Carnival’s New Cruise Port in The Bahamas Opens This Week – This is What You Can Expect

After a decade of planning, building, and teasing us with tropical renderings, Carnival Cruise Line is finally ready to throw open the doors (or should we say “pier gates”) to its brand-new private destination – Celebration Key.

Located on the southern coast of Grand Bahama Island, this isn’t just another beach stop. It’s the biggest cruise port project Carnival has ever taken on, and it officially welcomes guests for the first time on Saturday, July 19th 2025.

So what makes this port so special? Well, aside from the fact that it cost half a billion dollars to build, it’s been designed from the ground up to deliver the ultimate day in paradise – whether you’re chasing adrenaline slides, an adults-only infinity pool, or a good old-fashioned rum punch in a hammock. Here’s everything you can expect when Celebration Key opens its gates for the first time this week.

Grand Opening Details

The big day is set for Saturday, 19th July, when Carnival Vista becomes the first ship to dock at Celebration Key. Guests onboard will be the very first cruisers to step ashore and explore Carnival’s tropical playground. An official ceremony is planned for 10am Eastern Time, and Carnival will be livestreaming the event on its Facebook page so cruise fans around the world can join in.

Carnival President Christine Duffy will lead the celebrations, joined by Bahamian officials and special guests. A week earlier, Celebration Key hosted a private preview for local residents and government leaders, giving them a sneak peek and a chance to celebrate the project’s impact on Grand Bahama’s economy.

What You’ll Find at Celebration Key – The Five Portals

Celebration Key isn’t just a beach with loungers and a BBQ. It’s been designed as a fully-fledged destination with five distinct areas known as “portals,” each offering a different kind of vibe. Whether you’re visiting with kids, planning a romantic day, or just want to hit the world’s largest swim-up bar, there’s a spot with your name on it.

First up is Paradise Plaza, the welcome area where you’ll step off the ship and straight into holiday mode. It’s home to the towering Suncastle – a 10-storey sandcastle-inspired centrepiece complete with duelling water slides twisting around it. Snap your first selfie under the giant sun archway before heading off to explore the rest of the island.

Then there’s Starfish Lagoon, the family-friendly portal packed with splash zones, floating cabanas, and the biggest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. Little ones can make a beeline for the Guppy Grotto splash pad while older kids and grown-ups float, swim, and play in the lagoon. It’s like a waterpark and beach day rolled into one.

Feeling fancy? Head to Pearl Cove – Celebration Key’s adults-only beach club. Think infinity pool, swim-up bar, pink umbrellas, and a peaceful private beach. There are day passes available, including an all-inclusive option with food and drinks, so you can indulge without needing your wallet.

If it’s more party than peace you’re after, Calypso Lagoon has you covered. Here you’ll find the world’s largest swim-up bar, 166 in-water bar stools, and a DJ spinning tunes from a floating island in the middle of the lagoon. This is Carnival fun at its finest, and there are overwater villas nearby if you fancy something extra special.

Finally, Lokono Cove is the island’s cultural and shopping zone, featuring locally made crafts, souvenirs, duty-free shops, and vibrant Junkanoo performances. It’s a great place to pick up something uniquely Bahamian and support local artists while you’re at it.

Optional Extras and Add-Ons

While there’s plenty included with your visit to Celebration Key, Carnival has also lined up a range of optional extras if you’re in the mood to splash out. These experiences are designed to dial up the luxury, the fun, or both, depending on your style of sea day.

One of the standout options is the floating AquaBanas – large, shaded loungers that seat up to eight people and float directly on the lagoon. For something even more indulgent, there are overwater villas with their own mini-fridges, hammocks, comfy seating, and private slides into the lagoon. On land, you’ll also find beach super villas complete with butler service and food delivery.

Over at Pearl Cove, you can upgrade to an exclusive beach club pass. Prices start from around $99 per person and include access to the infinity pool, loungers, and restaurant. The top-tier pass even comes with an open bar (up to 10 drinks) and a premium dining experience.

There are more than 30 food and drink venues scattered across the island, from casual bites to cocktail bars. Plus, if you’re keen to explore beyond the port, Carnival offers shore excursions around Grand Bahama Island, including nature tours and cultural experiences.

The entire island is cashless, so anything extra you buy will be charged to your Sail & Sign card.

Related reading: Cruisers Fuming After Seeing What Carnival Is Charging for a Foam Noodle and That’s Just the Start

Which Cruises Include a Visit to Celebration Key

Carnival isn’t wasting any time getting Celebration Key onto its cruise schedules – over a dozen ships are already lined up to make this brand-new destination a regular stop.

The honour of being the very first goes to Carnival Vista, which will arrive on opening day, Saturday 19th July, during an 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral. The next day, Carnival Conquest sets sail from Miami on a short Bahamas cruise, bringing even more guests to the new port.

From there, the list quickly grows. Mardi Gras, sailing from Port Canaveral, will include Celebration Key on its 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. Carnival Freedom and Carnival Glory, also based in Port Canaveral, are offering 4- and 3-night cruises with regular stops at the new port – perfect for a quick beach break.

Carnival Dream out of Galveston will visit Celebration Key on its 8-night itineraries, while Carnival Legend adds the destination to its 10-night “Exotic Eastern Caribbean” sailings. In New Orleans, Carnival Liberty includes it on week-long voyages, and from Baltimore, Carnival Pride will call there on both 7-night Bahamas cruises and a 14-night Panama Canal journey.

Even more ships join the fun later this year, including Carnival Elation from Jacksonville, Carnival Sunshine from Norfolk, and Carnival Spirit from Mobile. With everything from 3-night mini breaks to longer 10- and 14-night sailings, there’s no shortage of ways to be among the first to experience Celebration Key.

How Much Does It Cost to Cruise There?

Celebration Key may be brand new, but sailing there doesn’t have to break the bank. Carnival has priced many of its cruises to the new destination similarly to its other Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, meaning there’s something for nearly every budget.

Short 3- or 4-night cruises that include Celebration Key start at around $220 to $250 per person for an interior cabin. These are often roundtrip from Florida ports like Miami or Port Canaveral and make for an easy, affordable escape with sun, sand, and slides built in. Perfect if you just want a long weekend away.

If you’re after a longer trip, 7-night Caribbean cruises with a Celebration Key stop typically begin in the $500 to $700 range per person. That gets you more time at sea, more destinations, and the same full-day experience at the new port. Ten- and fourteen-night itineraries, such as those from Galveston or Baltimore, are priced higher, often starting at $900 or more, depending on the season and ship.

While access to Celebration Key is included in your fare, some extras like overwater villas, floating cabanas, or the adults-only Pearl Cove beach club carry an extra charge. But even if you stick to what’s included – the beach, pools, family lagoon, and food – you’ll still have an unforgettable day in paradise.

What’s Coming Next for Celebration Key

Carnival isn’t stopping at a grand opening. There’s already a major expansion in the works that will make Celebration Key even bigger within just a year of launch.

The port is opening with two berths that can accommodate Carnival’s largest ships, including Vista, Celebration, Mardi Gras, and others from the Excel class. But construction is already underway to add two more berths, allowing Celebration Key to host up to four ships at once. This second phase is expected to be complete by 2026.

When finished, Celebration Key will become the first private cruise destination capable of handling four mega-ships simultaneously.

Carnival has also teased more upgrades to come, including additional villas, new dining spots, and expanded retail and entertainment options. With investment already surpassing $600 million, Celebration Key is shaping up to be Carnival’s boldest move yet in The Bahamas. And judging by what’s planned, this is only the beginning.

Final Thoughts

Celebration Key is more than just a new port of call — it’s a major milestone for Carnival and a bold new chapter for cruise vacations in The Bahamas. From the towering Suncastle and sparkling lagoons to beach clubs, water slides, and Bahamian culture, it’s clear this isn’t your average cruise stop.

With over a dozen ships already scheduled to visit and more on the way, Celebration Key is set to become a favorite for cruisers looking for that perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and something fresh. Whether you’re sailing for the first time or the fiftieth, it offers a brand-new reason to get excited about your next Carnival cruise.

And if you’re already booked to go? Lucky you. Just don’t forget your sunscreen.

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