Celebration Key: Carnival’s Newest Private Resort
Celebration Key isn’t a private island—it’s a private resort destination developed by Carnival Cruise Line. Spanning over 379 acres (with 68 acres currently open), it’s designed to be more than just a beach day. Think: freshwater lagoons, beach clubs, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
The best part? Access is included in your cruise fare. No tender boats, no extra tickets—just step off the ship and start exploring. All you need to do is book a cruise that has Celebration Key as a port.
What Makes Celebration Key Special?
Carnival has finally built a destination exclusively for its cruisers, and it’s already making waves:
379 acres of tropical paradise, with 68 acres developed so far
30+ bars and restaurants, including local Bahamian flavors
Kid-friendly splash zones and adults-only retreats
The Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons
Featured on 20 Carnival ships sailing from 12 U.S. ports in 2025–2026
What’s Included (and What’s Extra)
Included:
Access to the massive freshwater lagoon (perfect for families)
Lounge chairs and shaded areas
Beach access with soft white sand
Local entertainment and cultural touches
Casual dining spots and bars - Look for the sign Island Eats
Extra (but worth considering):
Private cabanas and daybeds
Adults-only beach club with upgraded amenities
Watersports and excursions
Premium dining options
I recently visited Celebration Key thanks to a casino deal on the Carnival Conquest. I really wanted to visit this brand new destination to see if it was worth the hype! I absolutely loved it. There is so much to do at Celebration Key. For my visit to Celebration Key, I was traveling with my cruise agent, Mary. We both agreed we wanted to get up early and start exploring. We got off the ship as soon as we could and headed toward the swing-up bar.
We found some chairs here with a nice umbrella. We decided that our first goal would be to inflate our floats and explore the entire pool by water. This was an excellent plan. At that point, there were only a handful of people in the pool. So we enjoyed taking pictures as we toured the pool by float. Check out my 5 Caribbean Cruise Must-Haves here. After we explored the pools, we found two hammocks in the shade and took naps. Yes! I know we are so wild. We intended to try them out, but they were so comfortable we ended up taking a quick snooze.
Many cool places to hang at Celebration Key
Our Favorite Moments
From floating around the lagoon to a shady nap in a hammock, Celebration Key felt like a resort day without the resort price tag. The Bahamian staff were warm and welcoming, and the layout made it easy to explore without feeling crowded.
Final Thoughts + Booking Tips
Celebration Key is Carnival’s answer to the perfect beach day—and it delivers. Whether you’re cruising on points, stacking deals, or just looking for a new Caribbean port, this destination is a must-visit. Love cruising? Me too! Check out all my posts on cruising. I share all my tricks and tips for cruising on the cheap -> All Things Cruising
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