#United States #Grand Bahama #Carnival Cruise Line #Celebration Key

Carnival Cruise Line Launches Celebration Key in Grand Bahama

Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened the gates to its spectacular new destination, Celebration Key, located on Grand Bahama. This impressive venture marks a significant investment of $600 million aimed at enhancing the cruise experience for guests. Over the weekend, the Carnival Vista, carrying nearly 5,000 passengers, made its inaugural visit to this premier cruise port, showcasing the stunning amenities that await visitors.

A Tropical Paradise Awaits

The grand unveiling ceremony featured high-profile guests including Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, and the beloved Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal. They collectively 'unlocked' the entrance to the iconic 10-story Suncastle, which boasts two exhilarating waterslides and serves as a centerpiece for the destination.

Duffy expressed her excitement, stating, "Opening this new exclusive destination marks an extraordinary milestone for Carnival. Celebration Key is not just a beautiful locale; it encapsulates the essence of the Bahamian paradise blended with a myriad of thrilling experiences for our guests."

Five Distinct Areas of Fun

Celebration Key features five distinct areas for exploration:

1. Paradise Plaza: This vibrant central area welcomes guests with live music and festivities.
2. Starfish Lagoon: A family-friendly zone housing one of the Caribbean's largest freshwater lagoons, boasting 275,000 square feet, along with a splash pad, sports courts, and relaxing beach spaces adorned with loungers and cabanas. Food options include Captain's Galley Food Hall and the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar.
3. Calypso Lagoon: Tailored for adults, this lagoon also extends to 275,000 square feet and features the world's largest swim-up bar, ensuring a lively atmosphere with DJ Island presenting music and drinks.
4. Pearl Cove Beach Club: The largest adults-only retreat found at any cruise destination offers an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool with stunning views, alongside upscale dining districts.
5. Lokono Cove: The destination's shopping village, where visitors can discover authentic Bahamian culture through artwork and handmade goods.

Diverse Culinary and Entertainment Offerings

With over 30 dining venues, guests can indulge in a variety of culinary delights and enjoy live entertainment, which includes festive Junkanoo parades and lively beach games. The setup allows for a delightful mix of action and relaxation, catering to various tastes and preferences.

For those craving a perfect beach day, there is an expansive stretch of more than one mile of white sand beaches, complemented by adjacent cruise piers ready to accommodate two of Carnival's largest ships simultaneously — further enhancements to the infrastructure are already underway to support future growth.

An Economic Boost for Grand Bahama

The introduction of Celebration Key is expected to draw over two million visitors annually to Grand Bahama, with expectations to increase to four million by 2028. This influx will significantly impact the local economy, generating hundreds of long-term jobs and facilitating opportunities for local businesses.

In addition to recreational and entertainment prospects, the destination promises a vast array of water activities, shore excursions, and private relaxation options through its collection of cabanas, daybeds, and villas.

Overall, Celebration Key represents a new frontier for Carnival Cruise Line as it commits to reshaping cruise tourism in the Caribbean, ensuring that guests enjoy unforgettable beach days infused with the spirit of Bahamian culture.

For more information about Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise to this vibrant new destination, visitors can contact 1-800-CARNIVAL or browse www.carnival.com.