Carnival Cruise Line continues to tease the general public with updates about their new private destination on Grand Bahama. On March 22, 2024, Carnival shared new details about two of the five portals that will make up Celebration Key. We review the latest March updates in the video below. Then, scroll down for all of the details known to date about Celebration Key!

Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon Portals

In the March update, Carnival provides us with a bunch more information about two of the five portals: Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon. The cruise operator also provides several new renderings that look absolutely fantastic.

Paradise Plaza Portal

Carnival refers to the Paradise Plaza as the welcome portal. It includes a bright promenade to welcome cruisers along with a “radiant sun-shaped arch” where the cruise operator believes lots of pictures will be taken. Some other announced features of Paradise Plaza include:

• Live Bahamian music to greet visitors to Celebration Key
• Fantastic views of the Suncastle directly ahead. The Suncastle is the 10-story tower that will feature two water slides that “weave in and out around the towers of the castle.” Additionally, the Suncastle will feature an observation deck to take in all the views Celebration Key has to offer
• Paradise Plaza will also provide wayfinding and destination information to help visitors choose their adventure. Guests can rent a cabana, participate in the water sports offered, book a shore excursion, or just enjoy the mile-long white sand beach

Wrapping up Paradise Plaza will be a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop. Check out this quick flyover video teaser.

Calypso Lagoon Portal – Adult Friendly

Carnival also released additional details on the “adult-friendly” portal Calypso Lagoon. According to the cruise operator, this is the portal where adults can find a lively and social atmosphere. It’s also home to the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean! Here are some of the nuggets Carnival teased us with:

• Sports court for the athletes among us
• Lots of loungers, daybeds, and cabanas
• The bar that sits on the freshwater lagoon will feature nearly 50 swings that allow cruisers to dip their toes in the water while enjoying a cocktail
• There will be multiple other bars along with two full-service restaurants (TBD on cost)

Carnival also shares that Calypso Lagoon will feature casual snacks spread throughout the portal.

Calypso Lagoon Portal – Adult Only

Only a portion of Calypso Lagoon will be adults only. In today’s release, Carnival shares that “admission” will be for 18+, but only 21+ will be able to drink alcohol. We’re not sure yet if admission comes with a cost, however, based on Royal Caribbean’s decision to charge for their adult oasis, we wouldn’t be surprised… The adults only area will include a swim-up bar, food trucks, live DJ, and of course, more loungers, daybeds, and cabanas.

Remaining Portals of Celebration Key

We will be bringing you additional details on the three remaining portals as Carnival releases more information. In the meantime, here’s what we know about the Family-friendly, Private Retreat, and Retail Portals:

Family-Friendly Portal

Carnival describes this portal as the perfect spot for families – including kids and teens. Family activities include enjoying time at the lagoon, walking the white-sand beach, a splash pad and shallow pool, and the sports court. For those families looking for a place of their own to gather, the Family-Friendly Portal will feature beach villas. Lastly, Carnival promises plenty of dining in this portal.

Adults-Only Private Club Portal

Carnival’s introduction for this portal starts with the word Upgrade. This will be the adults-only portal that “takes relaxation and luxury to the next level.” According to early press releases, membership to this portal grants you “private access to the beach, a stunning infinity pool… [and] elevated dining.” Additionally, the Adults-Only Private Club Portal will feature an events pavilion for special occasions and celebrations.

Retail Portal

A lot has actually already been written about the Retail Portal, despite Carnival teasing the release of additional details in April 2024. This portal will feature Junkanoo performances, local artist exhibitions, and of course, Bahamian shopping with goods made by Bahamian vendors. Carnival also mentions “duty-free jewelry and diamond shopping.” But of course.

Celebration Key Inaugural Cruises

The first visit to Celebration Key will take place in July 2025. While 18 ships will call on this new private destination (across 500+ itineraries!), the first ship to visit will be Carnival Vista based on currently available bookings. Carnival may decide to offer a special inaugural sailing to Celebration Key where they have a naming ceremony and grand opening celebration – but we won’t know those details for some time yet.

More Coverage of Celebration Key

Check out our post from September 2023: Carnival Cruise Line Opens Bookings for Celebration Key:

Have you booked an itinerary that includes Celebration Key? Are the new details Carnival keeps dropping getting you excited for the new private destination? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!