Heidi and I are again from Carnival’s Celebration Key. We have been among the many first cruise passengers to go to this unique vacation spot on Grand Bahama Island. Following our day of solar and enjoyable on the vacation spot’s grand opening, we’ve put collectively our Celebration Key evaluate with some takeaways on what we cherished and what to skip.
As Carnival Vista slowly approached Celebration Key, we first noticed the silhouette of the Suncastle, the vacation spot’s iconic 10-story sandcastle construction from our portside balcony. Quickly, different options got here into focus, and we may hardly include our pleasure. From the adults-only personal seaside membership, Pearl Cove, to the colourful pier and mile lengthy pool, Celebration Key appeared gorgeous.
Along with a choose group of media, we have been entrance and middle for all of the opening day festivities. Following remarks from President Christine Duffy and particular appearances from icons like Shaquille O’Neal, it was lastly time to discover all that Celebration Key has to supply.
The Swimming pools and Seashores on Celebration Key
Celebration Secret’s residence to the 2 largest freshwater lagoons within the Caribbean, divided into two distinct portals. There may be the adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon on the west facet and the family-focused Starfish Lagoon on the east facet.
Splitting the 2 sections of this pool is the aforementioned signature Suncastle. Together with being Celebration Key’s iconic landmark, additionally it is residence to the vacation spot’s most thrilling attraction. The twin racing waterslides, Flash Flamingo and Mach III Marlin, twist and switch over 350 ft.
These slides have a canopy cost of $14.99 per particular person for an all-day move. When you have children, this is likely to be a fantastic deal; although, as adults, there isn’t a lot re-rideability. Nevertheless, the highest of this sandcastle does supply some incredible views of the island.
In distinction, whereas we knew the swimming pools have been going to be massive, we nonetheless weren’t ready for the way large they actually have been. In truth, the Starfish Lagoon pool alone dwarfs Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Lagoon. That pool on Good Day at CocoCay used to carry the title as the biggest freshwater pool within the Caribbean. Now, Celebration Key’s mixed freshwater lagoons are shut to eight instances the scale of the competitors.
So, whether or not you need a vigorous Caribbean vibe with DJ music or a extra serene day wading within the shallows, Celebration Key has you lined.
Surrounding the lagoon on both sides are a wide range of lounge chairs and umbrellas, which can be found to be used on a first-come, first-served foundation. Lots of the loungers closest to the arrivals plaza have been full of fellow cruisers early within the day. Nevertheless, inside a five-minute stroll, there have been loads of empty chairs.
Equally, the pool space close to the Lengthy Necks Swim-Up bar within the “adults-only” part was packed many of the day. Nonetheless, there was loads of different pool area to name your personal. Whereas this western part of Calypso Lagoon is technically purported to be 18+, we didn’t see any enforcement moreover some signage.
Though, we have been stunned that there aren’t extra kid-focused water options. The Guppy Grotto splash pad and wading pool are comparatively small, particularly given the behemoth dimension of the remainder of the pool space. When in comparison with Disney Cruise Line and even Royal Caribbean, we might have anticipated a family-focused cruise line like Carnival to have a extra expansive area for the youngest cruisers.
Whereas the swimming pools have been busy for many of the day, the other was true for the mile lengthy stretch of seaside. Each Starfish Seaside and Calypso Seaside have been comparatively empty. Nonetheless, with nice ship views and loads of complimentary loungers and umbrellas, seaside lovers will really feel proper at residence on Celebration Key.
Needless to say most facilities are centralized across the lagoons. So, if you happen to’re lounging beachside, you’ll need to depart your lounger to quench your thirst or fulfill your urge for food.
Upgrading Your Day at Celebration Key
Whereas there’s loads of seaside and pool area out there on Celebration Key that received’t price you something, the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership affords a extra secluded and splendid choice.
Reserved for visitors 18 and older, this personal seaside membership is the biggest of any cruise line vacation spot. It boasts its personal 11,000 sq. foot infinity pool with a swim-up bar and unique seaside entry with upgraded loungers. This unspoiled seaside gives excellent views of the ship. There’s additionally a full-service restaurant, aptly named Pearl Cove Seaside Membership Restaurant and Bar, providing upscale menu objects resembling grilled calamari and seafood pasta.
In contrast to Royal Caribbean’s 18+ Hideaway Seaside Membership, Pearl Cove is a relaxed and chill spot with loads of area to unfold out and unwind. It’s extra just like Royal Caribbean’s Coco Seaside Membership, however Pearl Cove is bigger and strictly adults-only.
Carnival Cruise Line affords three totally different packages for visitors to get pleasure from Pearl Cove. The bottom entry level gives entry solely, whereas the most costly choice is an all-inclusive move that features ten alcoholic drinks and meals on the restaurant. There are additionally cabanas out there for many who want to improve their keep even additional.
We spent the morning touring Pearl Cove and each remarked on how a lot we appreciated the setup, the infinity pool, and the peaceable vibes. Whereas we had plans to return to Pearl Cove later within the day, we by no means made it again. Once we return to Celebration Key once more, we would definitely take into account buying passes to flee the crowds and the youngsters.
Meals and Drinks on Celebration Key
For cruisers who’ve sailed to different cruise line personal islands, Celebration Key might be complicated on the subject of its meals and beverage program.
At personal islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay, Great Stirrup Cay, Castaway Cay, and even Carnival’s Half Moon Cay, many of the ashore meals is complimentary. Likewise, Royal Caribbean’s and Norwegian Cruise Line’s drink packages work at these personal locations.
However Carnival Cruise Line officers have been fast to right us after we insinuated that Celebration Secret’s comparable to those personal islands. As an alternative, they consult with Celebration Key as an “unique vacation spot”. Thus, many of the meals and drinks on Celebration Key aren’t included within the cruise fare. Much like different Carnival Corp. locations, resembling Mahogany Bay or Amber Cove, visitors have entry to a number of bars and eating places for an extra payment. These locations aren’t an extension of the ship.
Island Eats on Celebration Key
Nevertheless, not like Mahogany Bay or Amber Cove, Carnival has launched a brand new profit for Celebration Key, referred to as Island Eats. With Island Eats, everybody receives one meal credit score to get pleasure from whereas ashore.
The credit score is legitimate for one full meal at one of many informal eateries. Or, visitors obtain 25% off an entree at full-service eating places. Kids 12 and beneath eat free from the youngsters menu in any respect full-service eating places.
Whereas we had no points utilizing our credit, we did observe a number of visitors experiencing difficulties redeeming their meal credit for the included choices. For the reason that credit for all stateroom members are linked, in concept, one cabinmate may use all of them. So, your children may actually eat everybody’s lunch, that means mother and pa could possibly be caught paying for meals.
Although these Island Eats credit work in any respect quick informal venues, what’s lined varies by location. Thus, you’ll have to evaluate the menus rigorously to know which objects are included and which can incur additional expenses. Included choices are sometimes hamburgers or sandwiches. That is usually accompanied by one facet dish, normally fries or chips, and a cookie.
One large miss is that the meal credit score doesn’t embrace a drink. The one complimentary drinks out there on Celebration Key are water. Self-service water refill stations are subsequent to lagoons and meals vehicles. However, there are not any different included drinks like iced tea or lemonade such as you discover on nearly any personal cruise line vacation spot.
Informal Eating Ashore
The biggest eating venue on Celebration Secret’s the Captain’s Galley Meals Corridor within the Starfish Lagoon portal. This venue is residence to in style quick-service objects. These embrace pizza, burgers, and sizzling canine. There are additionally upcharge alternatives together with tacos and Mediterranean bowls. Most of those alternatives are priced between $12 and $15, excluding the service cost and native VAT.
On the outskirts of every portal are our favourite eating choices, the meals vehicles. The 8 distinctive choices characteristic a wide range of handheld treats excellent for munching poolside. Whereas every is totally different, there’s some overlap in menu objects.
In Starfish Lagoon, meals vehicles embrace Grand Bahamas Tacos, Mini Donut King, Seaside Shack Subs & Tenders, and Streatery Sushiva. Throughout the best way at Calypso Lagoon, there are 4 totally different venues. These embrace Fowl Play, Calypso Hen Co, Flippin Fritters, and Seaside Burgers & Canines. Each meals truck venues supply restricted picnic tables with umbrellas.
At most of those meals vehicles, visitors can redeem an Island Eats credit score for choose menu choices. For extra servings or menu objects not lined, visitors have to pay à la carte. As an illustration, we redeemed one credit score for the boneless hen tenders meal at Fowl Play. However, if we needed so as to add some loaded nachos to our order, it could have been an extra $11.25, plus 18% gratuity and VAT.
Whereas we’re positive the distributors will work out the kinks, it did take 20+ minutes to obtain our meals objects. This could possibly be fairly time consuming if you happen to’d wish to make particular person purchases from a number of meals vehicles in your journey social gathering.
Celebration Key Full-Service Eating places
Together with the Pearl Cove Restaurant, there are three extra full-service venues scattered all through the resort.
All full-service eating places supply desk service eating with distinctive meals menus. Plus, all eating places boast a signature bar menu with distinctive cocktails. Sadly although, the entire seating is al fresco. With 90-degree temperatures and scorching solar, these venues didn’t present the escape from the warmth or solar that we have been hoping for.
The biggest venue and one of the best themed is Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen in Calypso Lagoon. The genuine menu affords alternatives resembling Bahamian Conch Chowder for $9.99 and Coconut Curry Hen for $21.99.
On the north facet of Caylpso Lagoon is Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews. This barbecue restaurant serves up Southern-inspired cocktails just like the Lynchburg Lemonade and native craft beers. Together with sandwiches, visitors can go for BBQ sharing platters priced at $29 per particular person, together with numerous meats and facet dishes.
Households stress-free in Starfish Lagoon can seize lunch at Gil’s Grill. Right here, you’ll be able to share objects just like the Smoked Fish Dip for $15.99 or the Coconut Shrimp plate for $23.99.
We love the addition of a espresso store on Celeberation Key. The Suncastle Grounds Espresso is on the base of this landmark in Lokono Cove. Right here, visitors can seize a latte or a chilly brew espresso. There’s additionally an up-charge ice store, Yumshine Scoops. At the moment, Island Eats doesn’t work at both of those venues. So, visitors will likely be paying round $5 for espresso or a scoop of ice cream.
Grabbing a Drink on Celebration Key
Together with the bars on the full-service eating places, there are a selection of watering holes. So, you’ll by no means must enterprise too far to seize a drink.
Lots of the bars, just like the Lagoon Bar East, Lagoon Bar West, and Shoalmates Island Bar, serve a regular menu. Featured drinks embrace classics like a mojito or a margarita. There may be additionally a choice of native beers and wines.
Maybe probably the most Instagrammable bar is the Sunshine Swings Bar. This bar is positioned in Calypso Lagoon, a number of steps from the Suncastle. With a signature cocktail menu that includes concoctions just like the Bahama Mama, this open-air bar boasts dozens of swings over each the water and land.
Get together individuals will wish to seize one of many 160+ in-water seats on the largest swim-up bar on the planet, Lengthy Necks Swim-Up Bar positioned subsequent to Mingo’s and the DJ island. Or, those that need one thing a bit much less rowdy can nonetheless get pleasure from an in-water libation at Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar positioned subsequent to the Captain’s Galley Meals Corridor in Starfish Lagoon.
As we talked about earlier, the cruise line’s Cheers Package doesn’t work on Celebration Key. So, visitors will likely be paying full worth for all drinks in any respect bars. For probably the most half, cocktails are round $13, with beers and wine $8 and $11, respectively.
Navigating Celebration Key
At the moment, Carnival’s Celebration Key has a pier that may berth two ships, with plans to increase to 4 ships sooner or later. The stroll from the ship to Paradise Plaza is a brief 5-10 minute stroll, or trams can be found. When you make your method down the pier, visitors can stroll across the portals or make the most of the tram loops.
Every portal boasts paved strolling paths. With loads of signage, we discovered it straightforward to navigate the perimeter on foot. Additional, it was easy to search out our method into a number of the alcoves, that are residence to varied cabanas and clusters of loungers and umbrellas.
For those who’d favor to not stroll, there are two tram routes. One tram takes visitors from Starfish Lagoon to the north finish of Lokono Cove with 5 stops. Likewise, at Calypso Lagoon, the tram takes visitors to Pearl Cove, together with three extra stops ending at Lokono Cove. These trams run all day in a steady loop.
In contrast to another cruise line personal locations, the structure of Celebration Secret’s intuitive. This makes it straightforward for visitors to entry all of the facilities. Whereas many of the eating places and bars are positioned across the lagoon swimming pools, these lounging on the seaside nonetheless don’t have too far to go.
Our Celebration Key Evaluate
Celebration Secret’s a vibrant, thrilling, and general enjoyable pool or seaside day. The colourful island affords households, {couples}, and multigenerational teams loads of choices to profit from their time ashore. Similiar to more moderen cruise line destinations, Carnival’s Celebration Key options genuine Bahamian touches. With regionally impressed food and drinks menus, in addition to craft markets and native artwork, Celebration Key merges the spirit of Carnival Cruise Line and the Bahamian individuals.
Total, we have been pleasantly stunned with Celebration Key. Whereas we have been skeptical that something may compete with Royal Caribbean’s Good Day at CocoCay, Carnival’s Celebration Key delivers on many fronts.
Whereas an apparent winner on the subject of lagoon-style swimming pools, there are many different included facilities and actions which are complimentary. Three sports activities areas boast video games, basketball and volleyball, and even a pickleball courtroom. There may be stay music, a Junkanoo parade which happens twice a day, and loads of seaside area with loungers and umbrellas to unfold out.
Albeit an up-charge, the Pearl Cove Seaside Membership additionally will get two thumbs up from us. The unique seaside, infinity pool, and swim-up bar are the right adult-only escape.
With a wide range of eating choices and bars, meals and drinks are plentiful on Celebration Key. Many of those venues are well-themed too, from the flamingos adorning the Mingo’s eating venue, to the Sunshine Swings Bar, to the native Bahamian meals vehicles. Whereas Island Eats does supply some included meals, visitors ought to price range accordingly for extra eating and drinks when visiting this unique vacation spot on Grand Bahama Island.
With the enduring Suncastle, twin racing slides, loads of swim-up bars, and several other distinctive cabana choices, Carnival’s Celebration Key actually exudes FUN. We will’t wait to get again!
With twenty Carnial cruise ships from ten totally different U.S. homeports providing stops at Celebration Key, it’s straightforward to discover a ship and itinerary that features a full day at this model new unique vacation spot. Whether or not you’re a frequent Carnival cruiser, or have by no means sailed with the cruise line earlier than, we expect Celebration Secret’s value visiting.
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The publish First Look: Our Celebration Key Review From Carnival’s New Grand Bahama Island Destination appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.
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