Carnival Cruise Line guests are just five months away from experiencing Celebration Key’s five portals to paradise. To kick off the countdown to the official opening on 19 July 2024, Carnival Corporation & plc’s Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen joined Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy for a behind the scenes look at this new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama as construction enters its final phases.

They marked milestones in construction progress across the expansive beachfront destination and highlighted Celebration Key’s sustainability commitment. In a nod to the maritime tradition of a keel laying for a new ship, they placed commemorative keys into Celebration Key’s signature Suncastle, the centerpiece of the destination’s five portals.

The Suncastle stands 10-stories tall near Paradise Plaza, the first portal guests will encounter that serves as a gateway to the destination’s other areas. The Suncastle is also home to racing waterslides that are part of the portal geared toward families, Starfish Lagoon, along with endless other options for recreation and relaxation. The destination’s adult-focused portal, Calypso Lagoon, features an adult-only area with a DJ island and a large swim-up bar. Pearl Cove Beach Club is a private portal offering a premium adult-only experience with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas. The fifth portal, Lokono Cove, is an artisan retail village celebrating Bahamian culture through local art and handmade goods.

About 500 workers are on site daily as construction continues round-the-clock to prepare the destination for its summer opening, when Carnival Vista will make the inaugural call on July 19. Celebration Key will deliver Carnival’s signature brand of fun while honoring local heritage and supporting Grand Bahama through job creation and economic development. To date, 28 Bahamian companies have contributed to the project.

Carnival continues to make new options and features available for guests as they plan their Celebration Key experience. New at Pearl Cove Beach Club are beachfront daybeds, private cabanas and exclusive Super Villas, available for booking soon. Each option includes access to the club’s open bar service, infinity pool, full-service restaurant and premium beachfront access.