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

How much would you pay to rent a foam pool noodle for the day? That’s the question lighting up cruise forums and Reddit threads after a screenshot from Carnival Cruise Line’s booking platform.

As Carnival prepares to launch its highly anticipated Bahamian destination, guests are discovering a string of surprising add-on costs, and not everyone is taking it in stride.

What Is Celebration Key? Carnival’s Bold New Island Experience

Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new private island destination in the Bahamas, set to welcome guests with a mix of tropical fun and resort-style luxury. At the heart of the island is the towering 10-storey Suncastle, a dramatic centrepiece surrounded by two sprawling freshwater lagoons, Starfish Lagoon and Calypso Lagoon, said to be the largest in the Caribbean.

From themed dining and Bahamian-inspired artwork to quiet corners for relaxation and lively swim-up bars, Celebration Key has been designed to offer something for every kind of cruiser. Guests can also expect a wide range of rental options, from cabanas and daybeds to snorkel gear and floating mats. But while the scenery might be picture-perfect, it’s the pricing that’s got people talking.

The Noodle That Broke the Internet

It all started when a Reddit user posted a screenshot showing an “All-Day Pool Noodle” rental at Celebration Key priced at $19.99 per person. The reaction was swift and scathing. Comments flooded in, with many cruisers questioning whether the image was real and joking that Carnival must have “lost their minds.”

The original poster stood by the screenshot, insisting it was genuine and highlighting that the cost was just one of several unexpected island fees. For them, it was enough to reconsider leaving the ship altogether and enjoy the complimentary pools onboard.

The post quickly racked up more than 250 comments, as fellow cruisers joined the chorus of frustration. After all, a pool noodle can be picked up at Walmart for $0.97, and Carnival isn’t even letting you keep it.

Dynamic Pricing or Damage Control?

As the outrage spread, another user shared a different screenshot — this time showing the same pool noodle rental priced at $10.99 instead of $19.99. Carnival’s official website now reflects the lower price, suggesting the initial $20 tag may not have been permanent.

This has led to speculation about how pricing at Celebration Key actually works. Some believe Carnival is using dynamic pricing, adjusting costs based on demand or sailing dates. Others think the company is still fine-tuning its offerings before the island officially opens. Either way, the noodle’s fluctuating cost has only fuelled the conversation and not in the way Carnival likely intended.

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Cruisers Get Creative with Workarounds

While some guests were outraged, others responded with humour and practical advice. The top tip? Bring your own. Dollar stores, Walmart, and Amazon all sell pool noodles or compact inflatables for a fraction of the cost, and many cruisers say they now pack them as a cruise essential.

Some suggested inflatable rings or float straps that can be easily deflated and stuffed into a suitcase. A few even joked that if prices keep rising, Carnival might start banning outside inflatables altogether. Whether serious or not, the workaround conversation highlights how travellers are adapting and resisting what they see as creeping nickel-and-diming.

Beyond Noodles: What Else Costs Extra at Celebration Key?

The pool noodle might have made headlines, but it’s far from the only add-on at Celebration Key. Access to the Suncastle’s two racing waterslides, the Flash Flamingo and Mach 3 Marlin, comes with a $14.99 per person price tag for an all-day, unlimited pass.

While that may not seem outrageous, it’s worth noting that these are just two slides, compared to the 14 offered at Royal Caribbean’s Thrill Waterpark at CocoCay, which charges between $50–$150 depending on the date.

For those seeking a more premium experience, the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club starts at $99.99 per person, offering loungers, a quiet pool, private beach access, and a full-service restaurant. Want unlimited drinks while you’re there? That’ll be $139.99 per person, and you’ll still need to pay it even if you’ve already purchased Carnival’s Cheers! beverage package, which isn’t valid on the island.

Related reading: Royal Caribbean’s Wild New Cruise Port Will Feature the World’s Longest Lazy River and Slide Taller Than Statue of Liberty

Luxury Comes at a Price: Cabanas, Villas, and Daybeds

For cruisers wanting the VIP treatment, Celebration Key also offers a range of premium rentals, but they don’t come cheap. Cabanas and villas are priced between $599.99 and $2,799.99, depending on size and location, with the highest rates at the exclusive adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club. These rentals can accommodate 4 to 10 guests and often include perks like private attendants, snacks, lockers, coolers, and access to the Suncastle slides.

If that’s a bit much, there’s also the option to reserve a luxury daybed for $149.99, though this price only covers two people and doesn’t include additional amenities. Carnival’s pricing mirrors that of other cruise lines’ private islands, such as Holland America’s Half Moon Cay, but the sheer scale of options at Celebration Key has caught the attention of budget-conscious travellers.

Record Profits, Rising Prices

What’s added fuel to the fire is the timing. Carnival Cruise Line recently reported record-breaking second-quarter profits, with $8.5 billion in customer deposits and $6.3 billion in revenue, the highest in the company’s history.

For many cruisers, this raises questions about why basic amenities like a pool noodle or a waterslide carry extra fees. While some understand the business model behind premium add-ons, others feel that charging for low-cost items, especially on the heels of such financial success, comes across as excessive.

The Bottom Line

There’s no doubt that Celebration Key looks like an exciting addition to Carnival’s lineup, with its massive lagoons, vibrant atmosphere, and wide range of experiences. But for many cruisers, the initial excitement is being tempered by a growing awareness of just how much those experiences might cost.

Whether it’s a $20 pool noodle or a $2,000 cabana, the real debate is about value and expectations. As prices continue to shift and more guests weigh in, one thing is clear: Celebration Key is making waves, both for what it offers and what it charges. Would you pay extra to float in paradise, or stay on the ship and skip the splash?

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