration Key from the very first day,” she said. “We’re proud to lay the foundation for long-term growth and a positive impact in the region.”
Carnival says it has created more than 1,000 permanent jobs. Additionally, there are more than 50 Bahamian-owned partner businesses trading onsite at Celebration Key.
Carnival ships from ten US cruise ports include calls at Celebration Key in their itineraries. The cruise line says it is on track to welcome two million guests to the private destination by the middle of next year.
Ship capacity increase planned in 2026
Even before it opened, Carnival announced plans to expand ship capacity. A pier expansion is underway and will open next summer, which would potentially increase guest numbers to four million a year by 2028.
“We look forward to more employment for more locals and the ability for family islanders to actually relocate and move back home so that they could have gainful employment in their places of domicile,” Bahamas minister of labor and public service, Pia Glover-Rolle recently said of the private destination’s positive impact on the economy.
Celebration Key features five themed zones including an adults-only retreat, a retail village and the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon with water slides.
