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

On July 25, 2025, Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) achieved a notable milestone at Celebration Key in the Bahamas, with two of its ships, Mardi Gras and Carnival Pride, docking at the same time. This marked the inaugural docking of Mardi Gras, the line’s first Excel-class ship, at the new private cruise resort destination located on Grand Bahama Island.

Together, these vessels brought around 9,000 passengers to the 65-acre facility, coinciding with the destination’s first operational week. Celebration Key officially opened to cruise traffic in mid-July. Mardi Gras was on an Eastern Caribbean voyage that began from Port Canaveral on July 19, while Carnival Pride was part of a Bahamas itinerary, having departed from Baltimore on July 20.

Celebration Key is positioned as a flagship destination within CCL’s regional itinerary strategy. The site is designed to handle large passenger volumes with various beachside activities, dining options, and exceptional amenities, featuring a 1.5-mile coastline, five themed areas, and impressive facilities. This includes some of the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons, the world’s biggest swim-up bar, over 30 dining and beverage venues, and a private beach club considered the largest of its kind in any cruise port.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, highlighted the positive guest feedback regarding Celebration Key. She viewed the dual-ship arrival as a testament to the location’s ability to offer high-quality guest experiences, showcasing its capacity to cater to a large number of visitors in a single day.

Currently, Celebration Key is included in itineraries for 20 CCL ships, sailing from 10 homeports across the USA, aligning with the company’s ongoing commitment to invest in private destinations and enhanced guest experiences in the Caribbean.

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