Celebration Key Welcomes Mardi Gras and Carnival Pride: A Historic Dual Docking Experience!

On July 25, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line achieved a significant milestone at Celebration Key in the Bahamas, marking the first simultaneous docking of two of its ships, the Mardi Gras and Carnival Pride. This event occurred at Carnival’s newly opened private resort destination on Grand Bahama Island, just a week after its official opening for cruise traffic.

The Mardi Gras, Carnival’s inaugural Excel-class ship, made its first visit to Celebration Key, alongside the Carnival Pride. Together, they brought roughly 9,000 passengers to the 65-acre facility. Mardi Gras was on an Eastern Caribbean voyage that departed from Port Canaveral on July 19, while Carnival Pride was part of a Bahamas itinerary that left Baltimore on July 20.

Celebration Key is positioned as a pivotal destination in Carnival’s strategy for regional itinerary development, designed to cater to large groups with diverse recreational and culinary offerings. The resort features a mile-and-a-half coastline, five themed areas, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, and the world’s largest swim-up and swings bars among other attractions.

Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed enthusiasm over the positive early guest feedback regarding Celebration Key, asserting that this dual-ship arrival demonstrates the destination’s ability to host large numbers of visitors while providing high-quality experiences.

Currently, Celebration Key is included in the itineraries of 20 Carnival ships departing from 10 different U.S. homeports, reflecting the company’s commitment to enhancing its private destinations and personalized guest experiences in the Caribbean.


Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *