🏝️ Celebration Key: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Carnival’s Celebration Key is an exclusive cruise destination on Grand Bahama Island, with beaches, huge freshwater lagoons, restaurants, bars, shopping and plenty of places to relax.
Now that I’ve visited Celebration Key, I have a much better idea of what to expect—and there are definitely a few things worth knowing before you get off the ship!
Celebration Key offerings, policies and dining options can change. This information is current as of September 2026; always check Carnival for the latest details.
🛳️ Arriving at Celebration Key
Your ship docks directly at Celebration Key, so there’s no tender required. Carnival estimates the walk along the shaded pier to Paradise Plaza at about 10 minutes.
Complimentary hop-on/hop-off trams also operate around the destination.
Once you reach Paradise Plaza, you’ll see the giant Suncastle and can head toward the different areas.
💡 Tip: This is a great time to grab a few photos before heading to the beach or lagoon!
🌴 Know the Main Areas
Celebration Key is divided into several areas, and knowing the basics makes planning your day much easier:
⭐ Starfish Lagoon: The family-friendly area with a freshwater lagoon, Starfish Beach, Guppy Grotto splash area, food and activities.
🍹 Calypso Lagoon: More adult-friendly, with a huge freshwater lagoon, Calypso Beach, bars, restaurants and a livelier atmosphere.
🛍️ Lokono Cove: Shopping, Bahamian artisans and the meeting point for Carnival excursions that take you outside Celebration Key.
🥂 Pearl Cove Beach Club: A separately priced adults-only (18+) premium area with a private beach, infinity pool, restaurant and bar.
Beach chairs and umbrellas are complimentary, so you don't need to purchase a cabana or beach club pass to have a great day.
🍴 Food & Island Eats
Celebration Key has plenty of dining options, but there is one important thing to understand: included food isn't unlimited.
Carnival's Island Eats program gives each guest one complimentary meal at select fast-casual locations OR 40% off one entrée at participating full-service restaurants. Pearl Cove Beach Club isn't included.
You'll find Captain's Galley Food Hall, food trucks, beach and snack shacks, Gill's Grill, Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen and Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews, among other choices.
We eat at Captain's Galley every time we visit. We especially like the Mediterranean and Mexican-style bowls. The mini donuts at Starfish Lagoon Food Trucks are also a fun option!
💡 Tip: Check out your choices before redeeming your Island Eats meal so you don't use it at the first place you see.
🍹 Drinks: Know Before You Order
One of the biggest things to remember is that your onboard drink package doesn't work at Celebration Key. That includes CHEERS! and other Carnival onboard beverage packages, so drinks purchased ashore are separate.
Also keep in mind that the menu price isn't necessarily your final price. Beverage purchases currently have an 18% service charge plus 10% Bahamian VAT added, so budget a little extra when ordering.
💳 For food and drinks, bring your Sail & Sign card or a credit card. If you're planning to shop, bring some cash too. Carnival notes that Sail & Sign cards aren't accepted at retail outlets, and cash can be useful for smaller souvenirs.
🏖️ What Can You Do?
You can easily spend your day enjoying the beaches and freshwater lagoons without purchasing an upgraded experience.
Families can check out Guppy Grotto, while adults may prefer the atmosphere around Calypso Lagoon. The Suncastle racing waterslides are available for an additional fee, with packages offering unlimited rides. Carnival also offers rentals such as kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear.
If you'd rather explore more of Grand Bahama, Carnival also offers excursions that take you outside Celebration Key.
🛍️ Shopping & Extras
Lokono Cove is the main shopping area, with Bahamian artisan goods, souvenirs and duty-free selections.
Celebration Key also offers optional upgrades, including cabanas, Aquabanas, daybeds, villas and Pearl Cove Beach Club. These can be fun additions, but they're definitely not necessary—you already have access to beaches, freshwater lagoons, chairs, umbrellas and other complimentary activities.
👜 What to Bring
Pack like you're heading out for a beach and pool day. Carnival recommends bringing your Sail & Sign card, photo ID, credit card, some cash, sunscreen and a beach towel from your stateroom. Water shoes, a hat and a refillable water bottle are also worth considering.
I also like having a small beach bag, sunglasses and a waterproof phone pouch.
Don't forget your towel! Bring one from your stateroom rather than expecting to grab one once you arrive.
🌞 A Few Tips Before You Go
Take a look at the Celebration Key map before getting off the ship and decide where you want to start. The destination is large, and having a general plan can save some unnecessary walking.
I'd also look at the food options before using your Island Eats meal, remember that your shipboard drink package stays on the ship, and don't feel like you have to purchase an upgrade to enjoy Celebration Key.
And, of course, keep an eye on your all-aboard time. Give yourself enough time to make that walk back down the pier and get onboard.
One thing I really like about Celebration Key is that you can make the day whatever you want it to be. Spend it at the beach, hang out in the lagoon, try some food, grab a tropical drink—or find a lounger and do absolutely nothing.
We've already found a few favorites, but there's enough here that you can do something different each time you visit.
What are you heading to first at Celebration Key—the beach, lagoon, food or bar? 🍹🌴
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