Carnival Unveils Culinary Paradise at Celebration Key in the Bahamas
Carnival Cruise Line is set to raise the bar on its private destination experiences with the unveiling of Celebration Key in Grand Bahama, slated to open in July 2025. In an exciting preview, Carnival shared details of the extensive food and beverage offerings available at this new tropical hotspot, which boasts more than 30 dining and drinking venues. Celebration Key offers something for every palette with a mix of local Bahamian specialties, fresh seafood, BBQ, and beachside favorites.
Carnival’s Celebration Key will immerse guests in a world of flavors, from casual bites at food trucks to full-service dining in waterfront restaurants. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, emphasized the importance of this culinary experience, stating, "Great food and beverage options are essential to the Carnival experience, and we’ve designed Celebration Key with an array of dining opportunities, whether our guests want a casual snack, a quick meal or a full dining experience."
Full-Service Dining with Local Flair
Among the highlights are four full-service restaurants, including Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen at Calypso Lagoon. This spot is named after the national bird of The Bahamas, the flamingo, and offers Bahamian favorites such as fried fish and conch fritters and a wide array of classic American dishes like burgers, tacos, and seafood. Mingo’s Express food truck will provide a quicker bite with burgers and fish sandwiches for those wanting something more casual.
At Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews, guests can enjoy slow-smoked meats cooked in an outdoor smoker, paired with an array of sauces and sides. Local Bahamian craft beers will also be available at its bar, offering a taste of the island’s unique brews. Another standout is Gill’s Grill at Starfish Lagoon, featuring Caribbean seafood, including lobster, shrimp, steamed crab, and more land-based options like chicken and burgers.
For families, Captain’s Galley Food Hall offers a diverse selection. Five outlets serve everything from burgers and hot dogs to Mediterranean bowls and tacos, making it a one-stop shop for quick and delicious meals.
Food Trucks, Snack Shacks, and Bars Galore
Celebration Key will also host an impressive lineup of nine food trucks, scattered across both Calypso and Starfish Lagoons, serving up beachside classics like burgers and chicken sandwiches, alongside Bahamian favorites like conch fritters. Guests can order through self-serve kiosks for an easy, on-the-go experience.
If all that food leaves you thirsty, there are plenty of options to cool off. At Long Necks Bar in Calypso Lagoon, guests can swim up to one of the 100 seats in the lagoon itself and sip on Bahamian cocktails, frozen drinks, or local beers. Meanwhile, the Sunshine Swings Bar offers a more laid-back atmosphere, where guests can relax on one of 40 swings while enjoying a cocktail.
For those seeking relaxation at Starfish Lagoon, the Parrotfish Swim Up Bar offers frozen drinks and mocktails made with tropical fruit juices, both in and out of the water.
Sweet Treats and Coffee Breaks
For a caffeine boost, Suncastle Grounds Coffee in the Paradise Plaza welcome area will serve up a variety of hot, cold, and frozen coffee drinks, perfect for keeping guests energized throughout the day. If a sweet treat is in order, Yumshine Scoops offers an array of ice cream flavors, giving guests a refreshing option to cool down in the Bahamian heat.
Pearl Cove Beach Club: A Luxury Adults-Only Retreat
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s adults-only haven. With an infinity pool overlooking the beach, a swim-up bar, and a full-service restaurant, this retreat offers a more refined experience. The club will provide three access options, including an all-inclusive package that covers an open bar (with a cap of 10 drinks) and lunch at the Pearl Cove restaurant.
“Island Eats” Complimentary Meals
Carnival is also introducing “Island Eats,” a program where guests can enjoy a complimentary meal at one of the quick-service outlets or food trucks using their Sail & Sign card. For those seeking a more upscale meal, guests can opt for 25% off one entrée per person at the full-service restaurants (excluding Pearl Cove Beach Club).
A New Era for Private Island Dining
Carnival’s Celebration Key is shaping up to be more than just a beautiful private destination – it’s poised to become a premier culinary hotspot in the Caribbean. With a wide variety of food and beverage outlets catering to every taste and a focus on showcasing Bahamian flavors, Celebration Key is set to offer a dining experience that elevates the entire cruise vacation.
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