Grand Bahama residents and leaders got an early look at Carnival Cruise Line’s new exclusive destination, Celebration Key, during a special preview event on Saturday ahead of the official grand opening on July 19.
The event welcomed local officials, community members, and Carnival executives to tour the newly completed $600 million development, which is expected to bring two million cruise passengers annually to the island.
The destination spans 65 acres near Sharp Rock in Freeport and features five themed portals, including the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club and the family-focused Starfish Lagoon.
Preview guests explored Celebration Key’s centerpiece, Suncastle, twin racing waterslides, and what Carnival says is the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean.
A retail village showcasing Bahamian artisans and over 30 food and beverage spots is also part of the experience cruise guests will begin enjoying next week.
“This is the first major project completed on Grand Bahama in over 20 years,” said Carnival president Christine Duffy, who was on site for the event. “We’re proud to be the cruise line to bring it to life—and proud of the hundreds of Bahamians who helped build it.” Duffy added that the long-term operations of Celebration Key will create hundreds of local jobs.
The official opening ceremony will be livestreamed on Carnival’s Facebook page at 10 a.m. ET on July 19, coinciding with the first ship visit by Carnival Vista out of Port Canaveral.
Celebration Key is one of two Bahamian developments Carnival is investing in, alongside planned enhancements to Half Moon Cay, including a new pier to accommodate larger ships.
As cruise lines have steadily expanded in The Bahamas over the past decade, from Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay to Disney’s Lookout Cay, Carnival is putting its own mark on Celebration Key with a focus on guest fun and lasting economic benefits for Grand Bahama Island.
