Celebration Key: An honest review

I recently had the chance to visit Carnival’s brand-new private cruise port, Celebration Key, while sailing aboard the Carnival Celebration—and let me tell you, this place makes a big first impression! It’s massive, colorful, and full of that upbeat Caribbean vibe Carnival is known for. But like any new destination, there were a few things that could be improved. Here’s my honest take after spending a full day soaking up the sun at Celebration Key.

Enjoying the Cabana at Celebration Key

What I Loved

The first thing that stood out was how large and well laid out the port is. You don’t feel cramped like some private destinations can feel—it’s open, breezy, and full of options for every kind of cruiser.

There are three different lagoon areas to choose from:
🌴 Starfish Lagoon, perfect for families
🎶 Calypso Lagoon, with a lively atmosphere and music
🌅 Pearl Cove, the adults-only retreat (with a fee to access)

Each lagoon area has a huge pool with plenty of seating, and I loved that there were tons of free loungers available, so you don’t have to pay extra just to relax. For those looking for something a little more special, cabanas are available for rent—and we decided to splurge on an over-the-water cabana for eight. Honestly, I thought it was a great value for the money.

Our cabana came with our own concierge, comfortable seating for everyone (including two water loungers), and a stocked cooler with ice-cold drinks ready when we arrived. The chips and salsa were surprisingly good, and the staff couldn’t have been friendlier. Add in the breezy ocean views and it made for a perfect base for the day.

I also appreciated that there was plenty of shopping at the port—perfect for anyone who loves to browse or pick up a few souvenirs without feeling rushed back to the ship.

What Could Be Improved

That said, there were a few things that could make the Celebration Key experience even better.

First, while the food truck area offered a nice variety of choices, it was a little confusing figuring out how to get to the street truck section. I ended up having to ask a staff member for directions, and it would be nice if there were clearer signs or maps around the food areas.

Second, the waterslides included with our cabana rental were closed for a good portion of the day, and when they were open, the process moved slowly because of weight restrictions on the structure. Each person had to be weighed before sliding, which caused the line to back up quite a bit.

And finally—the big one that everyone talks about—the Cheers! drink package from the ship doesn’t work on the island. That means you’ll be paying out of pocket for any drinks while ashore, which can be a little disappointing after you’ve already purchased a beverage package onboard.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I think Celebration Key has amazing potential. It’s beautiful, spacious, and clearly designed with both families and adults in mind. Despite a few growing pains, it’s one of the most impressive private cruise destinations I’ve visited in a long time—and I can’t wait to see how it evolves as Carnival continues to improve it.

If you’re heading there soon, my biggest tips would be:
☀️ Get off the ship early to claim your favorite pool or beach spot.
💦 Bring your refillable water bottle—it gets hot fast.
🍹 Budget for drinks on the island.
🩴 And don’t forget to explore each lagoon—you might find your new favorite hangout.

Until next time, I’ll be dreaming of those turquoise waters and a basket of chips and salsa in my over-the-water cabana!