Simultaneous Arrival: Mardi Gras and Carnival Pride Dock at Celebration Key

On July 25, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) achieved a remarkable milestone at Celebration Key in the Bahamas, where two of its ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Pride, docked simultaneously at the new private cruise destination on Grand Bahama Island.

This was the first visit for Mardi Gras, recognized as CCL’s first Excel-class ship. Together, both ships brought around 9,000 passengers to the new 65-acre facility. The arrival of these vessels coincided with the first operational week of Celebration Key, which officially opened its doors in mid-July. Mardi Gras arrived as part of an Eastern Caribbean voyage that departed from Port Canaveral on July 19, while Carnival Pride visited as part of a Bahamas itinerary departing Baltimore on July 20.

Celebration Key is positioned as a flagship destination within Carnival’s itinerary development strategy. It is designed to cater to a large number of guests, offering beachside recreation, diverse dining options, and unique amenities. The facility showcases a 1.5-mile coastline, five themed areas, the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, the world’s largest swim-up and swings bars, over 30 dining venues, and an expansive private beach club.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed positivity regarding the guests’ feedback on Celebration Key, highlighting the dual-ship call as indicative of the destination’s capability to manage high passenger volumes while providing quality experiences. With 9,000 visitors in one day, the destination has quickly demonstrated its scale and allure.

Currently, Celebration Key is featured in the itineraries for 20 CCL ships, departing from 10 different U.S. homeports, enhancing Carnival’s commitment to private destinations and tailored guest experiences in the Caribbean.

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