Complete Guide to Celebration Key - Map, Food Menus, Inclusions & More
Celebration Key is a purpose built beach resort destination located on Grand Bahama Island that will soon welcome Princess Cruises ships as a port of call. While Celebration Key was originally developed by Carnival Corporation for Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises will begin calling at the destination on select Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries starting this winter.
Celebration Key is not a private island. It is a private resort area designed exclusively for cruise guests on visiting ships. The destination is staffed primarily by local Bahamian employees and operates as a full day beach resort experience featuring a large freshwater lagoon, beachfront areas, dining venues, shopping, entertainment, and optional paid upgrades.
This guide explains what Princess Cruises guests can expect when visiting Celebration Key, how the destination is laid out, what is included, what costs extra, and how it compares to other private cruise destinations in The Bahamas.
Overview of Celebration Key for Princess Cruises
Celebration Key © Princess Cruises
Celebration Key is designed as a large scale beach resort rather than a simple beach stop. The destination combines lagoon swimming, ocean beach access, dining, bars, shopping, and premium adults only areas into one walkable resort style layout.
Princess Cruises guests arrive via pier and spend the day exploring the resort at their own pace. There are no tender boats required. The experience is self guided, with free transportation available throughout the property.
Celebration Key is intended to appeal to a wide range of travelers, including families, couples, and adults looking for a quieter beach club style experience.
Celebration Key Layout and Zones
Celebration Key Map © Carnival Corp
Celebration Key is divided into several themed zones, referred to as portals, all connected through a central hub called Paradise Plaza. Each zone offers a different atmosphere, from family focused lagoon areas to premium adults only spaces.
The main zones of the resort are:
Paradise Plaza
Lokono Cove
Starfish Lagoon
Calypso Lagoon
Pearl Cove Beach Club
All areas are connected by walking paths and a free tram system.
Paradise Plaza: Arrival Area and Central Hub
Paradise Plaza is the main entry point for guests arriving at Celebration Key. From the pier, it is a short walk to the plaza, with free trams and accessible golf carts also available.
Paradise Plaza includes:
Guest services and excursion assistance
Shopping for souvenirs and essentials
Ice cream and snack options
The Suncastle landmark structure with elevated views
Waterslides available for an additional fee
Tram transfer points to all other areas of the resort
This is the main orientation area and transportation hub for the destination.
Lokono Cove: Shopping and Cultural Area
Lokono Cove © Freestyle Travelers
Located near Paradise Plaza, Lokono Cove serves as the shopping and cultural district of Celebration Key.
This area features:
Bahamian style market stalls and artisan shops
Coffee and beverage options
Murals and cultural displays
Exit points for shore excursions and local transportation
Lokono Cove is a convenient stop for shopping, shade, and refreshments.
Starfish Lagoon: Family Friendly Area
Starfish Lagoon is the most family oriented area of Celebration Key and includes both lagoon and beach access.
Features of Starfish Lagoon include:
Large freshwater lagoon with gradual entry areas
Beach access with free lounge chairs and umbrellas
Casual dining venues and snack locations
Multiple bars, including a swim up bar
Splash areas and shallow water zones for children
Sports courts and open play areas
Watersport rentals
Free seating is available throughout the area on a first come basis. Paid cabanas and upgraded seating may be available to reserve in advance.
Calypso Lagoon: Lively and Relaxed Spaces
Calypso Lagoon offers a mix of social and relaxed environments. While originally designed as an adults focused zone, it is now open to guests of all ages.
This area includes:
A large freshwater lagoon
Swim up bars and multiple beverage locations
Casual restaurants and food trucks
Live music and DJ hosted entertainment
Sports and activity spaces
Beach access with complimentary seating
Calypso Lagoon also serves as the access point for the premium Pearl Cove Beach Club.
Pearl Cove Beach Club: Adults Only Upgrade
Pearl Cove Beach Club is the premium adults only area at Celebration Key and is restricted to guests aged 18 and older. Access requires a paid pass or a cabana or daybed reservation.
Pearl Cove Beach Club includes:
A private beach area with upgraded seating
Infinity edge pool
Swim up bar
Full service restaurant
Dedicated concierge and check in area
Different access tiers may be offered, including basic entry, open bar options, and all inclusive packages depending on availability.
Food and Dining at Celebration Key for Princess Cruises
Dining at Celebration Key is primarily casual, with multiple foodund quick service locations throughout the resort.
Princess Cruises guests receive a complimentary Island Eats meal credit, which can be redeemed at participating casual venues. The meal typically includes one main item, a side, and a dessert.
Guests may also choose to purchase additional food items or dine at full service restaurants for an added cost. Charges are billed to the shipboard account or paid by credit or debit card.
Drinks and Beverage Packages at Celebration Key
Drinks are not included at Celebration Key unless specifically noted with a premium pass for an upcharge area like Pearl Cove. This is a departure from Princess Cruises’ main private resort destination at Princess Cays, where drink packages continue to work ashore.
Princess Cruises beverage packages do not apply at Celebration Key. All alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks must be purchased individually at posted prices.
The destination operates as a cashless environment.
Seating, Rentals, and Accessibility
Complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas are available throughout Celebration Key on a first come basis.
Paid upgrades may include:
Cabanas
Daybeds
Premium loungers
Adults only beach club access
Celebration Key is ADA accessible with paved walkways, ramps, and accessible transportation. Beach wheelchairs are available upon request. Lifeguards are on duty in lagoon and beach areas during operating hours.
Towels are not generally provided on the island. Guests should bring towels from the ship unless otherwise specified with a premium reservation.
Celebration Key Transportation
Celebration Key is fully walkable, but a free tram system operates continuously throughout the day to help guests move quickly between zones.
The tram system includes:
Direct service between the pier and Paradise Plaza
A route serving Starfish Lagoon
A route serving Calypso Lagoon and Pearl Cove
Trams run frequently, stops are clearly marked, and no reservations are required.
Celebration Key FAQ for Princess Cruises Guests
Is Celebration Key a private island?
No. Celebration Key is a private resort area on Grand Bahama Island, reserved for cruise guests during port visits.
Is food included?
A complimentary Island Eats meal is included at participating casual venues. Additional food options and dining venues are priced a-la-carte.
Do Princess beverage packages work ashore?
No. Beverage packages do not apply at Celebration Key. All beverages must be purchased at menu prices.
Is Celebration Key good for families?
Yes. Starfish Lagoon and other areas are well suited for families with children.
Is Celebration Key adult-friendly?
Yes. Pearl Cove Beach Club offers a dedicated adults only experience for an added cost.
Do I need cash?
No. Celebration Key is fully cashless.
Final Thoughts on Celebration Key for Princess Cruises
Celebration Key © Princess Cruises
Celebration Key will offer Princess Cruises guests a brand-new, modern beach resort experience that blends beach swimming, pools, dining, and optional premium upgrades into a single destination.
With no tendering required, included casual dining, and a wide range of environments to choose from, Celebration Key provides a flexible port day that can be as active or relaxed as guests choose.
As Princess Cruises begins calling at Celebration Key, it adds another distinctive private style destination to the Princess Caribbean destination collection, particularly for travelers looking for an easy, well organized beach day in The Bahamas.
