Carnival Vista Sets Sail for CCL’s New Exclusive Resort: Celebration Key in Grand Bahama

Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) has inaugurated a new exclusive resort destination named Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island. The first official call to the resort was made by the Carnival Vista ship on July 19, 2025, marking the launch of CCL’s premier private port.

During the opening ceremony, attended by notable figures including President Christine Duffy, CEO Josh Weinstein, “Chief Fun Officer” Shaquille O’Neal, and Captain Paolo Severini, the gates to the ten-story Suncastle—featuring racing water slides—were opened. The event also included the unveiling of Lokono Cove’s retail village, with O’Neal making the first shot on the basketball court and a champagne toast at the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club.

Duffy described the opening as a significant milestone, representing the first phase of a substantial $600 million investment. She characterized Celebration Key as a celebration of Bahamian culture, paired with diverse new attractions for guests.

The resort features five thematic “portals”:

• Paradise Plaza: Offers live music and the monumental Suncastle.
• Starfish Lagoon: A family-friendly area with a freshwater lagoon, splash pad, sports courts, and casual dining.
• Calypso Lagoon: An adult-oriented area with a DJ island, the largest swim-up bar in the world, and swing-style seating.
• Pearl Cove Beach Club: An upscale adults-only area complete with an infinity pool, beach access, premium cabanas, and dining options.
• Lokono Cove: Showcases Bahamian retail and artisan craftsmanship.

With over thirty food and beverage venues available, guests can indulge in live entertainment, including Junkanoo parades and performances. Various leisure options such as cabanas, daybeds, floating villas, and water sports are also provided, all set against a backdrop of over a mile of pristine white sand beach.

Celebration Key is anticipated to host over two million visitors annually, aiming to double that number by 2028. The economic benefits are expected to be substantial, creating hundreds of jobs locally and allowing two of Carnival’s largest vessels to dock simultaneously, with future plans to extend the pier to accommodate four ships.

Designed specifically for Carnival guests, Celebration Key follows the trend of creating unique maritime retreats, similar to Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day islands, enhancing cruise itineraries with an all-inclusive port experience.

With its innovative design and extensive attractions, Celebration Key is positioned to redefine expectations for cruise-line-operated destinations in the Bahamas.

For more details on this new development, visit Carnival Cruise Line and Celebration Key.

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