Incredible Food Options at Carnivals New Private Island, Celebration Key
Carnival Cruise Line has revealed an exciting glimpse into the future of Caribbean cruising with its newest destination, Celebration Key. Set to open in July 2025 on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key promises to be an exclusive tropical paradise for Carnival cruisers, offering a diverse range of dining and drinking experiences. With more than 30 food and beverage outlets, cruisers will find something to satisfy every craving, from beachside snacks to full-service dining.
Dining Options for Every Taste
Celebration Key’s dining scene is set to be one of its biggest highlights. Carnival has designed the destination to cater to every kind of foodie, featuring four full-service restaurants, a food hall, nine food trucks, five snack shacks, two counter-service kiosks, and 12 bars. Whether you’re in the mood for local Bahamian specialties, fresh seafood, BBQ, or classic comfort foods, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many outlets will offer complimentary lunch options as part of the “Island Eats” program.
Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy explains, “We’ve designed Celebration Key with an array of dining opportunities, whether our guests want a casual snack, a quick meal, or a full dining experience. Just like there will be no shortage of ways to enjoy their day in paradise, there will also be something for everyone to eat and drink.”
Full-Service Restaurants and Food Hall
At the heart of Celebration Key is Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, located at Calypso Lagoon. Named after The Bahamas’ national bird, the Flamingo, Mingo’s offers waterfront dining with a menu featuring local favorites like fried fish and conch fritters, along with burgers, seafood, tacos, steak, and sandwiches. The adjacent Mingo’s Express food truck provides a more casual option for quick meals, with self-ordering kiosks and shaded seating.
Surf N’ Sauce BBQ & Brews will satisfy BBQ lovers with its slow-smoked meats, cooked in an outdoor smoker and served with a variety of sauces and sides. Pair your meal with craft beer from local Bahamian breweries at their full-service bar.
For seafood lovers, Gill’s Grill at Starfish Lagoon is the perfect spot, offering Caribbean seafood like lobster, crab, and shrimp, as well as kid-friendly options like chicken and burgers. If you’re looking for something a little quicker, the Captain’s Galley Food Hall features five outlets offering family favorites like burgers, fried chicken, tacos, and pizza, making it a convenient choice for lunch.
Food Trucks, Snack Shacks, and More
For cruisers who prefer a casual bite, Celebration Key boasts a variety of food trucks at both Calypso and Starfish Lagoons. These trucks serve up beachside classics like burgers and chicken sandwiches, along with Bahamian treats like conch fritters. Convenient self-ordering kiosks will make it easy to grab a quick snack, while snack shacks throughout the destination provide refreshing beverages and grab-and-go items like wraps and salads.
Sip, Relax, and Enjoy the View
What’s a day in paradise without a cool drink in hand? Celebration Key offers a variety of bars, including swim-up options. Long Necks Bar at Calypso Lagoon features 100 in-lagoon seats where guests can enjoy frozen drinks, beer, or Bahamian cocktails, all set to the backdrop of music from a live DJ. For a more laid-back vibe, Sunshine Swings Bar offers 40 seats on swings, making it the perfect place to sip a drink and take in the view.
At Starfish Lagoon, cruisers can cool off at the Parrotfish Swim-Up Bar, which offers both in-water and out-of-water seating. Sip on a tropical frozen cocktail or mocktail while lounging in the lagoon.
Specialty Options for Coffee Lovers and Ice Cream Fans
Need a caffeine boost? Suncastle Grounds Coffee, located in the Paradise Plaza welcome area, serves hot, cold, and frozen coffee drinks along with light snacks. For those with a sweet tooth, Yumshine Scoops offers a selection of ice cream flavors, perfect for a refreshing treat on a warm day.
An Adults-Only Retreat: Pearl Cove Beach Club
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, Pearl Cove Beach Club is Celebration Key’s adults-only retreat. This private area features an infinity pool with a swim-up bar, as well as a full-service restaurant offering an elevated menu. Access to Pearl Cove is available for purchase, with options ranging from basic club access to all-inclusive packages that include open bar and lunch at the restaurant.
“Island Eats” – A Dining Perk for Carnival Guests
Carnival is offering an “Island Eats” program, where every guest can enjoy one complimentary meal at select quick-service outlets, food trucks, or snack shacks using their Sail & Sign card. For those craving a more upscale experience, guests can choose 25% off one entrée per person at the full-service restaurants, excluding the Pearl Cove Beach Club.
With its variety of dining options, Celebration Key is sure to be a top destination for Carnival cruisers seeking great food and fun in the sun. Whether you want to grab a quick bite, enjoy a leisurely meal, or relax with a drink by the lagoon, Celebration Key offers it all. Mark your calendars for July 2025, when Carnival opens the doors to this culinary paradise in the Caribbean.
