Two Guests Drown At Carnival's New Private Resort On The Same Day

It was a deeply sombre day at Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new Celebration Key on Friday, 15th August 2025, after two separate drowning incidents occurred in the same day.

Guests relax under pink and white striped umbrellas at Celebration Key's beachfront pool, with ocean views stretching to the horizon and sailboats in the distance. The scene features a large, curving pool, tropical landscaping, and a laid-back atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and seaside lounging.

Despite the rapid response of lifeguards and medical staff, both cruise guests sadly lost their lives – one while swimming in a lagoon and the other while snorkelling from the beach.

Carnival confirmed the events in a statement.

“Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate water emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday – one in the lagoon and one at the beach. Sadly, both guests have passed away.”

Unconfirmed Victim Reports

Local reports from Our News Bahamas indicate the victims were American citizens, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman.

Their identities have not been disclosed.

It has not been confirmed whether the lagoon incident occurred at the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon or the adults-only Oasis Lagoon.

The cruise line has said that one of the victims was travelling aboard Mardi Gras and the other was a passenger on Carnival Elation.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance,” Carnival added.

Sailings Continue…

Both ships continued on their itineraries after the tragedy.

Mardi Gras had been on a six-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, while Carnival Elation was sailing a four-night Bahamas voyage.

Drownings, though rare, are an ever-present risk in tropical destinations.

Just a week earlier, a Vietnamese couple drowned while visiting Milos, Greece, after strong winds knocked the woman into the water.

Other recent cases have included incidents on MSC’s Ocean Cay in the Bahamas and Carnival Splendor in Vanuatu.

Cruise travellers are always urged to be mindful of their swimming abilities, heed local conditions, and swim with others to reduce risks when enjoying the water.