- Significant Guest Milestones: The destination successfully hosted 2.4 million guests during its first year of operation, including 500,000 waterslide riders.
- Economic Impact and Local Ownership: The port supports 1,000 year-round local jobs, with over 80 percent of retail and food vendors being Bahamian-owned businesses.
- Accessibility Achievement: Celebration Key holds the title of the world’s first cruise destination to achieve Sensory Inclusive Certification from KultureCity.
- Sustainable Food Initiatives: Carnival Corporation expanded its “Less Left Over” program to Grand Bahama, donating surplus meals to local community organizations.
Carnival Cruise Line’s exclusive destination, Celebration Key, is officially celebrating its one-year anniversary. Since opening on Grand Bahama on July 19, 2025, the popular port has welcomed 2.4 million guests, marking a highly successful inaugural year focused on authentic Bahamian culture and signature Carnival fun.
The milestone was commemorated with special festivities for guests aboard Carnival Conquest and Carnival Freedom, featuring a giant birthday cake, interactive scavenger hunts, and vibrant Junkanoo parades. Beyond providing memorable vacations, Celebration Key has become a significant economic driver for the region, supporting approximately 1,000 year-round local jobs. The destination maintains a strong commitment to the local economy, with more than 80 percent of its food and retail operators—such as Mini Donut King and Bahama Mama Seafood Pit—being Bahamian-owned.
Innovation and accessibility remain at the forefront of the guest experience. In its first year, Celebration Key became the world’s first cruise destination to earn Sensory Inclusive Certification through a partnership with KultureCity. Guests have fully embraced the island’s amenities, with over 500,000 visitors enjoying the signature waterslides and more than 100,000 refreshing Piña Coladas served across the destination.
Looking toward the future, the anniversary coincides with the expansion of Carnival Corporation’s “Less Left Over” food waste reduction strategy to The Bahamas. Ships now redirect prepared, unserved meals to local community organizations on Grand Bahama, further deepening the cruise line’s positive impact on the island. By blending world-class entertainment with meaningful community partnerships, Celebration Key continues to set a new standard for sustainable and inclusive cruise tourism in the Caribbean.
