Celebration Key Cruise Port Guide: Food, Drinks, Beaches, & Bees
Overview of Celebration Key
Celebration Key is Carnival’s newest and most ambitious private-style destination, located in the Bahamas and developed at a cost of more than $600 million. And upon my first visit, it seemed as though Celebration Key is Carnival's direct response to competing cruise line Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CoCoCay.
Marketed as a “private paradise,” it features massive man-made lagoons, swim-up bars, waterslides, and beaches designed to rival Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at CocoCay. It officially opened in July 2025 and now welcomes more than twenty Carnival ships from ten U.S. homeports.
Located on a fenced-off stretch of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key is not technically a private island, although many folks colloquially refer to it that way. Instead, it's more of a private "beachfront area."
Carnival has leased 68 acres of beachfront, about 20 miles from the not-so-loved cruise port destination of Freeport, with plans to expand even more over time. A 2,200-foot pier delivers guests directly into the resort-style complex, and a second pier is already under construction to handle the crowds from multiple ships at once.
The destination is visually stunning, with lagoons and bright architecture designed to impress from the moment you arrive (and again, giving major CoCoCay vibes). But the experience isn't quite the same as the laid-back atmosphere of Half Moon Cay.
At Celebration Key, most things are run through your Sail & Sign card, which serves as both your Carnival ship card and method of payment during your cruise. It's what you'll use at Celebration Key to redeem your one free Island Eats meal, receive the one entree discount, and use it to charge most of the purchases you make here.
One unique element of Celebration Key is its partnership with the Bahamian government. More than 1,500 Bahamians are employed here, and cruisers will find authentic local touches like a Junkanoo parade and handmade crafts for sale in Lokono Cove. It feels less like a secluded island and more like a massive gated resort designed to handle thousands of guests at once.
Which makes sense, given that this is really what Celebration Key is.
For cruisers, the big question is whether Celebration Key delivers value and comfort compared to other destinations. This guide walks through what’s included, what costs extra, and how the port stacks up against Carnival’s own Half Moon Cay (an actual private island) and Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay.
Celebration Key is mostly smoke-free, but there are a few designated smoking areas scattered across the property. Also, remember to bring your towels from the ship, as they are not provided unless you're paying for Pearl Cove access.
Before diving into all you need to know about Celebration Key, let's address a big topic that's circulated online... the bee problem.
Yes, there are bees buzzing about, but it's almost exclusively concentrated around the soda machines and bars. It's still an annoyance and a potential hazard for those with allergies, but Carnival is actively working to address the issue.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Celebration Key
- Celebration Key Map
- Understanding the Portals at Celebration Key
- Celebration Key at a Glance
- Paradise Plaza (The Central Meeting Spot)
- Starfish Lagoon (Family-Friendly Pool)
- Starfish Beach (Family-Friendly Beach)
- Calypso Lagoon (Adult-Friendly Pool)
- Calypso Beach (Adult-Friendly Beach)
- Pro Tips for Celebration Key
- Lokono Cove (Shopping & Culture Hub)
- Why is Celebration Key Called Celebration Fee?
- Food at Celebration Key: What's Included, What Isn't, and Where to Eat (and Drink)
- Paradise Plaza Dining
- Starfish Lagoon Dining
- Pearl Cove Dining
- Lokono Cove Dining
- Want to Skip Celebration Key?
- Time Zone in Celebration Key
- Celebration Key Cruise Port FAQs
Celebration Key Map
Ships calling at Celebration Key dock directly at a 2,200-foot pier on Grand Bahama Island, so there’s no tendering involved. The walk from ship to the entrance at Paradise Plaza is a bit lengthy, since it's a long pier, taking about 6–10 minutes, and accessible trams circulate around the loop once inside.
A second pier is already under construction, which means Celebration Key will soon be able to handle four ships at the same time, not just two as it does now.
The development currently covers 68 acres of fenced beachfront, but Carnival has confirmed expansion plans that will grow Celebration Key to nearly 400 acres in the coming years. The additional space will allow for new attractions and zones, giving the resort-style complex room to evolve well beyond its opening footprint.
The layout is designed around two man-made lagoons with five themed “portals” branching out. Paradise Plaza acts as the main entry hub, with Starfish Lagoon for families to the right, Calypso Lagoon with its giant swim-up bar to the left, Lokono Cove’s shopping and cultural area tucked in back, and Pearl Cove Beach Club further west as the premium adults-only retreat.
The entire design is a loop, which makes navigation pretty easy, but can also concentrate foot traffic in popular areas, and make it a long trek to loop around if walking from one side of the property to the other.
Understanding the Portals at Celebration Key
Carnival designed Celebration Key around five themed “portals,” similar to CoCoCay's areas, and choosing the right one can shape your entire day.
Because the property is so large, I recommend that cruisers take a bit of time to understand these portals and review the Celebration Key port map to decide in advance where they want to spend their time during the day in port.
It's also helpful to plot out where you want to eat your lunch (I recommend the food "trucks" over the Food Hall) and not just grab whatever is closest to your chosen chill spot for the day unless you really value convenience over quality.
The layout is basically giant loop built around two lagoons, with the pier delivering guests into the center at Paradise Plaza, which is the central point of the property.
From there, heading right leads into family-focused areas, while going left takes you toward more adult-oriented (but not necessarily adults-only) spaces.
The five "portals" are Paradise Plaza (the entry point and waterslides), Starfish Lagoon (family-friendly beach and pool), Calypso Lagoon (adult-friendly beach and pool), Lokono Cove (shopping area), and Pearl Cove (adults-only paid spot).
Celebration Key at a Glance
- How food works: Island Eats model. Each guest gets one complimentary fast-casual meal at participating venues (you must swipe your ship card) or a 25% discount on a single full-service entrée. Everything else is à la carte.
- How drinks work: Onboard drink packages do not apply ashore. Every beverage is charged individually and carries 18% service charge plus 10% Bahamian VAT. Island pricing is typically higher than onboard.
- Towels: Towels are not provided anywhere on the island, except for guests who purchase access to Pearl Cove. Everyone else should bring towels from the ship.
- Loungers & umbrellas: Complimentary and first-come, first-served throughout the beaches and lagoons.
- Payments: Sail & Sign works for food and drinks. Most retail does not accept Sail & Sign, so bring a credit card and a bit of cash for small vendors.
Paradise Plaza (The Central Meeting Spot)
This is the welcome zone where every guest begins. You enter through Paradise Plaza and see the Suncastle, a 10-story tower with the Suncastle Waterslides, which are racing slides that require a paid wristband for unlimited rides.
It's important to note that Carnival sells these wristbands in advance, and they are limited and sell out, so if you want to enjoy the waterslides for the day, I strongly recommend buying these in advance and doing it sooner rather than later
If you do miss out, they sell a limited number of the wristbands on site the day of your visit, but that's no guarantee, and those, too, can sell out.
Live music sets the tone, with locals doing some high-energy dancing. There is shaded seating, and bars line the main walkway. A small ice cream shop is also available (at an extra cost, of course). The tram station is here, and the sun-shaped arch in the center is that signature photo spot at Celebration Key.
Paradise Plaza is the main hub, and it’s also where you’ll find Guest Services and the Shore Excursions desk if you need help or want to book something last minute. Trams run in continuous loops to the other portals from here, which makes getting around easier if you’re juggling kids or beach bags or have mobility issues.
Practical amenities are also located here, including lockers with built-in phone chargers (available for rent), Pharmabox kiosks with over-the-counter essentials, and beach wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis.
Starfish Lagoon (Family-Friendly Pool)
Head right off the pier from Paradise Plaza for the family-friendly portal. As you veer right, you'll have the beach to the right as one option, and the freshwater pool to the left as the other.
The main freshwater lagoon has a padded floor, gentle beach-style entry, built-in benches, and a swim-up bar. Complimentary loungers and umbrellas are available surrounding the lagoon on a first-come, first-served basis. The loungers nearest the entrance tend to get snagged quickly, so if you want a good spot close to the pool, particularly more than one lounger side-by-side, plan to arrive early.
I really like the soft, padded floor and gradual entry of the lagoon, but note that the area surrounding the lagoon is all sand. So if you hate sand or are traveling with littles, cruisers with mobility limitations, or folks with sensory issues, this may be an annoyance.
There are foot washing stations here and there, but they can be tough to find and not easily accessible. Little ones will enjoy Guppy Grotto, a splash pad, and a shallow wading pool, and there are sports courts and two high-speed racing slides.
This portal is perfect for families, especially those with smaller kids, who want a central base that's convenient to all the kids' activities and Captain's Galley food hall.
Additional notes for this area: You will also find casual games like table tennis and cornhole in Starfish Lagoon. Food trucks and snack shacks operate on this side for quick bites. The Starfish tram line runs in a continuous loop connecting Starfish Lagoon and Lokono Cove for easier movement with kids and gear.
Starfish Beach (Family-Friendly Beach)
If you prefer a beach day instead of a pool day, Starfish Beach is the oceanfront option on this family-friendly side. It also includes loungers and umbrellas for use at no cost.
Personally, I didn’t love this beach. The sand felt rougher than at Half Moon Cay, and the water was quite rocky at entry. There was also some seaweed during my visit.
Typically, seaweed isn’t a major problem in the Bahamas, the way it can be in Mexican ports of call, but it’s something that can vary with the season.
Don't get me wrong... my family still had a great day here (we spent most of our day in the ocean, rather than the pool), but for me, the beach here was a bit of a letdown compared to other private island options.
Calypso Lagoon (Adult-Friendly Pool)
Head left off the pier from Paradise Plaza and you’ll arrive at Calypso Lagoon, the so-called “adult-friendly” side of Celebration Key.
Carnival advertises this as home to the world’s largest swim-up bar, with more than 160 seats, including Insta-worthy swing-seat stools. DJs spin music, foam parties may pop up in the afternoons, and multiple bars line the edges, creating a turn-up atmosphere that feels more like a spring-break pool party than a quiet beach retreat.
It’s important to understand what “adult-friendly” actually means here, though. The lagoon is not exclusively for adults, despite some early Carnival marketing and back-and-forth on policy.
At present, only the southwestern side of Calypso Lagoon, near Mingo’s, is reserved for guests 13 and older. The rest of the lagoon is suitable for all ages, although Carnival promotes it as an adult-friendly area, and enforcement of the 13+ rule has been inconsistent at best.
If you want a guaranteed kid-free experience, you’ll need to pony up for access to Pearl Cove.
Alongside the bars and party vibe, you’ll also find sports courts in this portal if you want a break from the water. The Calypso tram line runs in a continuous loop between Calypso Lagoon and Lokono Cove, which makes it easier to move around without backtracking through Paradise Plaza.
Calypso Beach (Adult-Friendly Beach)
While the beach to the right of the pier is the family-friendly side, the beach to the left of the pier, Calypso Beach, is the adult-friendly option.
Like on the Starfish Beach side, loungers and umbrellas are complimentary here, but the sand here is coarser than at Half Moon Cay, and the water is quite rocky.
It’s a good option, though, if you want to combine a dip in the ocean with easy access to the bars and entertainment of Calypso Lagoon.
Pro Tips for Celebration Key
- Map first: Scope the map in advance. Decide family side or adult side, beach or pool, and where you will eat. Walk straight there from Paradise Plaza to beat the crowds.
- One swipe strategy: Use your Island Eats meal at a food truck for better variety. The food hall is convenient but very "blah."
- Shade and water: Shade is limited near the lagoons. Bring a refillable bottle and fill outside peak lunch hour to avoid the slow tap lines.
- Money mechanics: Sail & Sign at food and bars. Most retail stores need a credit card. All drinks add 18% service and 10% VAT.
- Towels and seats: Bring towels from the ship unless you have Pearl Cove access. Loungers and umbrellas are free, first-come, first-served.
- Crowds: Two ships are busy. Four ships will be very busy once the new pier is finished. Walk past the first rows near Paradise Plaza for better seating.
- Wristbands: Suncastle Waterslides need an unlimited rides wristband. Buy in advance because they do sell out! Same-day stock is sometimes available, but limited.
- Leave if you Want: Taxis and rentals are behind Lokono Cove for Port Lucaya, Gold Rock Beach, and Garden of the Groves.
- WiFi: Carnival claims that purchased internet plans carry over for use on Celebration Key, but none of my family were able to successfully stay connected during our visit.
Pearl Cove Beach Club (Adults-Only Private Access)
Pearl Cove is Celebration Key’s premium adults-only retreat, and the only real, actual, enforced adults-only option in Celebration Key. It's designed for cruisers who want a quieter, more upscale experience, and unlike the other areas, it comes at a cost.
Access is limited to guests 18 and over, and packages range from basic entry to full all-inclusive options, including food and an open bar. As a non-drinker, I appreciate that Carnival offers a lower-cost pass that excludes alcoholic drinks.
If you do opt for the alcohol-included option, note that it comes with a 10-drink limit.
The centerpiece is a sleek infinity pool that overlooks the ocean, with in-water seating at its swim-up bars. Just beyond the pool is a private stretch of white sand beach reserved exclusively for Pearl Cove guests, although like the other beach areas, it too has rough sand, and rocky water with some seaweed (obviously, since the three beach "areas" are all connected).
Elevated dining is offered here at the Pearl Cove Restaurant & Bar, exclusively for use by Pearl Cove guests, featuring fresh seafood, sushi, and salads that are a significant step above the casual eats elsewhere on the island.
This is also where you’ll find the most exclusive seating options at Celebration Key. Daybeds, AquaBanas, and cabanas line the pool and beach, while over-water villas come at an additional cost that can push the splurge into four digits. Cabanas include two loungers with an umbrella, and towels are provided for use for the day. And they aren't the basic, thin typical Carnival beach towels, but rather thick, plush ones.
Pearl Cove offers both a pool and beach option, with the beach, unsurprisingly, named Pearl Cove Beach. The entire area is heavily monitored and enforced to keep the kids out and to ensure only paying guests have access.
Prices for cabanas and villas in Pearl Cove Beach are steep, but they come with concierge service, shade, and a sense of separation from the crowds elsewhere on the island. These are the truly luxe options in Celebration Key, and if you're willing to drop the coin for that fancy experience, Pearl Cove is the place to book.
Lokono Cove (Shopping & Culture Hub)
Unlike Starfish Lagoon and Beach, Calypso Lagoon and Beach, and Pearl Cove, Lokono Cove isn’t a chill spot. It's not a place to lounge or swim, but rather a dedicated shopping and cultural portal for Celebration Key.
Tucked between the lagoons, it showcases the partnership with local Bahamians through an artisan market filled with jewelry, straw goods, woodwork, and vibrant murals by local artists.
A handful of duty-free shops sell liquor, perfume, and brand-name items, while smaller stalls focus on handcrafted souvenirs you won’t find back on the ship. Not all vendors here accept the Sail & Sign card, though, so bring a credit card.
There’s also a coffee stand serving hot, iced, and frozen drinks, but at a cost, of course, and these are specialty café prices.
Lokono is where the tram lines converge, with one loop running toward Starfish Lagoon and the other toward Calypso Lagoon, which makes it an easy transfer point if you don’t want to walk that long, looping full circle around the lagoons.
This is also the spot where you'll head if you're embarking on an off-site excursion, or if you want to take a taxi or rent a car to explore Grand Bahama Island independently.
Why is Celebration Key Called Celebration Fee?
Food and beverage rules are one of the biggest pain points for cruisers at Celebration Key. Unlike other cruise line private islands, Carnival uses its “Island Eats” system here, and the restrictions can feel frustrating and like "nickel-and-diming" for many guests.
- Island Eats is one-time only. Each guest gets one complimentary fast-casual meal or a discount on a single full-service entrée. After that, every food purchase is à la carte at menu price.
- No drink packages ashore. Carnival’s Cheers! package and soda packages do not apply on the island. Every beverage, from bottled water to cocktails is charged individually, and many cruisers have noted that pricing for drinks on Celebration Key is higher than on the ship.
- Taxes & service fees add up. Expect an automatic 18% gratuity and 10% Bahamian VAT on every beverage purchase, which adds up quickly.
- Sticker shock is real. For example, on a recent visit, my sister ordered a strawberry daiquiri at one of the bars. It was $12.50 on the menu, but after gratuity and VAT the total came to over $15 for a single, moderately-sized drink.
- Alcohol rules differ from the Bahamas. Even though the legal drinking age in the Bahamas is 18, Carnival requires guests to be 21+ to purchase alcohol at Celebration Key.
The end result is that cruisers accustomed to unlimited food options and package drinks on other cruise lines' private islands, or even Carnival's own private islands with unlimited buffets, such as Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, often leave Celebration Key feeling frustrated.
Between the one-swipe meal credit and the steep drink charges (and exclusion of the drink packages), this is the most common complaint guests raise about Celebration Key, leading to its unfortunate nickname, "Celebration Fee."
Food at Celebration Key: What’s Included, What Isn’t, and Where to Eat (and Drink)
Celebration Key runs on an “Island Eats” model. Each guest gets one complimentary fast-casual meal, or a discount on a single full-service entrée; after that, everything is à la carte.
This departure from the general Carnival private destination approach of a simple all-you-can-eat midday buffet option has created some confusion for its cruisers, who find the complexity of what's included, what's not, and where to redeem their one swipe to be frustrating.
Carnival describes Island Eats as one free fast-casual meal per person, or 25% off one entrée at participating full-service venues. Much to the consternation of many cruisers, even Carnival enthusiasts, drink packages do not apply here. Adding insult to injury, beverages at Celebration Key run higher than on-ship pricing, and include an 18% gratuity and 10% Bahamian VAT.
Paradise Plaza
Paradise Plaza isn’t a dining zone, but you’ll find a spot there, Yumshine Scoops, perfect for a nice lil' sweetie treatie on your way in or out of Celebration Key since they serve hard-scoop ice cream and novelties.
Starfish Lagoon
This is where most families will use their Island Eats credit, and the food choices are the broadest.
Captain’s Galley Food Hall
The Captain’s Galley is the main food hall with counters serving pizza, burgers, tacos, bowls, and more. It operates cafeteria-style: you pick your entrée at the counter (some come with fries), which is pre-placed on a tray and kept under warmers. You then carry your tray to the checkout area, where an employee has you swipe your card and hands you a cookie.
Drinks are self-serve, but the only no-cost option here is water. Unlike Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, where lemonade and juices are included, Celebration Key limits you to water only. And frustratingly, the water taps are few, slow to pour, and often cause backups when crowds descend at the same time to get some water.
This hall is a popular option for families thanks to its proximity to Starfish Lagoon and the convenience of cafeteria service, which tends to move faster than the food trucks.
However, it does get very crowded between noon and 1 PM, with limited seating and minimal shaded seating, so plan to eat early or late if you don't want the stress of hunting for decent seating with your tray in hand. You can use your complimentary Island Eats meal credit here.
On a recent visit, this is where my family and I chose to use our one free meal swipe per person. We all got a bit of something different, and I sampled bits of almost all the options here.
Honestly, the food is just okay (or, as the kids would call it, "mid."). The exception is the chocolate chip cookie, which is quite tasty (or as kids would say, it's "bussin'").
Unless you need the convenience of the food hall, I strongly recommend that cruisers make the trek further back in Celebration Key to use their one complimentary Island Eats meal swipe at one of the food trucks instead.
Starfish Food Trucks
Tacos, wraps, and shore classics are served from truck-style stands. These are not mobile vehicles, they are permanent counters designed to look like trucks... so they're a sort of faux food truck. Most items qualify under Island Eats, meaning the one included meal, while others are pay-per-item.
Of all cruiser feedback of Celebration Key food options, perhaps the one that gets the most nearly universal praise is the mini donut truck, where your one free Island Eats meal swipe will get you four gourmet mini donuts, so if you're into sweet indulgences, this is a great option.
Snack Shacks and Beach Shacks
These spots offer quick grab-and-go bites like wraps, salads, fries, and other light items, with some overlapping selection as the food "trucks," but a bit simpler (often meaning shorter lines). Some locations participate in Island Eats, but many do not.
Bars at Starfish Lagoon
Starfish Lagoon has both swim-up and poolside bars placed around the water features, so you are never far from a drink.
The Parrotfish Swim Up Bar is a centerpiece spot for frozen cocktails and mocktails, and it stays active throughout the day. Shoalmates Island Bar serves guests relaxing in Aquabanas and welcomes all guests 21 years of age or older.
Expect lively energy near the lagoon, faster service earlier in the day, and the longest waits when the pool scene peaks after late morning. If you prefer a quieter drink, consider visiting earlier hours or stepping back a bit from the main lagoon edge.
And remember, drink packages do not work at Celebration Key, and all drink purchases will incur the 10% VAT and 18% gratuity.
Calypso Lagoon
Calypso Lagoon has a higher-energy vibe than Starfish Lagoon, which stands to reason as this is the "adult-friendly" side, with more bars and plenty of dining choices. The same Island Eats rules apply here: one complimentary fast-casual meal or a discount on a full-service entrée, and everything else is à la carte.
Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen
Mingo’s offers a sit-down dining experience with a broad menu that includes fried fish, conch fritters, chicken wings, seafood, tacos, steak, and sandwiches. It also serves tropical frozen drinks and cocktails. If you want to use your Island Eats discount on a full-service entrée, this is one of the best places to do it, but there are no "freebie meal swipes" available here at all.
Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews
This is the spot for smoked meats, served with an array of sauces and sides, alongside local Bahamian craft beers. It’s a lively barbecue-and-beer hall atmosphere, and another place where the Island Eats discount applies if you prefer a hearty sit-down meal, but again, no freebies or included meals here.
Calypso Food Trucks
These counters are styled as foods, but like the Starfish Lagoon side these are faux food trucks, and they are fixed in place along the beach. Expect beachside favorites and Bahamian specialties, with rotating menus of sandwiches, tacos, and other casual items. Many qualify under Island Eats, but some are pay-per-item. Lines here can back up around peak lunch hours, so early or late dining works best if you want to avoid the wait.
Snack Shacks and Beach Shacks
These smaller outlets serve tasty grab-and-go items like wraps, hot dogs, salads, and sides. They’re lighter and simpler than the food trucks, often with shorter waits. Some accept the Island Eats credit, while others do not, so check before ordering.
Bars at Calypso Lagoon
Bars are a centerpiece of the Calypso Lagoon experience, adding to its high-energy, social atmosphere. Highlights include:
- Long Necks Swim-Up Bar – a fun in-pool spot for frozen drinks, beers, and cocktails.
- Sunshine Swings Bar – known for its playful poolside swings and casual cocktails.
- Lagoon Bar West – a central stop for guests coming and going from the water, offering quick service for beers and mixed drinks.
Service tends to be faster early in the day. By midday, especially after noon, crowds make bar lines noticeably longer. As with all other locations at Celebration Key, Carnival’s drink packages do not apply here, and all purchases include an 18% gratuity plus 10% Bahamian VAT.
Want to Skip Celebration Key?
If Celebration Key just isn’t your vibe, you actually have another option many cruisers don’t realize: you can leave.
Unlike a true private island, like Half Moon Cay or Princess Cays, Celebration Key is on Grand Bahama. Just behind Lokono Cove, you’ll find a taxi stand and a rental car hub. That means you can break away and explore the island itself.
This is a solid alternative if you prefer immersing yourself in the local culture, visiting beaches outside the gates, or simply experiencing more of Grand Bahama than the curated version Carnival built for you. Here are some local spots worth visiting:
- Port Lucaya Marketplace: A lively shopping and dining area with local vendors, souvenirs, and Bahamian restaurants.
- Lucayan National Park: Home to Gold Rock Beach (famously used in Pirates of the Caribbean) and one of the largest underwater cave systems in the world.
- Barbary Beach & Fortune Beach: Quieter, more natural beaches where you can escape the crowds and enjoy authentic island vibes.
- Garden of the Groves: A lush botanical garden with waterfalls, wildlife, and a café for a peaceful island retreat.
- Local, independent tours: Options include snorkeling excursions, jeep safaris, and cultural tours showcasing Bahamian history and cuisine.
Pearl Cove
Pearl Cove packages shift the balance between value and indulgence, and visitors who splurge on a Pearl Cove pass enjoy their one complimentary Island Eats meal anywhere on the property, and also enjoy a higher-quality meal in Pearl Cove's exclusive sit-down, full-service restaurant, Pearl Cove Restaurant & Bar.
Here, you'll find higher-end seafood, sushi, salads and full cocktails. If your package includes it, lunch and drinks here are covered; otherwise you pay (as noted above, not all Pearl Cove packages include alcohol).
As for bar options, the Pearl Cove infinity pool has a swim-up bar, and chairside drink service is provided as well.
Lokono Cove
If you're a coffee fanatic like me, Lokono Cove is the spot where you'll get your delicious bean juice, as it's home to Suncastle Grounds Coffee, which serves hot, iced, and frozen coffees at café prices.
🛳️View the Celebration Key Cruise Port Ship Schedule
Is Celebration Key Worth It?
For me, Celebration Key feels like a money grab. The nickel-and-diming is hard to ignore, especially when drink packages don’t work and every add-on costs more than you expect.
That said, if you’re disciplined, you can still enjoy a solid “free” day here by sticking to your complimentary Island Eats swipe (and using it smartly) and sticking to the only free included drink option, which is tap water.
As for the one meal, I recommend saving it for one of the food trucks, which offer better food and more variety than the “meh” food hall, even if the walk feels like a hassle.
Before you arrive, study the map and decide whether you want to visit the family-friendly side or the adult-friendly side, and whether your day will be spent at the pool or on the beach, so you can navigate there easily once you enter Paradise Plaza off the pier (remember, family-friendly is to the right, adult-friendly will be to your left).
Regardless of whether you pick beach or pool, walk farther from the main entrances to beat the crowds and give your group a better shot at shaded seating together. And above all, scope out the food options in advance, because you only get one swipe... make it count.
If Celebration Key just isn’t your vibe, remember that you have that option many cruisers don’t realize: you can leave and explore Grand Bahama on your own.
Time Zone in Celebration Key
Celebration Key is located on Grand Bahama Island, which observes Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) and shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) from March through early November.
Your ship may operate on “ship time,” which doesn’t always match local time. Depending on your cruise line’s policy, there could be a time difference during your port stop.
Always confirm the correct time on board before disembarking. Cruise lines hold to ship time when determining all-aboard, and if you’re late returning based on local time, the ship will not wait.
Celebration Key Cruise Port FAQs
Is Celebration Key a private island?
What food is included at Celebration Key?
Do Carnival drink packages work at Celebration Key?
Are loungers and umbrellas free at Celebration Key?
Are towels provided at Celebration Key?
Can I bring my own floatie to Celebration Key?
Video: Celebration Key Port Guide
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