CCL-Carnival Cruise Line’s new exclusive private resort Celebration Key Bahamas is nearing completion, with just 5 months remaining until its official debut on July 19th.
As construction enters its final phase, Carnival Corporation’s CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen, and CCL's President Christine Duffy conducted a site visit to review progress at the exclusive Grand Bahama destination.
The visit highlighted key construction milestones, including the development of Celebration Key’s 5 distinct areas - referred to as portals - designed to cater to a range of guest experiences. A central feature of the destination is the Suncastle, a 10-story structure in Paradise Plaza, the gateway to the island’s attractions. As part of a maritime tradition reminiscent of a ship’s keel-laying ceremony, the Carnival executives placed commemorative keys within the Suncastle to mark the occasion. The structure will house waterslides and serve as the focal point for Starfish Lagoon, a family-oriented portal offering various recreational activities.
The destination also includes Calypso Lagoon, an adults-only portal featuring a DJ island and a large swim-up bar; Pearl Cove Beach Club, a private, premium experience with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas; and Lokono Cove, an artisan retail village celebrating Bahamian craftsmanship and culture.
In addition to infrastructure updates, the visit emphasized Celebration Key’s sustainability efforts. Carnival executives participated in the “Plant a Tree” initiative, which has facilitated the preservation and replanting of approximately 1,000 sabal palms across the site. Duffy also took part in filling one of two expansive freshwater lagoons - billed as the largest in the Caribbean - sustained by an advanced desalination system converting seawater into freshwater. These lagoons span over seven acres and hold approximately seven million gallons of water.
Construction remains on schedule with ~500 workers on site daily as the destination prepares for its inaugural call by Carnival Vista on July 19th. Celebration Key is set to introduce new guest accommodations at Pearl Cove Beach Club, including beachfront daybeds, private cabanas, and exclusive Super Villas, all featuring open bar service, a full-service restaurant, and premium beach access.
With itineraries available through 2027, Celebration Key will serve as a featured destination on hundreds of Carnival sailings, welcoming guests from 20 ships departing 10 USA homeports.