A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
+26 A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
Discover Celebration Key: Carnival’s New Family Escape
South Florida families now have a spectacular new vacation destination just a short cruise away. Carnival Cruise Line opens Celebration Key in The Bahamas—an exclusive, $600M paradise full of adventure, relaxation, and Caribbean charm.
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
A New Paradise Just a Cruise Away: Celebration Key Welcomes South Florida Families to the Bahamas
For families in South Florida searching for an exciting and convenient tropical getaway, a new Caribbean paradise is now closer than ever. With the grand opening of Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled a $600 million exclusive destination in Grand Bahama that promises to become a favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Celebration Key isn’t just another stop on a cruise — it’s a vibrant, sun-soaked island experience tailor-made for families, adventure seekers, and those who simply want to unwind on pristine beaches. Located just a short cruise from Florida ports, this stunning new destination is Carnival’s first-ever cruise port developed exclusively for its guests, combining world-class amenities with the charm and hospitality of the Bahamas.
A Vision Come to Life
More than 25 years in the making, Celebration Key officially opened its gates on July 19, 2025, when the Carnival Vista arrived with nearly 5,000 eager guests. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy, Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein, and none other than Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer Shaquille O’Neal were on hand to “unlock” the island’s first attractions — including the towering 10-story Suncastle, which features two exhilarating water slides.
“This isn’t just a destination. It’s a celebration,” said Duffy. “Whether you’re seeking fun under the sun or peaceful relaxation, we’ve built the ultimate beach day experience right here in the Bahamas — just a few hours from Florida.”
Built for Families, Designed for Fun
The heart of Celebration Key is divided into five distinct zones, each offering unique experiences for visitors of all ages.
Starfish Lagoon is every family’s dream come true. One of the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, it features a massive splash pad, shallow pools, sports courts, and the thrilling Suncastle slides. Parents can kick back in beachside loungers or shaded cabanas while kids run wild in a safe and playful environment. Dining options abound, with everything from fresh seafood at Gill’s Grill to casual eats at Captain’s Galley Food Hall.
Calypso Lagoon caters to adults, with its own 275,000-square-foot lagoon, the world’s largest swim-up bar, and a DJ island where guests can sip tropical cocktails while enjoying the island beats. The Sunshine Swings Bar, with nearly 50 swings set in the sand, is the perfect spot for sunset selfies and cocktails with a view.
Pearl Cove Beach Club, Celebration Key’s adults-only luxury retreat, offers a more tranquil and refined experience. Featuring an expansive infinity pool, private beach access, upscale dining at Pearl Cove Restaurant, and exclusive cabanas and villas, it’s ideal for couples or friends seeking a quieter escape.
Lokono Cove, the island’s cultural and retail village, brings the soul of the Bahamas to life. Here, visitors can explore vibrant murals, shop for locally made art and handmade goods, and connect with the Bahamian spirit. The village is named after the Indigenous Lokono people, paying tribute to the island’s rich cultural heritage.
And it all starts at Paradise Plaza, the welcoming hub where guests are greeted with live music, smiling faces, and a sense of adventure in the air.
Accessible, Authentic, and Always in Season
What sets Celebration Key apart is not just its amenities but its accessibility. With Carnival ships departing from 10 U.S. homeports — including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa — South Florida residents can reach paradise in no time. In 2025 alone, Celebration Key is expected to host more than two million guests, with that number doubling by 2028.
This destination isn’t just good for travelers — it’s a game-changer for the Grand Bahama community. Carnival has hired over 1,200 Bahamians and partnered with more than 25 local businesses to operate on the island, providing long-term jobs and economic revitalization after the devastating impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Year-Round Wonder
What makes Celebration Key a perfect year-round escape is its ability to blend excitement with relaxation. From adrenaline-pumping water slides and sports courts to peaceful beaches and private cabanas, there’s something for every type of traveler. With over 30 food and beverage options, live entertainment, beach games, and immersive cultural experiences, the island never stops offering something new to explore.
And with plans already underway to expand Celebration Key by an additional 154 acres, including a 110-acre nature preserve, it’s clear that this island will continue evolving and welcoming new adventures for years to come.
A New Tradition Begins
As families across South Florida look for ways to escape the everyday without going too far from home, Celebration Key emerges as the ultimate destination — a place close enough to reach in a weekend but extraordinary enough to feel like a world away.
Whether you’re building sandcastles with your kids, sipping cocktails with friends, or simply soaking in the Bahamian sun, Celebration Key is calling.
The best part? It’s all just one cruise away.
