You can have a great time at Carnival's Celebration Key without breaking the bank — and I did just that on a recent cruise aboard the Mardi Gras ship.
Before Carnival's new private destination opened, it made headlines in negative ways for upcharges like a $15 pool noodle.
While those add-ons do exist, there's so much to enjoy that doesn’t cost a dime extra on top of what you have already paid.
Having just visited Carnival's Celebration Key, I quickly learned that you can enjoy a day here without blowing through your budget.
Here's how I spent a “free” day at Celebration Key — and other money-saving tips that you can add to your visit.
What is free at Celebration Key?
Pool and Splash Pad
The massive freshwater pool at Celebration Key is the largest in the Caribbean. I was flabbergasted upon seeing the size of it. The sheer size made it easily accessible, no matter where you sat.
It was definitely my favorite pool I had ever seen at any cruise port. The water was refreshing after sitting in the hot sun. There was also a splash pad if you are traveling with little ones.
My partner and I were even able to sit in the shallow, zero-entry end of the pool with our books to cool off when the sun became too hot.
Beach
The beach was just on the other side of the seating area. If you are more of an ocean person, it is just as easily accessible. I saw a lot of people snorkeling, as well as swimming or just lounging in the Bahamian waters.
The beach areas also offer a great view of the ship. This is a great place to take pictures, admire the vessel, and relax.
Overall, I really enjoyed the option of the pool and the beach; there was something for everyone!
Chairs and umbrellas
One of the biggest perks of Carnival's Celebration Key was the free chairs and umbrellas. If you are an avid cruiser, you know that some ports charge a fee for chairs and umbrellas — such as Half Moon Cay.
It was refreshing to be able to choose from the array of chairs and umbrellas without paying a fee. Not all chairs have umbrellas, though. So you will want to make sure to stake out your spot earlier, especially if you want a prime lounge chair with shade.
Swing Bar
Attached to the massive adult-only side of the pool was the unique Sunshine Swings Bar. Of course, the drinks were not free, but it was free to swing and hang out with other cruisers.
Something to note is that Carnival's drink packages do not work on the island, so you will have to pay out of pocket for each soda, cocktail, beer, or glass of wine. Nonetheless, I thought this was a fun, unique addition to the island. They offer frozen cocktails, soft drinks, and more.
Sports Court and Games
If you are looking to play sports like basketball or pickleball, there is also a sports court to take advantage of! Cornhole is available, too.
Starfish Lagoon has one sports court that is geared towards families, and Calypso Lagoon houses another that is more adult-friendly. Each of these sports courts has equipment available for use.
"Island Eats" Meal
During the day, you are allotted one complimentary "Island Eats" meal at Celebration Key. There were multiple dining venues scattered around, from a massive food court to food trucks, each offering something a little different.
At the food hall, you can choose from pizza, tacos, chicken, burgers, and more. I opted for the pizza, and it was a personal-size pizza. My partner made her own burrito bowl. Both came with a chocolate chip cookie for dessert. Overall, the food was fine. I definitely preferred the ship's pizza, though.
We also saw families bringing their own bags of chips onto the island as a supplemental snack from the ship, rather than shelling out money on extra food ashore.
Entertainment
Carnival is known for its fun party vibe, and Celebration Key was no exception. As my partner and I were reading on our chairs, we noticed music and cheering in the distance.
Before we knew it, a parade complete with dancers and musicians brought great entertainment right down the bridge separating the family-friendly and adult side of the pool. It definitely gave off the vibe of a Caribbean vacation!
How to save money at Carnival's Celebration Key
It is incredibly easy to get off your ship and not spend any money at Celebration Key. Of course, you must manage your expectations. If you want to have a private cabana, sip on tropical beverages, or try a lot of different food, you'll open your wallet more than you expect.
My best tips on saving money at Celebration Key are to start the day with a full breakfast on the ship. That way, you won't be tempted to buy more food than your allotted "Island Eats" meal.
Next, bring your own essentials so you do not end up buying items you already have, like sunscreen and sunglasses.
Third, the free beach and pool areas are designed to be enjoyable without upgrades. You can claim a lounge chair with an umbrella at no extra charge, so it's easier than you might think to say no to the pricey cabana add-ons.
Finally, set a budget for how much you are willing to spend at Celebration Key. It's okay to want to spend a little money — you are on vacation, after all. However, you don't need to go crazy, spending hundreds on drinks, especially if you have a drink package back on the cruise ship.
For example, I really wanted ice cream while ashore. However, I knew that there was unlimited soft-serve waiting for me back on board.
I loved Celebration Key way more than I thought I would
Having visited Half Moon Cay before, I wasn't completely sold on the idea of visiting another Carnival private island. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
Half Moon Cay was very underwhelming when I visited a few years ago. It was just a single stretch of beach with little to no amenities. The umbrellas were even an extra charge.
As such, I was excited when I realized how much Celebration Key had to offer. In contrast to Half Moon Cay, there was more to do with no attached price tag. The giant pool, live entertainment, and comfortable, accessible seating made it a great place to relax and unwind for the day.
Sarah Cinq-Mars
Sarah is a 5th-grade teacher based in North Carolina. When she isn't teaching or being taught the latest slang by her students, she's catching up on the latest true crime podcast, playing with her 12-year-old dog, or checking out the area's newest restaurants.
Since she began cruising in October 2023, she has hit the high seas 10 times. Her favorite ship has been Celebrity Ascent, and her favorite itinerary was a 7-night voyage to Norway.
