Carnival Cruise Line has announced details for Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon, two of five portals at its new Celebration Key™ cruise destination in Grand Bahama, planned to debut in July 2025.
Paradise Plaza, located just a short walk from the ship, will greet visitors with a vividly colored promenade and a radiant sun-shaped arch ideal for photographs. Guests will be enveloped in the destination’s grandeur as the sound of live music fills the air and the sight of the centerpiece 10-story-high Suncastle builds anticipation for the paradise that awaits them. Wayfinding and destination information will assist guests in deciding how they want to spend their day, introducing them to options that suit any age or interest, such as relaxing in a cabana, participating in water sports, joining shore excursions, or simply admiring the breathtaking view of the ocean from a mile-long pristine beach. The inviting mood is enhanced with a fountain and an ice cream shop fashioned after the Bahamas.
As guests consider their alternatives, the adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon is almost certain to be their first choice. This gateway, located west of Paradise Plaza, is intended for adults looking for a dynamic and social atmosphere. Guests searching for athletic action can visit the sports court, while those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere can swim in the massive freshwater lagoon, the largest in the Caribbean*, and rest on one of the many loungers, daybeds, or cabanas.
On one side of the lagoon, guests will discover a one-of-a-kind bar with approximately 50 swings for those who like to dip their toes in the cool water while sipping classic poolside and Bahamian cocktails. Additional bars around Calypso Lagoon will ensure that everyone’s thirst is satiated. Guests will also discover two dedicated full-service restaurants, as well as a number of casual food shacks located throughout the portal. The gorgeous Bahamian beach also provides an ideal setting for resting on the warm sand, swimming in the glittering Caribbean water, or participating in fun-in-the-sun activities.
A part of Calypso Lagoon and the neighboring beach will be dedicated as an adults-only area. This portion features a massive swim-up bar with a DJ who keeps the party going all day. The area will also have Bahamian food trucks, cabanas, daybeds, and loungers.
“When guests see our Suncastle as they arrive at Celebration Key, they’ll know immediately they’re in for big FUN. Paradise Plaza will be the perfect welcome spot and will set the tone for the entire visit to this truly unique destination. These new details show the creative design that’s gone into the development of each portal, with Calypso Lagoon alone offering a wide variety of options to fill the day, while honoring the beauty of Grand Bahama and celebrating Bahamian culture,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Three more portals have been announced: a family-friendly one, a private retreat, and a retail area. Carnival will provide more information on these portals in the coming months, as well as plans for a second phase of the destination that will include other elements beyond the five gateways, such as a waterpark.
Celebration Key’s first guests will arrive in July 2025. Over 500 trips are now on sale, with 18 ships scheduled to visit Celebration Key from ten US homeports until spring 2026.
For more information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise trip, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, go to www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel agent or online travel site.
