Is this the Epic Universe of the Bahamas?
We’re only a few months away from the official launch of Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s second private island in the Bahamas. While Half Moon Cay is known for its excellent beach and quiet atmosphere, Celebration Key looks like it will be the complete opposite. The island will feature five different “portals,” each leading to a unique area with new restaurants, pools, and entertainment options.
In this sense, Celebration Key does feel a bit like a theme park in the middle of the Bahamas. If you look at the promotional images, you’ll see dozens of swimming pools, splash pads, and a central tower with two massive waterslides. The images show people swimming, playing, eating and dancing - everything you’d expect from a great beach day. There’s still some information that Carnival is keeping under wraps, but here’s what we know about Celebration Key so far.
The largest freshwater pools in the Bahamas
Celebration Key will be home to two of the largest freshwater swimming pools in the Bahamas. One is located in Calypso Lagoon and the other in Starfish Lagoon. If you love pools and swim-up bars, this island might be right up your alley.
No More Tenders!
Unlike Half Moon Cay, you won’t need to board a tender to reach the island. Your ship will dock directly at Celebration Key, massively cutting down wait times, so you can get to that poolside pina colada even faster.
Five Portals to Five Different Areas
Doesn’t Celebration Key kind of remind you of Epic Universe? Instead of Super Nintendo World, though, you’ll enter areas like Paradise Plaza, Starfish Lagoon, Calypso Lagoon, Pearl Cove Beach Club, and Lokono Cove. Let’s check them out.
Paradise Plaza
This is the main hub of Celebration Key and connects to all the other portals. It’s where you can book excursions while on land, and it’s also where you’ll see the large lighthouse-shaped castle that serves as the central landmark of Celebration Key. The lighthouse is also home to two big waterslides, though it’s still unclear whether guests will need to pay to use them.
Starfish Lagoon
This is the family-friendly portal, where everyone is welcome. Here, you’ll find a massive freshwater pool, a sports court, and access to the Suncastle Castle slide (the large structure located in Paradise Plaza). You can also expect splash pads, swim-up bars, and plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
Calypso Lagoon
This area is considered the adult-friendly part of the island, though it's not strictly adults-only. It features restaurants, a freshwater pool, and a more laid-back vibe geared toward adults. It appears that Calypso Lagoon shares some spaces with Starfish Lagoon, and some might even say the two form one large area that's simply divided into two zones.
Pearl Cove Beach Club
This adults-only area is a paid section of the island, featuring restaurants and a large infinity pool. Access starts at $99.99 per person, but you can also choose to upgrade: $139.99 gets you entry with access to the open bar, and $179.99 includes full all-inclusive club access with both food and drinks.
Lokono Cove
The shopping district of Celebration Key, filled with small shops and kiosks offering authentic Bahamian merchandise.
Food on Celebration Key
It looks like Celebration Key might be the private island with the most restaurants… ever? Carnival is promising over 30 dining venues, ranging from full table-service and quick-service restaurants to food trucks and kiosks.
The main question we get is: Will Celebration Key offer a free buffet like those on other private islands? The answer is no. Instead, Carnival is introducing a new concept called Island Eats.
Island Eats
Here is how Carnival describes Island Eats: “If you cruise to Celebration Key, you can look forward to Island Eats, which allows you one complimentary meal at any of the fast casual venues, or 25% off any entrée at full-service restaurants.”
You read that right. You don’t get a free buffet to eat whatever you want. Instead, you get one free meal at a quick-service restaurant OR 25% off any entrée at a full-service restaurant.
Honestly, I’m not sure how I feel about this. When visiting a private island, I love being able to hit a free buffet and eat as many tacos as I want. Now, you can’t really do that. You’ll get a single free meal at a quick-service spot, and if you want more, you’ll have to pay. The 25% off an entrée at a full-service restaurant feels like an even worse deal, since it’s not a discount on the whole bill, which would’ve made it more appealing.
Closing Thoughts
Celebration Key looks beautiful and full of fun options. With numerous beaches, pools, slides, and splash pads, it seems like it's going to be an amazing destination for families and kids. That’s great news, especially considering Half Moon Cay is more about relaxing on the beach, with no swimming pools or water slides.
I’m still curious to see how guests will react to the new Island Eats concept and what the overall food quality will be like on the island. While we wait, all we can do is stare at those beautiful concept art images and wonder which island portal will become our favorite.
I know mine will be whichever one has the best tacos.
Celebration key FAQ
When will Celebration Key open to guests?
Celebration Key will officially welcome guests on July 19, 2025.
Is Celebration Key free to access?
Yes, Celebration Key is free for Carnival Cruise Line guests and is included in select Carnival itineraries.
Is there a free buffet on Celebration Key?
No, there isn’t a free buffet, as Carnival is introducing the Island Eats concept instead.
Does my drink package work on Celebration Key?
No, Carnival’s drink packages do not apply on Celebration Key.
