Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line 's exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Island, celebrated its first anniversary on July 19 after receiving 2.4 million visitors since its opening on July 19, 2025.
Designed to showcase the natural beauty of Grand Bahama and Bahamian culture, Celebration Key offers passengers the opportunity to connect with the island's essence while enjoying Carnival's signature festive atmosphere. This first year of operation has been marked by memorable experiences for visitors, close collaboration with the local community, and a significant contribution to Grand Bahama's economic development.
In just twelve months, Celebration Key has recorded figures that reflect the success of the destination:
- More than 500,000 visitors have ridden down its iconic water slides.
- More than 400,000 mini donuts were served by Mini Donut King, one of the popular Bahamian-owned food stands.
- More than 100,000 piña coladas were enjoyed by guests during their stay on the island.
- Hundreds of Junkanoo parades, the traditional musical and cultural celebration of the Bahamas, filled the destination with color, rhythm and energy.
In addition, Celebration Key made history by becoming the world's first cruise destination to receive the "Sensory Inclusive" certification from KultureCity, reinforcing Carnival's commitment to accessibility and creating inclusive experiences for all travelers.
“We have created something truly special at Celebration Key,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “Our goal has always been to provide unforgettable memories for our guests, and during this first year, the destination has fulfilled that mission for more than two million people. We are proud to be a part of those moments and, at the same time, to make a real and lasting impact on the local community. Looking ahead, we will continue to expand this offering with new experiences for our guests and strengthen our commitment to Grand Bahama and its people.”
Beyond the tourist experience, Celebration Key has established itself as a significant economic driver for the island. The resort generates around 1,000 local jobs year-round and continues to prioritize collaboration with Bahamian entrepreneurs and businesses.
Currently, more than 80% of the destination's restaurants and shops are locally owned, including Bahama Mama Seafood Pit, Flipping Fritters and Mini Donut King.
The anniversary was commemorated with a festive day for passengers visiting Celebration Key aboard the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Freedom. Activities included a special birthday-themed performance by Junkanoo, interactive scavenger hunts, and a giant birthday cake installed at the resort's entrance to welcome visitors. All of this reflected the energy, fun, and Bahamian spirit that have defined the destination's first year.
The celebration also coincided with the expansion of the Less Left Over program to the Bahamas, Carnival Corporation's initiative to reduce food waste. On this occasion, the Carnival Freedom and Carnival Conquest made the first donation of prepared but unserved meals in the country, distributing them to community organizations on Grand Bahama.
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