Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips

896 Celebration Key Review | Carnival Cruise Line

·39 min·3 clips

Richard Sims describes Celebration Key's 350-million-gallon lagoon and $79 adult-only beach club pass, questioning if it's worth the price.

The episode begins with Doug Parker introducing the topic of Celebration Key and his guest, staff writer Richard Sims. Sims explains he visited twice due to an ankle injury during the grand opening, allowing him to experience it as a regular guest. He describes the layout: upon disembarking, guests see Paradise Plaza castle, with Calypso Lagoon (adults-only) to the left and Starfish Lagoon (family) to the right. A tram system similar to Disney World's operates with separate routes for each area. Sims compares Celebration Key to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, contrasting it with the more natural Half Moon Cay. He details paid attractions like the $14.99 slide pass and the Pearl Cove Beach Club, which costs $79 for day access with an optional drink package. A major point is that Carnival's Cheers drink package does not work on the island, but using a credit card for purchases avoids counting toward the onboard 15-drink limit. The food system is discussed: each guest gets one preloaded meal from select food truck items, with additional food or sit-down restaurants costing extra. Sims spent over $100 sampling food, noting elevated quality but high prices. Hidden fees include a 10% VAT tax and 18% gratuity added to all purchases. Shade is provided by umbrellas at no extra cost, though palm trees are still young. The walk from ship to entrance takes about eight minutes and is shaded. Free activities include basketball and pickleball courts, but most guests congregate at lagoons or bars. Sims highlights the lagoon and beach club as favorites but suggests improvements like more shade and inclusive meal options. He notes the destination hires 1,500 locals, benefiting the Bahamian economy. Shopping at Lakono Cove includes local artists and typical cruise souvenirs, with sunscreen costing $24. Accessibility features paved paths, and the episode ends with a call for listener questions.

As heard by us

A grounded Celebration Key check-in where good ribs come with less simple pricing.

Celebration Key gets a practical second look as Doug Parker returns after the July 19 grand opening to see how the port feels with guests on the ground and to collect more photos and video.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the truth about Celebration Key before a Carnival sailing turns every shore-day bite into a budgeting exercise.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Cruise Radio: Weekly Cruise News & Travel Tips