What's included at Celebration Key? A lot, and it comes with your Carnival cruise. Families get the beach, the big freshwater lagoon, the Guppy Grotto splash pad, sports courts, beach chairs and umbrellas, plus one complimentary meal per person at walk-up venues. Not everything is included: you pay extra for things like the racing waterslides, cabanas, the adults-only beach club, upgraded dining and drinks.
Families from Idaho, Utah and the Mountain West plan Carnival cruises with us. If Celebration Key is on your list, here is what is free, what costs more, and how to plan your day.
Celebration Key is Carnival's own cruise destination on the south side of Grand Bahama island. Carnival calls it a new exclusive destination for its guests. Carnival says it has a mile-long white sand beach and the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean.
The island is split into five areas Carnival calls "portals":
Here is what Carnival lists as included at Celebration Key in its destination guide:
Carnival's own guide says "so much is included," but not everything is. Carnival says there are over 30 dining and bar locations, and only select walk-up menu items are part of the complimentary meal. That is still good news for families on a budget.
These are the main add-ons:
One more thing to know: onboard drink packages do not carry over to Celebration Key. Plan your drink budget for the day.
Prices change often, so check the Carnival app or ask us for current costs.
For some families, yes. Carnival lists Starfish Lagoon cabanas for up to seven guests, and a large cabana for up to ten. They come with a cabana concierge, snacks, water and soda, and unlimited rides on the Suncastle slides. The large cabana also includes a complimentary lunch from a set menu.
A cabana can make sense if:
Carnival says excursions and rentals are first-come, first-served, so book early.
Starfish Lagoon is Carnival's family area, and Guppy Grotto gives toddlers a splash pad and a shallow wading pool of their own.
Some tips:
Here is one easy way to plan it:
For families, it is a strong reason to pick a Carnival itinerary. The lagoon, splash pad and complimentary meal help keep costs down. Carnival has other destinations too, and we also plan Royal Caribbean cruises and Disney cruises, so we can help you compare. If Disney Cruise Line is on your list too, read are Disney cruises worth it.
Cruises have payment plans. You put down a deposit, then pay the rest by your final payment date. Booking through a travel agent costs nothing extra. See how a travel agent helps with cruise planning and our travel planning services.
We do not bundle flights with cruises. It is best to book your flights directly with the airline, and plan to fly in the day before your cruise. Check which port your ship sails from before you book flights.
Carnival includes one complimentary meal per person from select Island Eats menu items at walk-up venues. More food, upgraded dining and drinks cost extra.
No. The Suncastle racing slides cost extra. Unlimited rides come with a Starfish Lagoon cabana.
Yes. Carnival built Starfish Lagoon for families, with a lagoon, a splash pad and sports courts.
No. Carnival says Pearl Cove Beach Club is for guests 18 and older.
No. Carnival says onboard drink packages do not carry over to Celebration Key.
If a Carnival cruise with a beach day sounds good, we would love to help. Request a free quote and tell us your travel month and kids' ages.
