🇧🇸 Celebration Key, Bahamas — Cruise Port Guide
Carnival's 600-million-dollar destination on Grand Bahama, opened in 2025 — a purpose-built beach day with the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean, a pier ships tie up to, and no tendering.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit Celebration Key
Ships call year-round. November to April is drier; June to November is hurricane season and occasionally forces a substitution.
Good to know
Nothing takes cash — everything is charged to your onboard account. The premium areas and cabanas sell out on board well before the day, so book early if you want them.
Things to do in Celebration Key
Paradise Plaza lagoon
The enormous freshwater lagoon with a swim-up bar — the centrepiece, and free to use beyond the drinks.
Starfish Lagoon beach
The family beach area with shallow water, loungers and shade. Get off early to claim a good spot; it fills fast.
Calypso Lagoon adults area
The adults-only side with its own bar, pool and quieter beach. Worth the walk if you want the noise level down.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
The paid premium area — infinity pool, private cabanas and a separate bar. Book on board before the day if you want it.
Bahamian marketplace
Locally-run stalls and craft vendors, which is where any money actually stays on the island. Conch salad made in front of you.
Water toys & floating park
Paddleboards, kayaks and inflatable obstacle courses, hired by the hour on the beach.
What to eat
- Conch fritters
- Jerk chicken
- Bahama Mama cocktail
- Fresh grouper
- Guava duff
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Nov–Apr (dry season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 76° | 64° | 2" |
| Feb | 77° | 64° | 1.9" |
| Mar | 79° | 66° | 2.2" |
| Apr | 82° | 69° | 2.4" |
| May | 85° | 73° | 4.5" |
| Jun | 88° | 76° | 7.5" |
| Jul | 90° | 78° | 6.5" |
| Aug | 90° | 78° | 7" |
| Sep | 88° | 77° | 7.5" |
| Oct | 85° | 74° | 6.5" |
| Nov | 81° | 70° | 3" |
| Dec | 78° | 66° | 2.2" |
A little history
Celebration Key opened in July 2025 on Grand Bahama, built by Carnival at a reported cost of around 600 million dollars — its largest ever shore investment.
Ships berth alongside rather than tendering, which is unusual for a private destination and means far more time actually ashore.
It was deliberately built on Grand Bahama, an island whose tourism economy was badly damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the closure of its major resorts.
The site includes what Carnival bills as the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean, alongside a saltwater beach.
Several other lines including Princess call here too, since both are part of Carnival Corporation.