The excitement is building over Carnival's new private destination opening later this month. However, some are outraged by the extra fees for amenities ashore.
Located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, Celebration Key promises a full day of beachside fun and Bahamian-inspired experiences.
From 275,000 square feet of swimming space in the sprawling Calypso and Starfish Lagoons to splash pads, local artisans, and exclusive beach clubs, the destination was designed to offer something for everyone.
Despite the excitement over everything Celebration Key offers, some guests feel blindsided by the pricing structure.
Although there's a lot included ashore, from lounge chairs to beachside eats, Carnival revealed that many amenities will come with an extra charge.
For example, the eye-catching 10-story Suncastle features two massive waterslides, each over 350 feet long. However, the slides aren't included. An all-day pass with unlimited rides on the Mach 3 Marlin and Flash Flamingo slides costs $14.99 per person.
Guests will have to pay to rent a pool noodle for the day, too. A few days ago, Carnival's website indicated that the noodle cost an outrageous $19.99. Following backlash, they've since decreased the price to $10.99.
Carnival's CHEERS! drink package won't work ashore, either. Those with the pricey beverage package must pay for their drinks individually while at Celebration Key (The drink package will work for guests on the ship, just not on the island itself).
A less surprising charge is admission to Carnival's adult-only beach club. The exclusive Pearl Cove area will feature upgraded amenities compared to the adult-only Calypso Lagoon, including a sit-down restaurant with lobster, fresh sushi, and shrimp; an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool; plush daybeds, and more.
Prices start at $99.99 per person for basic admission that includes a welcome drink. However, if you want a pass that also includes lunch at the full-service restaurant, you must pay $179.99 per person for the "all-inclusive experience" that limits guests to 10 alcoholic drinks.
Comparatively, passes to Royal Caribbean's new all-inclusive beach club in Nassau will cost anywhere from $169.99-$199.99 per person. Everything from transportation to unlimited food and drinks, umbrellas, and lounge chairs is included in the cost.
They also have a pass for unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, starting at $129.99 per adult.
Read more: July 19 will be a good day for Carnival cruise fans
Guests aren't happy with Carnival
Last week, Carnival Corporation announced record-breaking profits and a high demand for their ships, leaving passengers wondering why they're being nickel-and-dimed at Celebration Key. Coupled with the recent loyalty changes, the mood among longtime Carnival fans is shifting.
"Between the change in the loyalty program and now charging for slides. Done with Carnival. I have 3 children under the age of 10, we cruise because the kids love it and they can go to kids camp and we still get a little time to chill as a married couple," wrote one passenger on Carnival's shore excursion webpage (the comment has since been deleted).
"Now we are going to explore other cruise lines and see what they have to offer. Not done cruising, just done cruising with Carnival."
Another added, "I cannot believe they [are] charging just to go down the slides, knowing parents are going to have to pay for it, because our kids [want] to do it. This is my last cruise with carnival in July. I booked this cruise with 4 kids, and just now, 3 weeks until the trip, we find out there will be a 15$ charge to go down the slides."
One cruiser even shared a money-saving tip to help others avoid unnecessary extras, along with a 1.0-star rating:
"Avoid squandering your hard-earned cash on renting a pool floatie! Instead, take a trip to the Dollar Tree and snag one of their affordable floaties. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’re also conveniently lightweight and compact, making them perfect for stashing in your luggage. Dive into summer fun without breaking the bank!"
As a result of the negative reviews, Carnival's Suncastle Racing slides have earned a 1.8-star rating before opening to the public. However, many of the critical ratings and comments have been removed.
Although Carnival updated the price for the pool noodle rental, the waterslides still cost $14.99 per person.
Charging for amenities at private destinations isn't uncommon
Although guests are frustrated with Carnival, many private cruise line destinations charge extra for certain amenities.
Admission to Royal Caribbean's Thrill Waterpark at Perfect Day at CocoCay, for instance, isn't included in the line's cruise fare. Because Royal Caribbean prices its add-ons dynamically based on factors like demand and sail date, Thrill Waterpark can cost anywhere from $50 to over $130 per person.
Similarly, Hideaway Beach, the adults-only beach club, comes with an additional charge. This differs from Celebration Key, which has a complimentary adults-only area, as well as the Pearl Cove Beach Club.
What's free at Celebration Key?
You can visit Celebration Key without spending extra money; you just have to be intentional about how you plan your day.
For example, you can lounge at Calyspo or Starfish Lagoon or take your children to the included Guppy Grotto Splash Pad. The sports court, which will host activities like pickleball, is also free. Beach access is included as well, offering plenty of ways to enjoy the new destination.
Most food is available at no extra cost, too. Dining venues designated as "Island Eats™" offer a complimentary meal to guests.
These are quick-casual outlets, such as Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen at Calypso Lagoon and Captain Galley's Food Hall at Starfish Lagoon.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
