Carnival Cruise Line Opens $600M Celebration Key Private Island, Welcomes Thousands

Carnival Cruise Line has officially opened Celebration Key, a $600 million exclusive private destination and cruise port on Grand Bahama, welcoming its first guests aboard the Carnival Vista. The destination features expansive amenities including twin lagoons spanning over 12.5 acres, a 10-story Suncastle waterslide tower, multiple dining options, shopping areas, and family- and adult-friendly zones like the Pearl Cove Beach Club. The opening ceremony included Carnival executives and celebrities such as president Christine Duffy, CEO Josh Weinstein, and Shaquille O’Neal, who helped celebrate with a ribbon-cutting, fireworks, and a symbolic key turn. Celebration Key is expected to attract around two million visitors in its first year, create significant economic benefits, and provide jobs for over 1,200 local Bahamians, many returning after Hurricane Dorian. The port currently accommodates two ships with expansion plans underway, offering a cashless experience and a wide range of recreational activities. Carnival emphasizes its long-term commitment to the Bahamas, marking Celebration Key as a major milestone and a new era for the cruise line.