Carnival’s New Celebration Key Will Feature Five Unique “Portals”

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed new details about Celebration Key, its new private destination on the island of Grand Bahama.

The new destination, accessible only to cruise ship guests, will feature five distinct areas called “portals”. These five areas will include the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, white sand beaches, an exclusive adults-only private club, spaces designed just for families, as well as a variety of dining venues and bars.

Carnival’s new Celebration Key will offer docked access for up to two ships at a time (image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

“No one does FUN like Carnival and we are designing Celebration Key, and its five portals, with endless ways for our guests to unlock their own kind of fun in this incredible paradise that also celebrates the beauty of Grand Bahama,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

“Celebration Key is uniquely positioned to bring an island experience to our diverse range of guests, in a way that lets them choose their slice of ‘paradise,'” Duffy continued in a press release.

Celebration Key’s five portals

The Welcome Portal, featuring an enormous sandcastle, is where cruisers will first set foot on Celebration Key. While live music plays, guests will be given information to help them plan a day of fun.

The Family-Friendly Portal is Celebration Key’s destination for families with kids of all ages. The area includes a large freshwater lagoon, a splash pad with a shallow pool, two racing waterslides (in the giant sandcastle!), sports courts, spaces designed for kids and teens to enjoy, and a beach with complimentary loungers. This portal also offers a variety of cabana rentals—including beach cabanas, villas with personal slides into the lagoon, and floating cabanas.

Celebration Key’s Family-Friendly Portal will feature two racing waterslides that zip around its enormous sandcastle (image courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line)

Carnival promises not only activities for the entire family, but also a wide range of food choices to suit everyone’s tastes.

The Adult-Friendly Portal is for adult cruisers who want to spend the day relaxing on the warm sands of the Bahamian beach or in the freshwater lagoon. Guests can enjoy their favorite cocktails at the large swim-up bar while listening to tunes spun by a professional DJ.

There will be several cabana rental options available here, including beach cabanas, villas with personal slides into the lagoon, and floating cabanas. This area will also offer various dining options including a full-service restaurant serving a variety of cuisines, including Bahamian specialties.

The Private Club Portal is Celebration Key’s premium experience, designed for those who want to spend a luxurious day at the resort. The exclusive club is an adults-only refuge with an infinity pool overlooking the Bahamian waters, as well as loungers swaying beneath palm trees and lush flora.

A designated part of the beach will offer elite and private access, as well as more upscale food options.

Celebration Key’s Retail Portal will highlight Bahamian culture with a backdrop of murals created by local artists. Cruisers can shop for authentic Bahamian handcrafted goods, discover local Bahamian businesses, and look for bargains at the duty-free stores.

The Retail Portal will also offer a variety of food and beverage venues serving Bahamas favorites.

Celebration Key will open in summer 2025

Celebration Key is a featured stop on over 500 cruise itineraries currently open for sale on 18 Carnival ships departing from nine US homeports. The private destination is scheduled to open in July 2025.

Carnival ships will dock at an adjacent cruise pier capable of accommodating up to two of the cruise line’s largest ships at once, providing visitors with direct access to the destination. Celebration Key will also feature an events pavilion dedicated to hosting weddings, vow renewals, and other special occasions.

For a sneak peek of what to expect at Celebration Key, click on the short video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqe7S2DjP4I

Celebration Key, Your Key to Paradise | Carnival Cruise Line (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqe7S2DjP4I)

Carnival plans to eventually expand Celebration Key to include a water park and a zipline course. The cruise line has also hinted that it will share more details about each of the portals over the coming months, so be sure to subscribe to Should Be Cruising for all the latest news!

More news about Carnival Cruise Line

What are your thoughts about Carnival opening Celebration Key on Grand Bahama? Are you excited to visit? Let me know in the comments!

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Carrie Ann Karstunen

Carrie Ann is the founder of Should Be Cruising and a lifelong travel fanatic. A former flight attendant, she now prefers cruise ships over airplanes and spends several months each year cruising and exploring cruise ports. Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

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