Carnival's newest private destination in the Bahamas offers something for everyone, from fun water slides to adult-only beaches, lively pools, and more. Although Celebration Key has countless activities for cruisers to enjoy, not all of them are included in the cost of your Carnival cruise.
You can opt to splurge on oversized cabanas, the upscale beach club, or other tours on Grand Bahama Island. However, it's just as easy to keep your costs low by sticking to the free activities and amenities.
With a little bit of planning, you don't have to worry about spending hundreds of dollars ashore. For example, did you know that you don't have to return to the ship for lunch? All guests receive one complimentary meal at Celebration Key, so you can keep the island fun going all day long.
Read more: 4 things I loved and 3 I hated at Carnival's Celebration Key
Is Celebration Key free?
It's free to visit Carnival's Celebration Key in the Bahamas, so long as it is on your ship's itinerary.
When you pay for your Carnival cruise, you're paying for the port fees associated with docking at Celebration Key, so you don't have to pay anything on the day of to explore the resort destination. In other words, admission to Celebration Key is included (although not completely "free").
This differs from other ports like Cozumel and Nassau, where you pay to pay to access their private beaches. Pricing varies, but you can expect to spend at least $65 on admission to beaches like Mr. Sanchos and Blue Lagoon Island.
Even then, it's rarely an all-inclusive experience. You might be responsible for transportation to the beach club or have to pay extra for food and drinks.
When your Carnival cruise ship has been cleared, you can simply disembark and head straight to Calypso Lagoon or Starfish Beach without worrying about finding a taxi or being shuttled onto a large bus.
However, there are plenty of attractions at Celebration Key that aren't free. For example, if you want to ride the Suncastle Racing Slides, you'll have to shell out $14.99 per person.
Similarly, the adults-only Pearl Cove Beach Club requires a day pass for access to its exclusive amenities, including the infinity pool and sit-down restaurant. Pricing starts at $99 for basic admission. Note, though, that the cheaper passes don't include a sit-down meal at the exclusive Pearl Cove Beach Club Restaurant.
What to do at Celebration Key for free?
Celebration Key has an activity for every cruiser. That said, you will get more bang for your buck if you stick to the water-focused amenities, including the massive lagoon pool and beach.
As you walk off the pier, take in the massive Suncastle landmark while listening to live music. From there, families with children will want to head toward Starfish Lagoon, where kids can either can either swim in the large pool or play in Guppy Grotto, the coral-reef themed splash pad. It's designed for younger children with interactive fountains and water spouts.
On the other side of the pool in the adults-only Calypso Lagoon area, there are fun bars, one with swings (note, though, that you must pay for drinks, even if you have Carnival's drink package). However, you don't have to pay anything to enjoy the DJ's tunes or take in the warm Bahamian sun.
Throughout the destination, you will find complimentary sun loungers and umbrellas, which differ from Carnival's Half Moon Cay. While there are free chairs on the beach, umbrellas cost extra at Carnival's other private destination.
Active cruisers will enjoy the sports courts in Starfish Lagoon, where they can play basketball, pickleball, and beach volleyball. You will also want to check out Carnival's HUB app to see what complimentary activities are available while ashore. It may indicate if there are family-friendly games or other sports tournaments throughout the day.
Because Celebration Key is located on an island, many cruisers are most excited about the beaches — nothing comes as close as the crystal clear waters and soft white sand in the Bahamas.
At Celebration Key, there are two beaches available for no extra charge: Starfish Beach and Calypso Beach. Each has complimentary umbrellas and sun loungers available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Regardless of where you want to go, there are free trams to help you move about the property.
Food at Celebration Key is included but limited
Hunger will likely strike while you're ashore, especially if you plan on spending most of the day in the pool or at one of the beaches.
Celebration Key's dining is drastically different compared to other private cruise destinations, including Half Moon Cay. Instead of offering an all-you-can-eat buffet, Carnival has allotted everyone just one complimentary meal that can be redeemed at one of over two dozen quick-service spots.
The options are more varied than traditional beachside buffets, though. Cruisers can pick from everything from Jerk chicken tacos to Caesar salads, chicken wings, pizza, build-your-own Mediterranean bowls, savory fritters, and fried chicken sandwiches.
Still, it's important to be aware that food isn't unlimited on the island like it is on the cruise ship. Anything extra after the complimentary meal will have to be paid for. Pricing ranges from $3.50 for fruit popsicles to $11.99 for a cheeseburger and $12.99 for a Caesar salad with chicken.
Moreover, you can opt to redeem your dining voucher at a sit-down restaurant to receive a 25% discount. However, the food is more expensive than the fast-casual shacks. At the BBQ restaurant, you can expect to spend $21.99 on a roasted half chicken, $16.99 on a pulled pork sandwich, and $25.99 on baby back ribs.
On a similar note, alcoholic beverages are not included ashore, even for those who purchased Carnival's CHEERS! drink package. Classic cocktails (including a Bloody Mary, Daiquiri, Margarita, Mojito, Piña Colada, and Sex on the Beach) cost $12.50, while local beer (High Rock Light, Sands, Sands Light) runs $7.00 each.
Certain non-alcoholic drinks cost extra, too. For example, Dasani water is $3.00, while soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Iced Tea, Orange Juice, Sprite) cost $3.50.
Read more: Carnival Celebration Key Menus
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!
