First Completed Look as Carnival’s Private Destination Nears Opening
Just weeks ahead of its grand opening, Carnival Cruise Line has shared the first-ever photos of its new private destination, Celebration Key, since its completion.
The cruise line is currently gearing up for the exclusive destination to open on July 19, 2025, but guests now have a glimpse into what the experience will be like.
Initially shared were pictures of Paradise Plaza, where passengers can find a sun-shaped arch that has the words “Celebration Key” on it, dubbed the Sun Portal.
In the background of these photos is Paradise Plaza, where guests can find wayfinding and destination information booths to help them customize their visit.
Next shared was an image of the Suncastle, which stands at a whopping 10 stories high and features five large decorative conch shells.
Acting as the destination’s centerpiece, this castle sits right behind Paradise Plaza and has two water slides that are over 350 feet long.
Also pictured was an aerial view of the Starfish and Calypso Lagoon — sitting at roughly 275,000 square feet, these lagoons are comprised of the biggest freshwater lagoons located in the entire Caribbean.
Another photo offered a first look at Calypso Lagoon’s DJ Island and Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, where adults can enjoy the music while also relaxing at the world’s largest swim-up bar.
Other water features shared in the new photos included ones of the new AquaBanas, which are eight-person floating cabanas, as well as the coral-reef-themed children’s water play area, called the Guppy Grotto Splash Pad. Both of these can be found in the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon.
Beyond that, Carnival also shared images of the Over-the-Lagoon Super Villas, which can accommodate up to 10 guests, as well as a first look at the Pearl Cove Beach Club’s 11,000-square-foot beachfront infinity pool.
Guests can choose to relax, party, or explore while enjoying expansive views of the ocean at this exclusive 65-acre property on Grand Bahama.
The new destination has taken just a little over three years and $500 million to complete — and let’s just say, the initial pictures did not disappoint.
With the construction now complete, the cruise line is getting ready to open Celebration Key exclusively for its passengers in less than a month.
When Does Celebration Key Open & When to Visit
On July 19, 2025, Celebration Key will welcome its first guests and hold a ceremony with Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy to officially open the destination.
The first ship to call on Celebration Key is the 3,900-passenger Carnival Vista on the day of the grand opening on July 19, followed by Carnival Conquest on July 20.
After the opening weekend, things will stay busy as 10 more of Carnival’s ships are set to make their initial visit to Celebration Key by the end of July.
Read Also: What Are All the Cruise Line Private Islands and Destinations?
This includes Carnival Celebration, Carnival Dream, Carnival Elation, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Glory, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Pride, Carnival Sunrise, and Mardi Gras.
With Carnival Cruise Line expecting the 2025 summer cruising season to be one of its busiest ever, there will be no lack of opportunities for guests to experience the new private destination.
A total of 15 vessels from the Carnival fleet will be visiting Celebration Key from July 19 through Labor Day weekend alone, during which these ships will call on the new destination 80 times.
Currently, interested cruisers can book select itineraries from 18 Carnival vessels that stop in Celebration Key.
This exclusive destination joins a growing list of Carnival’s Paradise Collection, which also includes RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay as well as Isla Tropicale — both of which are set to be enhanced in 2026.
While it may be a few more weeks until passengers get to experience what Carnival considers the ultimate day in paradise, there is now at least a glimpse into the magic that is to come.
First Completed Look as Carnival’s Private Destination Nears Opening