Carnival’s brand-new unique vacation spot, Celebration Key, formally opened in July 2025 on Grand Bahama Island and we had been among the many first visitors to go to. Unlike conventional cruise non-public islands, Celebration Key operates extra like an “exclusive destination” quite than an extension of your ship. This means understanding what’s included versus what prices additional is essential for planning your excellent day in paradise. That’s why we’ve put collectively this entire information following our go to to clarify what’s truly included on Celebration Key and what’s not so you may funds accordingly.
What’s FREE on Carnival Celebration Key
The excellent news? Celebration Key provides loads of complimentary experiences that may simply fill your whole day with out spending a dime past your cruise fare. From the second you step off the ship, you’ll have entry to a number of the most spectacular pool and seaside amenities within the Bahamas, together with family-friendly actions, dwell leisure, and handy transportation across the island.
Celebration Key doesn’t comply with the “everything included” mannequin like another cruise line non-public islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay or NCL’s Great Stirrup Cay; nonetheless, the facilities which can be included are fairly spectacular. The centerpiece lagoon swimming pools alone are definitely worth the go to, and when mixed with the pristine seashores, sports activities amenities, and genuine Bahamian vibes, you may completely have a tremendous day with out breaking the financial institution.
Beach and Pool Access
Starfish Lagoon: Family-friendly freshwater lagoon with light sloped entry
Calypso Lagoon: Adult-friendly freshwater lagoon with DJ leisure
Starfish Beach: Family-friendly seaside space with complimentary loungers and umbrellas
Calypso Beach: Adult-oriented seaside space with loads of free seating and umbrellas too
18+ Section of Calypso Lagoon: Adults-only pool space (complimentary, western aspect of lagoon)
Combined, these lagoons complete over 275,000 sq. ft, making them the 2 largest freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean. In reality, they’re 8 instances bigger than Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Lagoon.
Family Activities & Entertainment
Guppy Grotto Splash Pad: Shallow wading pool and water options for little ones
Gaming Pavilion: Table tennis, cornhole, and extra
Sports Courts: Basketball, volleyball, and pickleball courts throughout Starfish and Calypso areas
Live Entertainment: Caribbean music at Paradise Plaza and Junkanoo parades twice day by day
Iconic Photo Ops: Sun-shaped arch at Paradise Plaza and the towering Suncastle construction
Food & Drinks
Select Food: One meal per visitor as a part of Island Eats (extra on this beneath)
Iced Water: Iced water stations and water bottle refills stations across the resort
Transportation
Complimentary Trams: Two tram loops serving all portals with pickups each 5-10 minutes
Beach Wheelchairs: Available at Paradise Plaza on a first-come foundation
Easy Walking: Just 6-10 minutes from ship to Paradise Plaza
WiFi
Ship Internet: Shipboard WiFi works whereas ashore
Carnival HUB App: HUB app works ashore even with out a WiFi package deal
Resort Amenities
Freshwater showers
Restrooms
Towel Exchange: Guests should carry towels from the ship however can trade for dry ones on the Cabana Concierge through the day
Island Eats: Carnival’s Unique Free Meal Program
You’ve in all probability heard by now that issues work a bit in a different way relating to meals on Celebration Key. Unlike different cruise non-public islands with limitless buffets, Celebration Key makes use of the “Island Eats” credit score system. This entitles every visitor to 1 meal at one time through the day at choose places and on choose gadgets.
How Island Eats Works:
One credit score per visitor on your whole go to
Choose both:
One full meal at fast-casual venues (entrée + aspect + cookie)
25% low cost on one entrée at full-service eating places
All stateroom credit are linked – watch out to not use another person’s credit score in your cabin
Kids below 12 eat free from youngsters’ menus at full-service eating places (with their Island Eats credit score)
Drinks NOT included with the meal – solely ice water is free island-wide
Where to Use Your Island Eats Credit
Fast-Casual Options (Full Meal Included):
Captain’s Galley Food Hall (burgers, pizza, sizzling canine)
Food Trucks throughout each lagoons (number of choices)
Snack Shacks (wraps and salads)
Full-Service Restaurants (25% Off Entrée):
Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen (Calypso Lagoon)
Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews (Calypso Lagoon)
Gill’s Grill (Starfish Lagoon)
Pro Tip: Review menus rigorously as not all gadgets at every venue are coated by Island Eats credit. Be positive to search for the Island Eats image earlier than ordering if you happen to don’t need to pay out-of-pocket. To complicate issues even additional, a number of the meals are ONLY out there by way of Island Eats. For occasion, the Island Eats meal on the Fowl Play meals truck is 4 wings, however you may solely order 6-piece or 10-piece wings when paying a la carte.
For an entire breakdown of Island Eats, Celebration Key’s food and drinks choices, and restaurant menus, see our full information.
What Costs Extra on Celebration Key
While Celebration Key supplies glorious complimentary facilities, understanding the upcharge gadgets is essential for funds planning. As we’ve already mentioned, in contrast to cruise non-public islands the place most meals is limitless, Celebration Key operates in a different way. Premium experiences, all drinks, and extra eating past your one Island Eats credit score all come at an additional value.
Yes, Carnival’s Cheers beverage package deal does NOT work on Celebration Key both. This means all drinks moreover iced water will value you additional. This contains alcoholic drinks, bottled water, espresso, and soda.
While Carnival’s beverage packages don’t prolong to the island, and your single Island Eats credit score might not cowl every thing your loved ones desires to eat all through the day, the opposite upcharge experiences are typically well-priced when in comparison with comparable facilities at land-based Caribbean resorts.
So, let’s breakdown what prices additional and the way a lot they really value.
Beverages
All drinks value additional – Carnival’s Cheers! package deal does NOT work on the island
Cocktails: $12.50-$16
Beer: $7-$9
Wine: $8-$11.50
Coffee: $3.25-$7.75
Soft drinks: $3.50
Only ice water is complimentary
Premium Experiences
Suncastle Waterslides: $15 per individual for all-day entry to twin racing slides
Pearl Cove Beach Club (Adults-Only):
Basic entry: $100+ per individual (contains welcome drink)
Open bar entry: $140+ per individual (10-drink restrict)
All-inclusive: $180+ per individual (contains lunch from a separate menu + 10 drinks)
Additional Food & Treats
Ice cream at Yumshine Scoops: $5+
Coffee at Suncastle Grounds: $3.25-$7.75
Additional meals past your Island Eats credit score
Cabana & Villa Rentals
Cabanas: $600-$900 (accommodate 4-6 visitors)
Over-Lagoon Cabanas: $740+ (contains non-public solar shelf)
AquaBanas: $450+ (floating cabanas for as much as 8 individuals)
Super Villas: $1,800-$2,800 (accommodate as much as 10 visitors)
Daybeds: $150+ (two-person daybeds with cover)
Resort Amenities
Lockers: Rentals situated close to restrooms and have built-in telephone chargers
Large lockers (accommodates backpacks, baggage, small strollers, and so on.) are $20 all day and $10 hourly
Medium lockers (appropriate for small private gadgets) are $15 all day price and $5 hourly
Guests who buy all-day entry might make the most of locker hopping which permits them to relocate to a different out there locker financial institution all through the day
Lockers are free for Pearl Cove Beach Club members
Shopping: Lokono Cove
Watersport leases:
noodles $10.99
floating mats and tubes $19.99
snorkel gear $19.99
kayaks beginning at $29.99
stand-up paddleboards $39.99
Shore Excursions
While visiting Carnival’s Celebration Key, visitors can freely go away the resort to discover extra of Grand Bahama Island if they need. They can hire taxis or ebook shore excursions straight with Carnival. Some examples of shore excursions out there embody:
ATV adventures and seaside breaks
Zipline experiences at Pirate’s Cove
Grand Bahama Island excursions
Swimming with pigs excursions
How Celebration Key Compares to Other Private Islands
Understanding the place Celebration Key matches within the spectrum of cruise non-public locations helps set lifelike expectations on your go to. While it doesn’t provide the all-inclusive expertise of Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay or Disney’s Castaway Cay, it supplies considerably extra worth than conventional Caribbean ports the place just about every thing prices additional.
Think of Celebration Key as the center floor between absolutely inclusive non-public islands and pay-per-experience locations. You’re getting high-end amenities and one meal included, however you’ll need to funds for drinks and extra meals all through the day. This mannequin permits Carnival to supply spectacular facilities mixed with genuine Bahamian aptitude whereas conserving cruise fares aggressive.
More Included Than:
Traditional ports within the Bahamas and Caribbean the place every thing prices additional
Carnival Corp. locations like Mahogany Bay and Amber Cove
Less Included Than:
Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay (limitless meals, drink packages work)
Disney’s Castaway Cay (intensive complimentary eating)
Norwegian’s Great Stirrup Cay (free lunch and a few drinks)
Carnival Corp.’s Half Moon Cay (limitless buffet however Carnival’s drink package deal doesn’t work)
Budget Planning Tips for Celebration Key
Smart planning could make all of the distinction between a tense day of surprising prices and a calming trip.
The great thing about Celebration Key is that you would be able to simply customise your expertise based mostly in your funds and priorities. Whether you need to stick with the complimentary facilities or splurge on premium experiences, figuring out your choices upfront allows you to make intentional selections quite than impulse choices.
For a Budget-Friendly Day:
Use your Island Eats credit score correctly at meals vehicles or Captain’s Galley Food Hall
Stick to free actions: lagoons, seashores, gaming pavilion, sports activities courts
Bring a refillable water bottle without spending a dime water stations
Return to ship for extra meals if wanted
For a Splurge Day:
Book Pearl Cove Beach Club for adults-only luxurious
Rent a cabana or villa for premium facilities
Try the Suncastle waterslides
Explore a number of eating places and bars throughout the island
Pro Money-Saving Tips:
Return to ship without spending a dime eating: Buffet and different informal venues stay open whereas in Celebration Key
Share cabanas with different households to separate prices
Forego shore excursions and simply loosen up on the seaside or within the lagoon swimming pools
Wait to eat alcoholic drinks till again on the ship; beverage packages nonetheless work on the ship whereas docked in Celebration Key
Check your cell service protection: If your plan doesn’t embody the Bahamas, go away your telephone in airplane mode so that you don’t incur roaming prices
The Bottom Line
Celebration Key provides spectacular complimentary facilities, notably the large lagoon swimming pools and exquisite seashores. The Island Eats program supplies one strong meal per individual, although the dearth of limitless eating and beverage packages means you’ll possible spend greater than at different cruise non-public islands.
Budget roughly $50-$100 per individual for a cushty day together with drinks and snacks, or $150-$200+ per individual in order for you a extra premium expertise.
Despite the extra prices, Celebration Key delivers on Carnival’s promise of FUN with genuine Bahamian touches and loads of methods to customise your day of enjoyable within the solar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Celebration Key
Can I go away Celebration Key and return to the ship through the day? Yes, you may come and go between the ship and Celebration Key as many instances as you need. The ship’s complimentary eating venues and a few bars stay open whereas docked.
What ought to I carry from the ship to Celebration Key? Bring your Sail & Sign card, bank card/money, bathing swimsuit, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, towels, and any private gadgets you want.
Can I carry meals and drinks from the ship to Celebration Key? The official reply is not any, nonetheless, you possible gained’t be stopped for bringing a small quantity of non-alcoholic drinks to Celebration Key, like bottled water or gatorade. Alcoholic drinks from the ship are strictly prohibited as are coolers with meals.
Are seaside chairs, towels, and umbrellas out there at Celebration Key? Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary and might be discovered all through the seashores and surrounding the lagoon swimming pools. Beach towels must be introduced from the ship except you’ve Pearl Cove Beach Club entry.
Are telephone charging stations out there on Celebration Key? Chargers (USB-A and USB-C) can be found inside for-fee lockers, and retailers can be found in massive cabanas and tremendous villas.
Are there therapeutic massage or spa providers out there? Spa providers will not be at present provided at Celebration Key.
What is the swim diaper coverage? Regular diapers will not be permitted in any pool amenities. Swim diapers are required for non-potty-trained kids within the splash pad and shallow areas of Starfish Lagoon.
Are there lifeguards at Celebration Key? Yes, Celebration Key has skilled lifeguards stationed at swimming pools and choose seaside areas for security.
Is smoking allowed at Celebration Key? Yes, however smoking of every kind is barely permitted in designated areas. Check supplied maps or signage across the island for particular places.
Are scooters allowed at Celebration Key? Guests are welcome to carry their scooters into port, however there aren’t any designated charging stations.
Comments
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