Carnival’s brand-new private destination, Celebration Key, is officially open—and I spent a full day exploring it during a Carnival Conquest sailing. From beaches and pools to food, drinks, crowds, and how it compares to CocoCay and Ocean Cay, here’s my honest, first-hand Celebration Key review.
If you’ve been following Carnival news over the past year, you know that Celebration Key is the cruise line’s most anticipated project quite some time. New private islands don’t open often—so when I had the chance to visit on my Carnival Conquest solo sailing, I knew this was going to be the highlight of my trip.
Even with a slightly chaotic morning, a delayed arrival, and some unexpected surprises (good and bad), Celebration Key honestly impressed me. It’s different from CocoCay, Ocean Cay, and Half Moon Cay. It has its own feel—and I think cruisers are going to have strong opinions on it.
Here’s exactly what my day looked like…
and my honest first impressions.
Delayed Arrival & The Not-So-Calm Morning
We were scheduled to arrive early, but mechanical and speed issues the night before meant we arrived late into port. Carnival gave every stateroom a $50 onboard credit, which was a nice gesture—especially since I was solo and got the full $50 to myself.
But because of the delay, the morning turned hectic. I walked down from Deck 2 to Deck 1 and found a line that stretched halfway down the ship. No movement. No announcements yet. Just a hallway of anxious cruisers.
And of course—someone in front of me tried to shove their entire family of 20 into the line after the fact. Please, y’all… just wait for your group or go to the back. That hallway was packed.
Once the line started moving, it took about 15 minutes to get off the ship.
First Steps Onto Celebration Key
When you step off the pier, Celebration Key immediately splits into three main areas:
- Left: Calypso Lagoon (Adult-only side)
- Right: Starfish Lagoon (Family-friendly side)
- Center: Paradise Plaza & Lokono Cove – featuring the Suncastle and waterslides
And let me tell you—that suncastle is enormous. You can see it from practically every corner of the island. Photos do not do it justice.
I walked instead of taking the tram because I wanted that classic “new island arrival” shot with the ships behind me.
Food Hall: My First (and Only) Free Meal
Since I didn’t eat breakfast on the ship, my first stop was the Captain’s Galley Food Hall. Celebration Key includes one free meal per guest. After that, you can either pay with your sail & sign card and charge your account on the ship, pay with credit card or go back to the ship to eat.
The options at the food hall included:
- Burgers
- Chicken tenders
- Mexican Bowls
- And the item I wanted most: The Mediterranean bowl
I went straight for the bowl: rice base, lamb, toppings, sauce, and it came with a chocolate chip cookie. I sat by the family pool (shockingly empty) and enjoyed my meal. As I as eating, one of the Celebration Key team members came over and started chatting with me. We ended up talking for 20–30 minutes. Life, travel, content creation, his time working with NBA player Buddy Hield—just a really cool moment. Honestly, one of the highlights of the day.
Exploring the Whole Island
After lunch, I walked the entire perimeter of Celebration Key:
The backside of the island has:
- Multiple food trucks (Both Calpyso and Starfish Lagoon)
- Sit-down restaurants
- Basketball court
- Pickleball court
- Yard games
Shopping Area:
In the center is a shopping village called Lacono Cove. I grabbed a Celebration Key glass and shot glass—really nice merch options. This is also where you can grab a taxi if you want to go explore Grand Bahama.
Bars & Hangout Spots
While there are many bars around the island there are two spots that stood out:
- Sunshine Swings— Swings over the sand on one side and over the water on the other.
- Mingo’s & Long Necks Swim-Up Bar — by far the most energetic part of the island. Live DJ, party atmosphere, heavy crowds.
Food Truck Disappointment (RIP Streatery Sushi)
One of the biggest bummers of my day:
Carnival removed the sushi fusion food truck, Streatery Sushi, before I could try it.
Earlier in the day, I didn’t see it on the adult side. After going back to the ship for sunscreen, I took the tram to the family side—and sure enough, I found the truck at the very end:
Window closed.
Menu gone.
And not listed on the Carnial app.
This was the one other food option I wanted to try.
My guess?
People gravitated toward safe foods (burgers, tenders), so Carnival removed off the more unique options. Big miss in my opinion.
Let’s Talk Drinks: The Elephant in the Room
Your drink package does NOT work on Celebration Key. Same as Half Moon Cay.
Did it stop people from drinking?
Absolutely not.
Sunshine swings and Long Necks Swim-Up Bar were packed all day.
I used some of my $50 credit to grab:
- A couple Surfside canned cocktails that I got on the ship.
- A BeatBox from Captain’s Galley Food Hall
Everything else? I skipped, knowing we have another cruise coming up with a working drink package.
Important: Every purchase on Celebration Key adds:
- Gratuity
- VAT tax (this adds up)
There are more specialty drinks available at the sit-down restaurants’ walk-up bars. I didn’t try them, but the variety is better than I expected going into it vs the generic menu found at the other bars around the island!
The Pool: Bigger Than You Think
The Celebration Key pool is massive.
It is the largest private-island pools in the industry.
Here’s what stood out:
- Not heated (but felt great in November)
- Sanded edges give you a beach feel walking up
- Plenty of quiet spots throughout my day here
- Party action near the swim-up bar
Later in the afternoon—around 4 p.m.—I got footage of myself in the pool with almost nobody around. Super peaceful.
Phase 2 Expansion
You can already see fencing and cleared land behind the family side. Carnival hasn’t said much, but a water park is confirmed in future phases.
Excited to see what they announce as the expand the destination!
Food, Comparisons & Honest Thoughts
Is Celebration Key’s food better than Coco Cay or Ocean Cay?
I think some of it can be, depending on what you get since there are some unique options. But the fact that you aren’t limited to a single meal with Island Eats on the other islands I feel gives them the edge.
With Island Eats you only get one included meal or 40% an entree at one of the sitdown reasturants.
Some quick hits:
- The Mediterranean bowl was delicious.
- The donuts are supposedly incredible (workers & others on the ship raved about them), but personally I’m not spending my free meal on donuts, but may have to check them out on a future visit.
- Availability and convenience still belong to Royal’s CocoCay.
Overall, the food situation is fine, not amazing. I am interested to see how much of it may change in the future based on guest feedback!
Celebration Key Tips & What I’d Do Differently
If you’re going soon, here’s what I recommend:
✔️ 1. Look at all the food options before choosing your free meal
You may not realize there are unique items on the other side of the island.
✔️ 2. Use the tram
The island is big, and the trams save time.
✔️ 3. Explore early
Lines build fast, especially with two ships.
✔️ 4. Don’t expect your drink package to work
Budget for a couple drinks, or bring canned cocktails off the ship.
✔️ 5. Don’t skip the pool
It’s truly one of the island’s stand-out features.
Is Celebration Key Worth It? My Final Verdict
Despite a delayed morning, long line to get off the ship, and my sushi truck vanishing into thin air—
I genuinely had a great time at Celebration Key.
It’s not CocoCay.
It’s not Ocean Cay.
But I don’t think it needs to be.
It feels like a blend of beach resort + party pool club + local Bahamian influences, and Phase 2 could make it even better.
Would I go back?
Absolutely.
And honestly… I’m already excited to see how it evolves.
Want Help Booking Celebration Key?
If you’re ready to try Celebration Key yourself—or want help comparing Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or MSC itineraries—text us anytime at 704-313-8556 or use the booking form in the sidebar.
We’d love to help you plan your next cruise.