In a sun-drenched unveiling on Saturday, Carnival Cruise Line welcomed its first guests to the much-anticipated Celebration Key, an exclusive destination set in the stunning Bahamas.
Celebration Key. Photo Credit: Teri West
Cruise editor Teri West explored Carnival’s latest private island on its grand opening, discovering a variety of ways to unwind, sip cocktails, and enjoy the refreshing water attractions.
Carnival President Christine Duffy characterized the event as a culmination of over 25 years of planning, marked by vibrant celebrations including a lively performance from a Bahamian band welcoming guests from the Carnival Vista. Notably, Carnival’s brand ambassador and chief fun officer, Shaquille O’Neal, made a special appearance.
During her inaugural speech, Duffy emphasized, “This truly is just the beginning. We anticipate calls from 20 Carnival cruise ships hailing from 10 different U.S. homeports.” Following her welcome address, a spectacular display of fireworks erupted from the island’s impressive sandcastle structure, which also confirmed operational fire safety measures, before the ceremonial ribbon-cutting took place.
Shaquille O’Neal made a memorable visit to the destination’s basketball court, sinking a few initial shots and creating a hand mold that will allow future guests to compare their hand sizes to the basketball legend’s.
Carnival expects an influx of around 2 million visitors to Celebration Key in its inaugural year, with projections of up to 4 million annually by 2028. Covering 68 acres, the accessible area features five distinct sections and boasts an impressive 350 million-gallon freshwater pool, a 10-story sandcastle with two exhilarating waterslides, direct beach access, and a premium beach club section available for an additional fee.
This ambitious project represents a $600 million investment for Carnival, a sum that Duffy highlighted while humorously acknowledging Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein, who retorted, “And it’s going to make us $6 billion.”
A Bahamian band paraded the pier at Celebration Key’s grand opening. Photo Credit: Teri West
The island is currently equipped to accommodate two cruise ships simultaneously. Guests can enjoy complimentary lunch from food trucks or receive a 25% discount on entrées at one of Celebration Key’s dining outlets.
Various cabanas and villas are available for rent, with options catering to different family sizes. For instance, Matilda Patterson and her family chose a cabana positioned away from the shoreline in the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon area, which they rented for $399. They expressed satisfaction with the offerings, including fresh fruits, chips, salsa, and drinks, praising the welcoming atmosphere of the island.
In the words of Patterson, “Everyone’s been so friendly. They seem genuinely happy we’re here.”
