Heidi and I are again from Carnival’s Celebration Key. We have been among the many first cruise passengers to go to this unique vacation spot on Grand Bahama Island. Following our day of solar and enjoyable on the vacation spot’s grand opening, we’ve put collectively our Celebration Key overview with some takeaways on what we beloved and what to skip.
As Carnival Vista slowly approached Celebration Key, we first noticed the silhouette of the Suncastle, the vacation spot’s iconic 10-story sandcastle construction from our portside balcony. Quickly, different options got here into focus, and we may hardly comprise our pleasure. From the adults-only non-public seaside membership, Pearl Cove, to the colourful pier and mile lengthy pool, Celebration Key regarded beautiful.
Along with a choose group of media, we have been entrance and middle for all of the opening day festivities. Following remarks from President Christine Duffy and particular appearances from icons like Shaquille O’Neal, it was lastly time to discover all that Celebration Key has to supply.
OUR EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT CELEBRATION KEY
The Swimming pools and Seashores on Celebration Key
Celebration Secret’s house to the 2 largest freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean, divided into two distinct portals. There’s the adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon on the west aspect and the family-focused Starfish Lagoon on the east aspect.
Splitting the 2 sections of this pool is the aforementioned signature Suncastle. Together with being Celebration Key’s iconic landmark, it’s also house to the vacation spot’s most thrilling attraction. The twin racing waterslides, Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin, twist and switch over 350 toes.
These slides have a canopy cost of $14.99 per individual for an all-day cross. In case you have children, this is perhaps an important deal; although, as adults, there isn’t a lot re-rideability. Nonetheless, the highest of this sandcastle does provide some implausible views of the island.
In distinction, whereas we knew the swimming pools have been going to be massive, we nonetheless weren’t ready for a way huge they actually have been. In truth, the Starfish Lagoon pool alone dwarfs Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Lagoon. That pool on Excellent Day at CocoCay used to carry the title as the biggest freshwater pool within the Caribbean. Now, Celebration Key’s mixed freshwater lagoons are shut to eight instances the dimensions of the competitors.
So, whether or not you desire a full of life Caribbean vibe with DJ music or a extra serene day wading within the shallows, Celebration Key has you lined.
Surrounding the lagoon on either side are quite a lot of lounge chairs and umbrellas, which can be found to be used on a first-come, first-served foundation. Most of the loungers closest to the arrivals plaza have been stuffed with fellow cruisers early within the day. Nonetheless, inside a five-minute stroll, there have been loads of empty chairs.
Equally, the pool space close to the Lengthy Necks Swim-Up bar within the “adults-only” part was packed many of the day. Nonetheless, there was loads of different pool area to name your individual. Whereas this western part of Calypso Lagoon is technically presupposed to be 18+, we didn’t see any enforcement apart from some signage.
Though, we have been stunned that there aren’t extra kid-focused water options. The Guppy Grotto splash pad and wading pool are comparatively small, particularly given the behemoth measurement of the remainder of the pool space. When in comparison with Disney Cruise Line and even Royal Caribbean, we’d have anticipated a family-focused cruise line like Carnival to have a extra expansive area for the youngest cruisers.
Whereas the swimming pools have been busy for many of the day, the other was true for the mile lengthy stretch of seaside. Each Starfish Seashore and Calypso Seashore have been comparatively empty. Nonetheless, with nice ship views and loads of complimentary loungers and umbrellas, seaside lovers will really feel proper at house on Celebration Key.
Remember the fact that most facilities are centralized across the lagoons. So, if you happen to’re lounging beachside, you will want to depart your lounger to quench your thirst or fulfill your urge for food.
Upgrading Your Day at Celebration Key
Whereas there’s loads of seaside and pool area accessible on Celebration Key that received’t price you something, the Pearl Cove Seashore Membership provides a extra secluded and splendid choice.
Reserved for friends 18 and older, this non-public seaside membership is the biggest of any cruise line vacation spot. It boasts its personal 11,000 sq. foot infinity pool with a swim-up bar and unique seaside entry with upgraded loungers. This unspoiled seaside supplies good views of the ship. There’s additionally a full-service restaurant, aptly named Pearl Cove Seashore Membership Restaurant and Bar, providing upscale menu objects resembling grilled calamari and seafood pasta.
In contrast to Royal Caribbean’s 18+ Hideaway Seashore Membership, Pearl Cove is a relaxed and chill spot with loads of area to unfold out and unwind. It’s extra just like Royal Caribbean’s Coco Seashore Membership, however Pearl Cove is bigger and strictly adults-only.
Carnival Cruise Line provides three completely different packages for friends to take pleasure in Pearl Cove. The bottom entry level supplies entry solely, whereas the costliest choice is an all-inclusive cross that features ten alcoholic drinks and meals on the restaurant. There are additionally cabanas accessible for individuals who want to improve their keep even additional.
We spent the morning touring Pearl Cove and each remarked on how a lot we appreciated the setup, the infinity pool, and the peaceable vibes. Whereas we had plans to return to Pearl Cove later within the day, we by no means made it again. Once we return to Celebration Key once more, we will surely think about buying passes to flee the crowds and the youngsters.
Meals and Drinks on Celebration Key
For cruisers who’ve sailed to different cruise line non-public islands, Celebration Key might be complicated relating to its meals and beverage program.
At non-public islands like Excellent Day at CocoCay, Nice Stirrup Cay, Castaway Cay, and even Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, many of the ashore meals is complimentary. Likewise, Royal Caribbean’s and Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages work at these non-public locations.
However Carnival Cruise Line officers have been fast to right us once we insinuated that Celebration Secret’s comparable to those non-public islands. As an alternative, they discuss with Celebration Key as an “unique vacation spot”. Thus, many of the meals and drinks on Celebration Key are usually not included within the cruise fare. Much like different Carnival Corp. locations, resembling Mahogany Bay or Amber Cove, friends have entry to a number of bars and eating places for a further charge. These locations are usually not an extension of the ship.
Island Eats on Celebration Key
Nonetheless, not like Mahogany Bay or Amber Cove, Carnival has launched a brand new profit for Celebration Key, referred to as Island Eats. With Island Eats, everybody receives one meal credit score to take pleasure in whereas ashore.
The credit score is legitimate for one full meal at one of many informal eateries. Or, friends obtain 25% off an entree at full-service eating places. Youngsters 12 and beneath eat free from the youngsters menu in any respect full-service eating places.
Whereas we had no points utilizing our credit, we did observe a number of friends experiencing difficulties redeeming their meal credit for the included choices. Because the credit for all stateroom members are linked, in concept, one cabinmate may use all of them. So, your children may actually eat everybody’s lunch, that means mother and pa could possibly be caught paying for meals.
Though these Island Eats credit work in any respect quick informal venues, what’s lined varies by location. Thus, you’ll must overview the menus fastidiously to know which objects are included and which can incur further prices. Included choices are sometimes hamburgers or sandwiches. That is usually accompanied by one aspect dish, normally fries or chips, and a cookie.
One huge miss is that the meal credit score doesn’t embody a drink. The one complimentary drinks accessible on Celebration Key are water. Self-service water refill stations are subsequent to lagoons and meals vehicles. However, there aren’t any different included drinks like iced tea or lemonade such as you discover on nearly any non-public cruise line vacation spot.
Informal Eating Ashore
The most important eating venue on Celebration Secret’s the Captain’s Galley Meals Corridor within the Starfish Lagoon portal. This venue is house to standard quick-service objects. These embody pizza, burgers, and sizzling canines. There are additionally upcharge alternatives together with tacos and Mediterranean bowls. Most of those alternatives are priced between $12 and $15, excluding the service cost and native VAT.
On the outskirts of every portal are our favourite eating choices, the meals vehicles. The 8 distinctive choices function quite a lot of handheld treats good for munching poolside. Whereas every is completely different, there’s some overlap in menu objects.
In Starfish Lagoon, meals vehicles embody Grand Bahamas Tacos, Mini Donut King, Seaside Shack Subs & Tenders, and Streatery Sushiva. Throughout the best way at Calypso Lagoon, there are 4 completely different venues. These embody Fowl Play, Calypso Hen Co, Flippin Fritters, and Seaside Burgers & Canines. Each meals truck venues provide restricted picnic tables with umbrellas.
At most of those meals vehicles, friends can redeem an Island Eats credit score for choose menu choices. For added servings or menu objects not lined, friends must pay à la carte. As an example, we redeemed one credit score for the boneless hen tenders meal at Fowl Play. However, if we wished so as to add some loaded nachos to our order, it might have been a further $11.25, plus 18% gratuity and VAT.
Whereas we’re certain the distributors will work out the kinks, it did take 20+ minutes to obtain our meals objects. This could possibly be fairly time consuming if you happen to’d wish to make particular person purchases from a number of meals vehicles in your journey get together.
Celebration Key Full-Service Eating places
Together with the Pearl Cove Restaurant, there are three further full-service venues scattered all through the resort.
All full-service eating places provide desk service eating with distinctive meals menus. Plus, all eating places boast a signature bar menu with distinctive cocktails. Sadly although, the entire seating is al fresco. With 90-degree temperatures and scorching solar, these venues didn’t present the escape from the warmth or solar that we have been hoping for.
The most important venue and the most effective themed is Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen in Calypso Lagoon. The genuine menu provides alternatives resembling Bahamian Conch Chowder for $9.99 and Coconut Curry Hen for $21.99.
On the north aspect of Caylpso Lagoon is Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews. This barbecue restaurant serves up Southern-inspired cocktails just like the Lynchburg Lemonade and native craft beers. Together with sandwiches, friends can go for BBQ sharing platters priced at $29 per individual, together with numerous meats and aspect dishes.
Households stress-free in Starfish Lagoon can seize lunch at Gil’s Grill. Right here, you’ll be able to share objects just like the Smoked Fish Dip for $15.99 or the Coconut Shrimp plate for $23.99.
We love the addition of a espresso store on Celeberation Key. The Suncastle Grounds Espresso is on the base of this landmark in Lokono Cove. Right here, friends can seize a latte or a chilly brew espresso. There’s additionally an up-charge ice store, Yumshine Scoops. At the moment, Island Eats doesn’t work at both of those venues. So, friends might be paying round $5 for espresso or a scoop of ice cream.
Grabbing a Drink on Celebration Key
Together with the bars on the full-service eating places, there are a selection of watering holes. So, you’ll by no means must enterprise too far to seize a drink.
Most of the bars, just like the Lagoon Bar East, Lagoon Bar West, and Shoalmates Island Bar, serve a normal menu. Featured drinks embody classics like a mojito or a margarita. There’s additionally a number of native beers and wines.
Maybe probably the most Instagrammable bar is the Sunshine Swings Bar. This bar is positioned in Calypso Lagoon, just a few steps from the Suncastle. With a signature cocktail menu that includes concoctions just like the Bahama Mama, this open-air bar boasts dozens of swings over each the water and land.
Celebration individuals will wish to seize one of many 160+ in-water seats on the largest swim-up bar on this planet, Lengthy Necks Swim-Up Bar positioned subsequent to Mingo’s and the DJ island. Or, those that need one thing a bit much less rowdy can nonetheless take pleasure in an in-water libation at Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar positioned subsequent to the Captain’s Galley Meals Corridor in Starfish Lagoon.
As we talked about earlier, the cruise line’s Cheers Bundle doesn’t work on Celebration Key. So, friends might be paying full value for all drinks in any respect bars. For probably the most half, cocktails are round $13, with beers and wine $8 and $11, respectively.
Navigating Celebration Key
At the moment, Carnival’s Celebration Key has a pier that may berth two ships, with plans to increase to 4 ships sooner or later. The stroll from the ship to Paradise Plaza is a brief 5-10 minute stroll, or trams can be found. When you make your method down the pier, friends can stroll across the portals or make the most of the tram loops.
Every portal boasts paved strolling paths. With loads of signage, we discovered it straightforward to navigate the perimeter on foot. Additional, it was easy to search out our method into among the alcoves, that are house to varied cabanas and clusters of loungers and umbrellas.
In case you’d choose to not stroll, there are two tram routes. One tram takes friends from Starfish Lagoon to the north finish of Lokono Cove with 5 stops. Likewise, at Calypso Lagoon, the tram takes friends to Pearl Cove, together with three further stops ending at Lokono Cove. These trams run all day in a steady loop.
In contrast to another cruise line non-public locations, the structure of Celebration Secret’s intuitive. This makes it straightforward for friends to entry all of the facilities. Whereas many of the eating places and bars are positioned across the lagoon swimming pools, these lounging on the seaside nonetheless don’t have too far to go.
Our Celebration Key Evaluation
Celebration Secret’s a vibrant, thrilling, and total enjoyable pool or seaside day. The colourful island provides households, {couples}, and multigenerational teams loads of choices to profit from their time ashore. Similiar to more moderen cruise line locations, Carnival’s Celebration Key options genuine Bahamian touches. With domestically impressed food and drinks menus, in addition to craft markets and native artwork, Celebration Key merges the spirit of Carnival Cruise Line and the Bahamian individuals.
Total, we have been pleasantly stunned with Celebration Key. Whereas we have been skeptical that something may compete with Royal Caribbean’s Excellent Day at CocoCay, Carnival’s Celebration Key delivers on many fronts.
Whereas an apparent winner relating to lagoon-style swimming pools, there are many different included facilities and actions which can be complimentary. Three sports activities areas boast video games, basketball and volleyball, and even a pickleball court docket. There’s reside music, a Junkanoo parade which happens twice a day, and loads of seaside area with loungers and umbrellas to unfold out.
Albeit an up-charge, the Pearl Cove Seashore Membership additionally will get two thumbs up from us. The unique seaside, infinity pool, and swim-up bar are the proper adult-only escape.
With quite a lot of eating choices and bars, meals and drinks are plentiful on Celebration Key. Many of those venues are well-themed too, from the flamingos adorning the Mingo’s eating venue, to the Sunshine Swings Bar, to the native Bahamian meals vehicles. Whereas Island Eats does provide some included meals, friends ought to price range accordingly for extra eating and drinks when visiting this unique vacation spot on Grand Bahama Island.
With the long-lasting Suncastle, twin racing slides, loads of swim-up bars, and a number of other distinctive cabana choices, Carnival’s Celebration Key actually exudes FUN. We will’t wait to get again!
With twenty Carnial cruise ships from ten completely different U.S. homeports providing stops at Celebration Key, it’s straightforward to discover a ship and itinerary that features a full day at this model new unique vacation spot. Whether or not you’re a frequent Carnival cruiser, or have by no means sailed with the cruise line earlier than, we expect Celebration Secret’s price visiting.
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