The First-Timer’s Guide to Celebration Key (What’s Included, What to Do, & More)

If you’re headed to Celebration Key, you’re no doubt looking forward to your day at the private destination. You also likely have a lot of questions about what to expect and how things work at the new spot.
If you’re visiting for the first time, there’s plenty that you’ll want to know before you get to shore. Having been there ourselves, we can give you the ins and outs about everything to do with Celebration Key to help make the most of your day.
Location of Carnival’s Private Destination
The port is located just about 100 miles from the Florida coast on the island of Grand Bahama. Map data: Google
First things first, let’s begin with just a bit of an overview of the destination.
Celebration Key isn’t a private island, but instead a spot carved out of the much larger Grand Bahama Island. It sits about 100 miles east of the Florida coast.
This location isn’t by accident. Being so close to Florida means that any Carnival cruise from the state can make a stop at the port and many do. The plan is to have millions of passengers stop here annually and just about any day you visit you should expect to have multiple ships in port.
Layout of Celebration Key
The layout of Celebration Key looks intimidating with lots of icons and markers. In reality, the two sides of the resort are essentially mirror images. If you do get lost, there are maps around the resort.
Celebration Key encompasses about 65 acres, but Carnival also controls a much larger part of that (supposedly around 300 acres). Some of that land is already being used for an expansion. When you visit you’ll likely be able to see some of the construction work going on from the ship.
If you look at a map of the resort, it can be a bit overwhelming. The area is large with tons of icons pointing out all the amenities and attractions.
Thankfully once you’re on the ground, it’s not near as confusing. In fact, you can really think of Celebration Key as two sides that are a mirror image of each other.
Anchoring the middle of the resort is the Suncastle. It’s the tallest structure and makes an easy landmark. To the left is the Calypso Lagoon and to the right is the Starfish Lagoon.
The Calypso Lagoon is focused on adults, and you’re supposed to be 13+ to hang out here. The Starfish Lagoon is focused on kids and families.
The layout and amenities for both sides are very similar and in similar locations. So you don’t really miss anything by being on one side or the other. The only differences are that Starfish Lagoon features a splashpad area for kids and Calypso Lagoon has a large swim-up bar and restaurant for adults where Starfish Lagoon has a large Food Hall for dining.
Other than that, the differences are relatively small.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
If you want adults-only, the Pearl Cove Beach Club is a luxury area with its own infinity pool and private beach.
There are two sides to Celebration Key, but there’s actually a third area you should also know about — the Pearl Cove Beach Club.
This is the luxury-focused adults-only area. There is an admission fee ($79 at last check) so the crowds are smaller than what you find elsewhere.
For that fee, you get access to an area with its own heated infinity pool, high-end restaurant, padded lounger, and private beach.
If you’re wanting to party, then this isn’t the spot. It’s the most tranquil area of Celebration Key. But if you’re wanting a higher-end experience, it’s the best option around.
There are three different admission levels — admission only ($79), admission with 10 drinks ($149) and admission with 10 drinks and a meal ($179).
For us, admission-only option made the most sense since a meal is included during your stay at Celebration Key (more on this later).
What to Know About Drinks on Celebration Key
Your drink package doesn’t work at Celebration Key, so you’ll have to pay for any drinks on land. The prices are similar to what you see on the ship.
A day at the beach just doesn’t feel right without a cold beer or cocktail in your hand. Before you visit for the first time, there are things you should know about drinks at the destination.
First, if you have the drink package it doesn’t extend to Celebration Key. So if you go to a bar, you’ll be charged for your beverage. You can always go back to the ship to have a drink during the day, but that’s a far walk.
You’ll find bars dotted all around Celebration Key. Prices are in line with what’s on the ship, although there is some slightly cheaper local beer available.
Water stations are available near restrooms to fill a bottle, or there are cups, ice, and water at stations near the food trucks and in the Food Hall.
How Mealtime Works
There are spots to eat all over Celebration Key. Each passenger gets one meal included with their day. Apart from that, you’ll have to pay extra for additional meals.
If you’ve researched anything about Celebration Key, you likely have heard about the food situation. Normally cruise lines have a buffet set up on their private islands. You simply arrive when you’re hungry and eat.
Carnival does something different.
Every passenger gets one meal included during their visit. This is called Island Eats. At Celebration Key, there are a number of restaurant options. There’s a food hall, there are food trucks, there are standalone restaurants, and there are Snack Shacks.
When you want to eat, you just need to look for the Island Eats sign at one of these locations, and they are everywhere. It will have a menu that tells you what you can get. You have a number of options, but most of it is typical beach fare (burgers, dogs, tacos, pizza).
If you already got your meal, then any other food costs extra. The prices are around $10-15 per entree.
There are also a few standalone restaurants not included with the Island Eats. If you dine here, then it will automatically cost extra, but your Island Eats gets you 40% off the price of one entree.
No drinks are included.
Wi-Fi Service on Land
Unlike drink packages, if you have wi-fi service on the ship, it does extend to Celebration Key. In fact, you don’t have to do anything special to access it. It’s the same connection as onboard.
The only difference is that the speeds on Celebration Key are much faster than what you get on the ship. We ran a speed test while sitting on the beach and it reached 70 Mbps. That’s on par with what many people get back home, but sitting in the middle of The Bahamas.
The Tram Takes a Load Off
If you don’t want to walk, there’s a tram that runs down the pier. There are additional trams on land, running around each side of Celebration Key.
Celebration Key is large and that can mean a lot of walking. From the ship to the shore is a quarter-mile walk. A full lap around the park comes in just under a mile.
If you have mobility issues or frankly just don’t want to have to walk in the heat and humidity, you have another option. There is tram service all around the resort.
You’ll see the carts as you leave the ship taking passengers into shore. From there, each side of Celebration Key has a tram that runs around that side. So if you were to want to do a full loop, you’d ride the cart around one-half of the park, hop off, get on the cart on the other side of the park and then ride it around.
Of course, the trams are free to ride.
Beaches on Celebration Key
In total, there is a half-mile of beach for passengers to enjoy. The water gets a little cloudy with sand near the shore, but is beautiful just beyond.
If you head to The Bahamas, then beach is likely high on your list of what you want out of the vacation. Celebration Key offers about a half-mile of beach.
When we were in port with two medium-sized ships, there was plenty of room for everyone but it was somewhat busy.
The water gets cloudy from the sand near the shore but quickly becomes crystal clear as you go out. Just know that the beach can be a little rocky in some areas (near the pier at the entrance of Celebration Key is the rockiest part, so avoid that if possible).
Water shoes aren’t needed, but kids — who aren’t as attentive to where they step — may appreciate them.
Pools Are Big… Real Big
The biggest attraction by far are the pools on Celebration Key. There are two sections and both hold around 4,500 people at full capacity.
Most private destinations are built with a pool. Carnival seemingly built Celebration Key as a pool with a private destination around it. The cruise line technically calls the massive pools “lagoons,” but no matter what you call them, they are big.
Signs posted at each pool show they can hold upwards of 4,500 people each — or more than 9,000 people in total.
Surrounding them you will find tons of loungers with umbrellas. Just find a spot you like and have a seat. If you want something more exclusive, there are also cabanas and daybeds you can rent by the pool to have your own space.
What’s Included at Celebration Key
The kid’s splashpad is free for guests to enjoy, as are the beach, loungers, and the pools.
You can spend a day at Celebration Key and not spend an extra dime. There’s plenty to do around the resort that’s included with your day.
Pool: Of course, the biggest feature are the massive pools with enough space for literally thousands of passengers. They are completely free to use. The right side pool (Starfish Lagoon) is more kid-friendly while the left side pool (Calypso Lagoon) is meant for adults.
Beach: Celebration Key features a half-mile of beach stretching past either side of the entrance pier. Of course, the beach is free for visitors to enjoy.
Loungers/Umbrellas: Whether you want to sit around the pool or you want to sit at the beach, you’ll find there are thousands upon thousands of loungers available to you. They also feature umbrellas in between to give you a bit of shade. Just find a spot you like and have a seat.
Splashpad: If you’re visiting with kids, they will love the splashpad featured near the entrance of Starfish Lagoon. Here, they can splash and get soaked to their heart’s content and it’s included with your day.
Sports/Games: Basketball, volleyball, pickleball, ping pong… no matter your game, if you want to play, you can do it during your day at Celebration Key. There are multiple sport court areas along the outer edges of the resort.
Food: With your day, you have a meal included. There are spots to eat all over the park, including the Food Hall, food trucks, and Snack Shacks. Simply pick what you want from the menu of included options and have your card scanned.
What Costs Extra at Celebration Key
The twin waterslides that are part of the Suncastle cost $15 per person for unlimited rides.
There’s plenty to do for free during your day, but many things around the spot do cost extra. It’s a good idea to bring both your room keycard and some cash to pay for items ashore.
Waterslides: At the center of the park is the Suncastle, and within that structure are two waterslides — the Mach 3 Marlin and the Flash Flamingo. These slides cost $15 per person for unlimited rides during the day.
Cabanas: If a lounger just won’t cut it, then you can upgrade to a cabana around the pool or by the beach. Prices vary based on which one you select, but run from several hundred dollars to more than $2,000 for the day.
Beach Rentals: Want snorkel gear? Or a float? Or a kayak? Or a paddleboard? There are all sorts of beach items available for passengers but they do cost a fee. Prices vary based on what you want, but for reference, snorkel gear costs $20 for the day. A double kayak is $46 for an hour.
Some Food: As mentioned, you get a meal included with the day. Anything else, however, costs extra. There’s a high-end restaurant at the Pearl Cove Beach Club and there are also restaurants dotted around the pool. Even spots where you get your meal included will have menu prices if you want to buy something extra. Expect prices of around $15 per entree.
Drinks: If you want something other than water, then be prepared to pay up. Soda, cocktails, and beer are all extra. Prices are similar to what you see on the ship, so about $3 for a soda, $8 for a beer, and $13 for a cocktail.
Pearl Cove: The Pearl Cove Beach Club is a luxury-focused adults only area at Celebration Key. It charges a $79 admission fee, though you can upgrade your admission to include drinks or drinks and a meal for even more.
Shopping: Want a souvenir? Or a coffee? Or ice cream? There are shops in the Paradise Plaza and Lokono Cove area of Celebration Key in the center of everything. Here you can buy yourself something nice.
Tips & Things to Know for Visiting Celebration Key
The arch over the entrance makes a great place to take a photo except there will be other people likely in the background.
When it’s your first time visiting, there are a few things you should know that can help the day go more smoothly
The Kid’s Side Can Be Calmer
If you’re wanting to relax, the best place is the Pearl Cove Beach Club. If you don’t want to pay for that, however, then you might try Starfish Lagoon.
Yes, Starfish Lagoon is meant for kids and families, but anyone can visit. During our visit, we found it was much more chilled out than Calypso Lagoon where loud thumping bass was hitting from the swim-up bar area.
The Pools Are Not Heated
Most times of the year it won’t be a big deal but the massive lagoon pools aren’t heated. If you visit during the winter, the pool water might be chillier than the actual ocean. If you want a heated pool, there is one in the beach club, but again, you’ll have to pay for access.
Lockers May Not Work
Need a place to store your stuff? There are banks of lockers located alongside the restroom/shower area. The only issue is that when we visited we noticed that several of them weren’t working.
The lockers have a screen and a touchpad for you to rent them but the ones we saw weren’t powered up just yet.
Try “Two Days” at Celebration Key
Being so close to Florida, that means your day in port will likely be a lengthy one. In that case, we’d suggest breaking up your single day into two days.
First, you can head out in the morning, hit the beach or the pool, and then grab your lunch before heading back to the ship in the middle of the day. This gives you a respite from the heat and humidity in the cool of the ship. And you can also grab a drink onboard or reapply sunscreen or even take a nap.
After a rest, you can then head back to shore in the afternoon and have plenty of time for round two of Celebration Key.The post The First-Timer’s Guide to Celebration Key (What’s Included, What to Do, & More) first appeared on Cruzely.com.
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