Racing waterslides and aquamarine lagoons: A guide to Carnival's new private island
The 10-story Suncastle – technically made of sturdier stuff than sand – is the grand centerpiece of Celebration Key, the line's new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama. Adorned with conch shells and a golden sun, the castle sets the tone for an epic beach day.
The structure also towers over Paradise Plaza, one of five distinct areas or 'portals.'
'There really is something for everyone,' Christine Duffy, Carnival's president, told USA TODAY onboard Carnival Vista ahead of Celebration Key's grand opening. Here's how each portal is different.
Paradise Plaza
A walkway – which is partially covered, a welcome feature on a nearly 90-degree day in late July – connects the pier where Carnival's ships dock to Celebration Key. Guests enter at Paradise Plaza, passing through a sun-shaped archway.
The area is home to Suncastle's pink Flash Flamingo and blue Mach III Marlin racing water slides, which cost $14.99 for unlimited access and are included with cabana and supervilla reservations. Guests can also cool down with ice cream at Yumshine Scoops; visit the shore excursions and guest services desk to make bookings and get information; and find beach wheelchairs (available first-come, first-served).
The plaza also offers access to other portals via walking paths and nearby tram stops.
Starfish Lagoon
Starfish Lagoon is designed with families in mind, built around what the line bills as one of the Caribbean's two biggest freshwater lagoons. Guests can swim there or at nearby Starfish Beach; sunbathe in loungers; or grab burgers, pizza, tacos and more at the open-air Captain's Galley Food Hall.
Other dining options include Gill's Grill, serving up Caribbean seafood along with other fare, and the Starfish Food Trucks (look out for Mini Donut King's guava cheesecake donut, which was tangy and just the right portion). Parents and kids alike can also enjoy tropical drinks, such as the frozen cocktails and mocktails from Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.
For the sporty set, basketball – at an on-site court – table tennis and other games can be found in Starfish Lagoon (there are sports offered in another area, Calypso Lagoon, as well). Water-based excursions also depart from a pier off Starfish Beach.
Lokono Cove
As the destination's retail hub, guests can buy handmade Bahamian goods and other items, from woodcarvings to jewelry and duty-free products. Suncastle Grounds Coffee also offers iced drinks – or hot beverages, if you dare – for a price and a place to perch.
Land-based shore excursions depart from Lokono Cove, and guests can find taxis and rental cars to go elsewhere on Grand Bahama.
Calypso Lagoon
Calypso Lagoon is the grown-up answer to Starfish Lagoon. Sunshine Swings Bar has swings for seats, while guests can float up to the adults-only Calypso Lagoon Swim-Up Bar (guests must be at least 18 to enjoy the western portion of Calypso Lagoon). That part of Celebration Key felt like more of a party during my visit, thanks in part to the in-water DJ Island.
Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen offers covered seating and serves a wide range of options, from conch fritters to chicken wings and sandwiches. Pro tip: try the key lime pie.
For other casual dining, visitors can head to Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews – with Bahamian craft beers on the menu – or the Calypso Food Trucks, among others. Calypso Beach is just a short walk away, too.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
Located at the western edge of Celebration Key, Pearl Cove offers an exclusive experience for an additional cost. The area features its own stretch of beach, an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, and a private restaurant and bar, all offering prime views of the pier. There are three tiers of pricing:
How much does Celebration Key cost?
In addition to the water slides and beach club, guests can pay extra to customize their experience in other ways, such as choosing from a range of daybed, cabana and supervilla rentals if they want more comfort, but there is plenty of open space.
The destination's Island Eats program allows each guest to get one free meal at fast casual venues – many come with a side and cookie – or a 25% discount on an entree at a full-service restaurant. Kids who haven't redeemed their Island Eats meal can also order from the kids menu at full-service restaurants for no additional charge. Visitors can buy other food for an additional charge.
Not all venues participate in Island Eats, but I noticed complimentary options were denoted for those that did on the menus during my visit.
While onboard drink packages do not extend to Celebration Key, onboard internet plans do.
Shore excursions, from dolphin encounters to Jeep tours, also come at an extra cost, and there are kayaks, snorkel gear and lockers available to rent. Travelers can browse add-ons and pricing on Carnival's website.
Duffy noted that this month's opening is just phase one. Celebration Key currently has two berths, and the cruise line previously said it will add two more by 2026.
The destination builds on parent company, Carnival Corp.'s, long-held portfolio of land-based offerings, with another one of its Bahamas destinations, Princess Cays, established in 1992. 'I think the scale of what we have at Celebration key is really what's new,' Duffy said.
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