Carnival Cruise Line Celebrates ‘Double Fun’ Day at Celebration Key, Grand Bahama

Carnival Cruise Line marked a historic milestone with its ‘Double Fun’ Day on July 19, 2025, welcoming two of its ships — Carnival Glory and Carnival Conquest — to the newly unveiled private destination, Celebration Key, in Grand Bahama. Over 7,000 guests enjoyed a memorable day of sunshine, sand, and entertainment, making this the first-ever event of its kind for Carnival. The occasion underscores Carnival’s renewed commitment to expanding its Caribbean portfolio and strengthening its presence in The Bahamas.

Spanning over 65 acres, Celebration Key promises an exceptional beach experience. Its 1.5-mile stretch of pristine shoreline offers guests plenty of space to unwind and soak up the Caribbean sun. The destination features five distinct portals, providing seamless access to various attractions and amenities. Notable highlights include the Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons and the biggest private beach club at any cruise port. Visitors can also enjoy the world’s largest swim-up bar and swings bar, ideal for those wanting drinks with a view.

Beyond its beaches, Celebration Key boasts more than 30 dining and beverage outlets, alongside exhilarating attractions such as a 10-storey Suncastle water slide and a range of cabanas and daybeds for relaxation and fun. Designed to cater for all ages, the site offers activities for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Carnival’s $600 million investment in Celebration Key reflects its dedication to enriching the guest experience and bolstering tourism in The Bahamas. A $100 million extension to the pier will enable up to four ships to dock simultaneously from summer 2026, greatly enhancing capacity and visitor numbers. By 2028, Carnival expects Celebration Key to welcome up to four million guests each year, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

Celebration Key is set to become a key destination with 20 ships from 10 U.S. homeports scheduled to visit. Its addition strengthens Carnival’s Caribbean routes, promising guests a luxurious and exclusive holiday experience. Following the success of ‘Double Fun’ Day, plans are underway for other high-profile visits; notably, Mardi Gras, Carnival’s largest Excel-class ship, will make its first call to Celebration Key on the following Friday, joining Carnival Pride which departs from Baltimore.

As cruise demand continues to grow in 2025, Carnival aims to position Celebration Key among the Caribbean’s premier destinations. The extensive investment in infrastructure and amenities reflects a strategy to meet evolving traveller preferences and stimulate regional growth.

The development also aligns with The Bahamas’ broader tourism goals, creating employment opportunities and supporting sustainable industry growth. The collaboration between Carnival and the Bahamian government aims to foster a vibrant, eco-friendly cruise sector that benefits local communities.

Celebration Key exemplifies Carnival’s dedication to delivering extraordinary holiday experiences while contributing to the economic vitality of Grand Bahama. Its opening marks a pivotal moment in Caribbean cruise travel, with promising prospects for future expansion and prosperity.