Celebration Key cruise port guide

Arrival & Getting Ashore

Getting to the centre: Celebration Key cruise pier to Paradise Plaza.

• Walk: about 10 minutes along the shaded pier; a practical route if you're comfortable walking that distance. The estimate comes from Carnival's visitor FAQ, checked 2026-09-25.

Orientation, not a walking route

Ships dock at the dedicated pier, so you walk ashore without a tender transfer, according to the port's FAQ. At Paradise Plaza, find Guest Services and the excursion desk before heading to your chosen area.

Carnival's destination guide lists beach wheelchairs at Paradise Plaza, subject to availability. They help with beach access; arrange any help you need at the ship's gangway separately.

About this port

Celebration Key is a purpose-built cruise destination on Grand Bahama, with beaches, freshwater lagoons and shopping areas. The pier brings you to Paradise Plaza, the arrival hub where you choose a beach or activity area. Keep in mind that this is a separate port from Freeport's Lucayan Harbour: a visit to Grand Bahama's towns is another outing.

For the simplest day, stay here for a swim, lunch and a browse around Lokono Cove. An excursion into Grand Bahama gives you a different experience, but you'll trade some beach time for travel. The inclusions below describe Carnival visits; if you're travelling with another operator, use your own sailing's package terms.

Getting Around

Free trams run within Celebration Key. They're useful for getting around the destination, but they don't take you to Freeport or Port Lucaya. You can keep the day flexible by walking between your beach, lunch venue and the plaza, without booking a vehicle. Use the destination map to keep track of where you are.

If you're heading beyond the port, the destination guide places the land-excursion departure point, local taxis and rental cars at Lokono Cove. Agree your destination, the price and your return collection before setting off independently.

Carnival offers excursions such as Open Top Sightseeing & Port Lucaya, which combines a guided town visit with time at the marketplace. The operator requires steps and transfers into a seat and says the tour's toilets do not accommodate wheelchair access. Match the tour's duration to your actual call rather than arranging a separate pickup at Freeport's other cruise terminal.

Things to Do

Starfish Lagoon and the beach: This family-focused area has a splash pad, lagoon, sports courts and beach access. It's a good fit for a day of swimming and breaks ashore. Keep belongings and your return plan together if members of the party split between the beach and pool.

Calypso Lagoon or Pearl Cove: Calypso has a more adult-oriented feel, with music and a swim-up bar. Pearl Cove is a separately charged adults-only beach club with an infinity pool and private beach access. Before buying a pass, decide whether you want the extra club facilities; the main destination already has plenty of swimming areas. The port FAQ distinguishes these areas.

Lokono Cove: Browse Bahamian crafts, local art and souvenirs. It's a handy break on dry land between swimming and lunch, especially if you'd like to find something made locally instead of another session in the pool. Leave room in your bag for anything you buy.

Getting back to your ship

Getting back: Head back through Paradise Plaza, your landmark for the ship, and along the cruise pier. The walk from the welcome area is only the last part of the journey, so allow time to get there from your beach or lagoon, including any tram wait. If you've been elsewhere on Grand Bahama, you also need to allow for the road journey. Follow the ship's all-aboard time and your excursion's meeting instructions, leaving time for security and boarding.

Practical Information

If you're visiting with Carnival, bring your Sail & Sign card, the required identification, a towel, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Take cash or a payment card for retail purchases. Carnival includes one eligible Island Eats meal per person at participating walk-up venues; follow the qualifying menu signs. Beach chairs, umbrellas and freshwater showers are complimentary. These details are set out in the destination guide.

Carnival's onboard drinks packages don't extend ashore. Budget separately for drinks and paid attractions, and use the current cruise planner for optional purchases. Keep your ship card dry and easy to reach: you'll need it to reboard.