Carnival's new private destination in The Bahamas has spaces for families and adults. However, the age restriction in one of the adult-only areas is being relaxed.
Key takeaways:
- Carnival's Calyspo Lagoon is becoming a PG-13 space
- Previous age limits were loosely enforced
- The Pearl Cove Beach Club is still 18+
Effective September 6, 2025, the daybeds in Celebration Key's Calyspo Lagoon can be used by passengers as young as 13. Previously, the daybeds were reserved for cruisers 18 and older.
Those with daybeds booked were sent a letter about the upcoming change:
"Thank you for purchasing the Water Daybed at Calypso Lagoon Swim Up Bar 18+ as part of your upcoming visit to Celebration Key…At the time of your purchase, this area within Calypso Lagoon was designated for guests 18 years and older," the notice reads.
"However, effective September 6, 2025, we are updating the age requirement to 13 years and older, allowing a broader range of guests to enjoy the space."
Before the change, cruisers under 18 were supposed to hang out in the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon area.
However, the letter doesn't indicate whether the entirety of Calypso Lagoon will become a space for guests 13 and older, or if the change applies only to the daybeds.
Those who are unhappy with the change can modify their daybed booking in Carnival's HUB App or online through the cruise line's website.
Read more: 4 things I loved and 3 I hated at Carnival's Celebration Key
The new rules are likely being implemented because of the lack of enforcement of the previous age limit
Cruise.Blog's videographer Jenna visited Celebration Key right after the new destination opened.
During her time ashore, she noted that, although the vibe of Calypso Lagoon was more adult-focused, the age restriction wasn't enforced.
"Adults and kids were swimming in the area around Mingo’s [Tropical Bar & Restaurant]," she said.
Because the Calypso and Starfish Lagoons are technically just one large pool, it's hard to enforce an imaginary boundary.
She added, "For those in search of a true adults-only day, I’d recommend booking a day pass to the Pearl Cove Beach Club instead."
Read more: What’s free at Carnival’s Celebration Key?
No changes to the Pearl Cove Beach Club
Because of the change to the Calyspo Lagoon daybeds, the only space that remains a true adult-only escape at Celebration Key is Pearl Cove Beach Club.
Those 18 and older can visit the Pearl Cove Beach Club and enjoy the infinity pool, private beach, sit-down restaurant, and more — for an extra charge.
The cheapest all-day pass to the beach club starts at $99.99 per person and includes basic entry.
The second tiered option, Pearl Cove Beach Club: Open Bar, is slightly more expensive, coming in at $139.99 per person. However, it includes 10 drinks from a select menu.
Finally, those seeking the most inclusive option can purchase the Pearl Cove Beach Club: All Inclusive Pass, which costs $179.99 and includes 10 drinks along with lunch at the sit-down Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant.
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!
