Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest beach destination, located on Grand Bahama Island. Despite what you may have heard online, Celebration Key is not a private island—it’s a private resort area built exclusively for Carnival guests, staffed by locals, not cruise ship crew. There's been a lot of confusion and misinformation about Celebration Key since it opened, so now that we’ve been there ourselves, we’re here to give you real, accurate, and helpful information based on firsthand experience.

Designed as a full-day beach resort, Celebration Key features a massive freshwater lagoon, traditional beach access on both sides of the island, shopping, casual and full-service dining, entertainment, and several paid upgrades. Whether you're traveling with family or looking for an adults-only escape, this guide covers everything you need to know, including how to get around, what food and drink is included, where to relax, and what to expect with your visit.

Celebration Key Portals

Celebration Key is divided into several themed portals, or zones, all connected through the main hub called Paradise Plaza. Each area is designed to serve a different type of experience—from family fun and water sports to quiet beach lounging or premium upgrades.

Main Zones:

Paradise Plaza – Central hub with guest services area, the Suncastle and slides, and tram transfer points
Starfish Lagoon – Family-focused pool and beach area with casual dining and water activities
Calypso Lagoon – A mix of lively and adults-only areas with swim up bars, DJ, and sports
Pearl Cove Beach Club – Premium 18+ beach club with pool, beach, and restaurant (paid access only)
Lokono Cove – Cultural shopping village and shore excursion exit area

Paradise Plaza: Entry Point and Central Hub

Once you disembark the ship, it’s about a 5-minute walk to Paradise Plaza, or you can take a free tram or ADA golf cart. Paradise Plaza connects all areas of the island and is where you’ll find:

Guest Services and Excursion Desk
Yumshine Scoops ice cream counter
Shops for souvenirs and essentials
The Suncastle structure with panoramic views and two waterslides: Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin ($15 per ride)

This is also the main transfer point for all tram lines going to Starfish Lagoon, Calypso Lagoon, and Pearl Cove.

Lokono Cove: Shopping and Cultural Area

Located just behind the Suncastle, Lokono Cove is home to:

A colorful Bahamian market and artisan shops
Suncastle Grounds Coffee
Murals and art displays
The transportation exit for shore excursions and local taxis

It’s a good spot to browse local goods, grab a coffee, or cool off in the shade.

Celebration Key Tram System

Celebration Key Tram Map

Celebration Key Tram

Celebration Key is walkable, but a free tram system runs continuously throughout the day to help you get around faster. Here’s how it works:

Trams travel between the ship and Paradise Plaza
From there, two tram lines branch off:
- Starfish Line serves stops in the Starfish Lagoon area, ending near Lokono Cove
- Calypso Line serves Calypso Lagoon and stops at Pearl Cove as well

Each line makes multiple stops within its zone. Tram stops are clearly marked, and no reservations are required.

Starfish Lagoon: Best Zone for Families

Starfish Lagoon is located to the right of Paradise Plaza and offers both lagoon-side and beachfront experiences. It’s a great choice for families and includes:

Captain’s Galley Food Hall and Gill’s Grill for casual dining
Starfish Food Trucks and Snack Shack for quick bites
Bars: Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar, Shoalmates Island Bar, Lagoon Bar East
Guppy Grotto: a splash pad and wading pool for young kids
Sports courts and games (north and south areas)
Watersport rentals
Free chairs and umbrellas throughout the beach and lagoon
Optional rentals: cabanas, daybeds, aquabanas, and overwater cabanas (available to book as shore excursions)

Calypso Lagoon: Relaxation and Adults-Only Vibes

To the left of Paradise Plaza is Calypso Lagoon, which offers a mix of energy and tranquility. The western side of the lagoon and beach is 18+ only, while the section closer to Paradise Plaza is open to all ages and tends to be more lively. Highlights include:

Dining: Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Restaurant, Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews, Calypso Food Trucks, Beachside Burgers, and a Snack Shack
Bars: Long Necks Swim-Up Bar, Sunshine Swings Bar, Lagoon Bar West
Live DJ and music entertainment
Sports and games
Watersport rentals
Free chairs and umbrellas throughout
Optional rentals: cabanas, daybeds, and overwater cabanas (booked as shore excursions)

Pearl Cove Beach Club: Premium Adults-Only Escape

Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s premium 18+ beach club, located at the far western end of Calypso Lagoon. Access requires a paid pass or a cabana/daybed reservation. Every cabana or daybed rental in the Pearl Cove area comes with entry.

Pearl Cove Beach Club includes:

A private beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas
Infinity-edge pool with swim-up bar
Full-service Pearl Cove Restaurant (free with All-Inclusive pass)
Pearl Cove Beach Club Bar
Watersport rentals
Private cabanas and daybeds (rental includes basic entry)

Guests must check in at the Pearl Cove concierge desk upon arrival to receive a wristband that matches their pass type (Basic Entry, Open Bar, or All-Inclusive).

Food and Drinks at Celebration Key

Each guest receives one complimentary Island Eats meal, which can be redeemed at any food truck, snack shack, or casual dining venue. The meal includes one entree item, side of fries, and a chocolate chip cookie. Swipe your Sail & Sign card to redeem your credit. You may use the meal credits for others in your cabin, but each card can only be used once.

If you want additional food or try something outside the Island Eats menu, you’ll need to pay out of pocket using your cruise card or a credit/debit card.

You can also use your Island Eats credit to get 25% off one entrée at full-service restaurants (excluding desserts or appetizers). The restaurant inside Pearl Cove is only included with the All-Inclusive pass.

All drinks, including water and soda, must be purchased separately. Drink packages do not apply on the island.

Important notes:

All purchases include 18% service charge and 10% Bahamian VAT
The island is fully cashless—use a Sail & Sign card or a credit/debit card
You may purchase up to 10 alcoholic beverages per guest per day
Water refill stations are located throughout the island

Click here to view menus and learn more about Celebration Key food and drink.

Seating, Towels, and Accessibility

Chairs and umbrellas are free throughout Celebration Key and available on a first-come basis. Cabanas, daybeds, and premium loungers are paid upgrades, which must be booked in advance through Carnival’s shore excursion system.

Towels are not provided on the island unless you are in Pearl Cove. Be sure to bring towels from your stateroom, as there is no towel exchange on Celebration Key.

Celebration Key is ADA accessible, with paved walkways, ramps, and beach wheelchairs available upon request. Some lagoon areas also offer zero-entry access for easier mobility. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the beach and lagoon areas.

Celebration Key FAQ

Is Celebration Key only for Carnival guests?
Yes, only guests sailing on Carnival itineraries that stop at Celebration Key have access.

Is it a private island?
No. Celebration Key is a private resort area built exclusively for Carnival guests, located on Grand Bahama Island.

Do I need to bring towels?
Yes. Bring towels from your stateroom. Pearl Cove guests have towels provided.

Are drinks included with my cruise package?
No. Cheers! and Bottomless Bubbles drink packages do not apply at Celebration Key. All drinks must be purchased separately.

What’s included in my Island Eats meal?
One main item, fries, and a cookie at participating casual venues. One meal per guest. Click here to learn more.

Can I use someone else’s Island Eats credit?
You can use other guests’ credits in your cabin—but each card is one use only, so swipe carefully.

Are lifeguards present?
Yes, all lagoon and beach areas are staffed with lifeguards during the day.

Are cabanas worth it?
If you want private space, shade, and upgraded service, cabanas are a nice splurge. Pearl Cove cabanas include open bar and unlimited waterslide rides.

Do I need cash?
No. The island is completely cashless. Bring your Sail & Sign card or a credit/debit card.

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