Is Pearl Cove at Celebration Key worth the extra cost?

Cruising with Lynnie
Nov 19, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Nov 21, 2025

Curious about whether Pearl Cove at Celebration Key is worth the extra cost? Here’s a breakdown + honest thoughts — feel free to drop your own opinions, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.*

What is Pearl Cove?

It’s an adults-only (18+) premium beach club at Celebration Key, Carnival’s private island.
The area features an 11,000‑sq‑ft infinity pool with a sun shelf, water loungers, and a swim-up bar.
There’s a private beach section reserved just for Pearl Cove visitors, lined with premium loungers and umbrellas.
For food, there’s a full-service restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus elevated menu options.
A DJ plays tropical lounge music throughout the day, giving the space a relaxed, resort-like vibe.
Lockers are available for Pearl Cove guests.

What Are the Cost Options?

There are several ways to enjoy Pearl Cove, depending on how much luxury you want:

Package	What’s Included	Price*
Club Access (welcome drink)	Access to the beach club, infinity pool, loungers, private beach + a welcome drink (rum or fruit punch if 21+)	$99.99 / person
Open Bar	Everything in Club Access + up to 10 drinks (rum punch, beer, wine, well drinks, frozen daiquiris & piña coladas)	$139.99 / person
All-Inclusive	Club Access + Open Bar (same 10‑drink limit) + Premium lunch at the Pearl Cove restaurant	$179.99 / person

*Prices are from Carnival’s shore excursions site (11/2025) and subject to change; always double-check when booking.

Upscale Add-Ons: Cabanas & Super Villas

If you’re traveling with a group or want a more private, high-end experience, there are more premium options:

Cabana: Up to 8 people. Comes with a three-seat sofa, two armchairs, two loungers, a cabana concierge, and unlimited Suncastle Racing Slides. Also includes the open bar.
Super Villa: More of a private beachfront villa for up to ~10–12 people. Features lounge furniture, hammocks, a mini-fridge, a bar, a lounge table, and a dedicated concierge. Includes snacks, open bar, lunch, and unlimited slides.

Pros — What Makes It Worth It

Tranquility & ExclusivitySince it’s adults-only and limited access, Pearl Cove tends to be much more peaceful than the general lagoon and beach areas. Great for relaxing.
Resort-Quality AmenitiesThe infinity pool, swim-up bar, and lush lounge setup are very upscale compared to a typical cruise stop beach day.
All‑Inclusive Option = Great ValueIf you go for the all-inclusive package, getting up to 10 drinks + lunch can feel like a real “splurge day,” rather than paying per drink or food.
Group-Friendly PerksCabanas and villas are ideal for groups: more space, privacy, and shared costs make the premium feel more “worth it.”
Adult Vibe + AtmosphereThe DJ, upscale seating, and more relaxed pace make it a perfect spot for older cruisers or anyone who wants a more low-key day.

Cons — Why You Might Skip or Think Twice

It’s an Extra Cost: Your cruise fare doesn’t include Pearl Cove — it’s fully optional and additional.
Drink Limit in Open Bar: The open bar only allows up to 10 drinks per person — so if you’re a heavy drinker, it might not stretch as far as you think.
Not Free Lunch Unless All-Inclusive: With the cheaper pass, food is not included, so you’ll need to pay separately if you get hungry.
Rocky Beach in Some Areas: Some guests report that parts of the beachfront are a little rocky.
Drink Packages Don’t Apply: According to Carnival, their “Cheers” or “Bottomless Bubbles” packages don’t cover drinks at Celebration Key.
May Be Crowded: Even though it’s adult-only, some users on the cruise subreddits mentioned that the infinity pool or swim-up bar can get pretty busy.

My Verdict — Is It Worth It?

Yes — for the right person or group.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, upscale beach day away from the family zones, Pearl Cove is absolutely worth considering.
The all-inclusive pass ($179.99) is probably the best value if you plan to lounge, drink, and eat. You’ll maximize what you paid for.
For groups of friends or families traveling without kids, the cabana or villa is a splurge — but a very fun and luxurious one.
If you’re more about adrenaline (slides) or family fun, you might find better value in the main Celebration Key areas instead of spending on Pearl Cove.