Celebration Key cruise port guide

Celebration Key — Bahamas.

Celebration Key is Carnival Corporation's $600M+ private island destination on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas, opened July 2025. The 379-acre destination is split into five themed zones called portals: Paradise Plaza (welcome entrance with the iconic 10-story Suncastle), Starfish Lagoon (family beach and pools), Calypso Lagoon (adults-focused lagoon and DJ island), Lokono Cove (Bahamian artisan market and shopping), and Pearl Cove Beach Club (adults-only premium experience). Every guest receives one complimentary meal via the Island Eats program, and over 30 dining and bar options are spread across the island. With direct pier access, a complimentary tram system, and a mix of free and paid experiences, Celebration Key suits a wide range of budgets and travel styles.

Getting ashore

Where do cruise ships dock in Celebration Key?

The ship docks directly at Celebration Key's own pier — no tender required. From the pier it's a 6–10 minute walk (flat and paved) or a free tram ride to Paradise Plaza, the main entrance. Trams depart every 5–10 minutes and are the fastest way to reach the far portals.

Getting around

Complimentary trams connect all five portals and run every 5–10 minutes throughout the day. The island is walkable but distances between portals can be 15–20 minutes on foot. Paved pathways throughout. Beach wheelchairs are available on a first-come basis at no charge near the pier.

Don't miss

• Starfish Lagoon & Calypso Lagoon (free) (Full day) — The centerpiece of Celebration Key — 275,000+ sq ft of freshwater pool and lagoon split between the family zone (Starfish) and the adult zone (Calypso). Both include free sun loungers and umbrellas. Calypso has a DJ island and a 13+ section. Arrive early to get a spot.
• Suncastle Waterslides ($15/person) (30 min) — The iconic 10-story sandcastle at Paradise Plaza houses two waterslides. A flat $15 per person fee covers unlimited slides for the day. Popular with families — go first thing or late afternoon to avoid lines.
• Pearl Cove Beach Club (from $100/person, adults 18+) (Full day) — The premium adults-only experience at the far end of the island. Includes a private beach, infinity pool, swim-up bar and dedicated lounge chairs, plus a full-service restaurant. Passes run ~$100 (access; food and drinks extra), ~$140 (adds open bar) and ~$180 per person (all-inclusive with lunch). Book through the Carnival Hub app before your sailing — it sells out well in advance.
• Junkanoo parade (free) (20–30 min) — A live Bahamian Junkanoo parade runs twice daily at Paradise Plaza with costumed performers, goombay drums and local music. Check the Carnival Hub app for exact times the morning of your visit.
• Lokono Cove artisan market (free to browse) (1 hr) — The shopping and cultural zone featuring Bahamian artisans selling local crafts, art, and souvenirs. One of the few places at a private island destination where purchases directly support local makers.

Planning your day

Get off the ship early to claim free beach loungers in Starfish and Calypso Lagoon before they fill up — chairs go fast by mid-morning. Use your Island Eats credit at a fast-casual venue around 11am to beat the lunch rush, or save it for a 40% discount at a full-service restaurant. Cheers packages do NOT apply ashore, so budget around $50 per person for drinks. If you want Pearl Cove, book before the sailing through the Carnival Hub app — it sells out. You can return to the ship for the free buffet during port time to save on food spending.

Food & drink

Every guest receives the Island Eats credit — one complimentary fast-casual meal (entrée + side + cookie) at Captain's Galley Food Hall, food trucks, or snack shacks, OR a 40% discount on one entrée at a full-service restaurant. Over 30 dining and bar options are spread across the island. Beverages are not included in Carnival's Cheers package ashore and must be purchased separately. Guests can also return to the ship during port time to use onboard dining at no extra cost.

Where to eat

• Captain's Galley Food Hall (free with Island Eats) — The main fast-casual dining hall covering the Island Eats credit. Fast-casual counters serving burgers, pizza, tacos and bowls, chicken and Mediterranean dishes, with free lemonade and iced tea. Best visited at 11am or after 1:30pm to avoid the noon crowd.
• Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen (40% off with Island Eats) — Full-service Caribbean restaurant serving tropical dishes and cocktails. If you'd rather have a sit-down meal, apply your Island Eats credit here for 40% off one entrée.
• Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews (40% off with Island Eats) — BBQ-focused full-service venue with Caribbean-spiced grilled meats, ribs and craft-style beers. A good option for those wanting something more substantial than the food hall.
• Gill's Grill (40% off with Island Eats) — Seafood-forward full-service grill. Fresh fish, shrimp and island-inspired plates. Apply your Island Eats credit for the 40% discount on one entrée.
• Pearl Cove Restaurant & Swim-Up Bar (Pearl Cove access required) — Upscale dining and a swim-up bar exclusive to Pearl Cove Beach Club guests. Food is à la carte unless you book the top All Inclusive pass, which includes lunch.

Must try

• Island Eats fast-casual credit — Your included meal — use it at Captain's Galley or one of the food trucks. Covers an entrée, side and cookie. Solid island fare at no extra cost.
• Sky Juice (paid) — The classic Bahamian cocktail — gin, coconut water and sweet milk. Available at bars across the island. The most authentic local drink to try in the Bahamas.
• Rum punch at Calypso Lagoon bar (paid) — The swim-up and poolside bars in Calypso serve island rum punch and frozen drinks. Note Cheers packages don't apply — budget $12–16 per cocktail.

Know before you go

• 🍹 Cheers package doesn't work ashore — Carnival's Cheers beverage package is NOT valid at Celebration Key. All drinks are pay-as-you-go: cocktails ~$12.50–$16, beer ~$7–$9, bottled water ~$3. Budget around $50 per person for a comfortable day of drinks.
• 🚢 You can go back to the ship for food — The ship stays docked all day and onboard dining venues remain open. If you want to save money, return to the ship for lunch — the buffet is free and the tram makes it easy.
• 🎒 What to bring — Bring your Sail & Sign card (the island is cashless; a credit or debit card also works), sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle (free iced water stations throughout). Towels are available for exchange. Coolers and alcohol brought from the ship are prohibited.
• 🔒 Lockers — Paid lockers are available near the beach areas. Large: $20/day or $10/hour. Medium: $15/day or $5/hour. Worth it if you're planning to use the waterslides or swim without your bag.
• 🛶 Water sports rentals (paid) — Kayaks from $29.99, paddleboards from $39.99, pool noodles $10.99. Available from the watersports centre near the lagoons.
• 🏖️ Cabanas & daybeds (paid) — Private cabanas start around $600 for four (about $740 over the lagoon), and Super Villas for bigger groups run roughly $2,000–$2,800. Daybeds for two are about $150. Book through the Carnival Hub app before sailing — popular dates sell out quickly.
• 📶 Connectivity — Free Wi-Fi is available in Paradise Plaza and dining areas. Cell signal is limited elsewhere on the island. Download the Carnival Hub app and screenshot maps and schedules before going ashore.
• ♿ Accessibility — Paved pathways connect all portals. Complimentary beach wheelchairs available on a first-come basis near the pier. Trams are accessible. Accessible restrooms throughout.

Sources: eatsleepcruise.com/carnival-celebration-key-bahamas; eatsleepcruise.com/whats-included-carnival-celebration-key; forbes.com — Review of Celebration Key, July 2025; carnival.com