Carnival Cruise Line celebrated another milestone today at Celebration Key as Mardi Gras, the first Excel-class ship in the fleet to visit the brand-new destination on Grand Bahama, docked alongside Carnival Pride. Together, the two ships brought 9,000 guests to Celebration Key for the ultimate day in paradise.

Mardi Gras is visiting the destination during a week-long Eastern Caribbean cruise that departed on July 19, 2025 from Port Canaveral while Carnival Pride is visiting Celebration Key as part of a week-long Bahamas cruise from Baltimore that embarked on July 20, 2025.

Opened just last weekend, Celebration Key has already redefined the cruise experience with its unmatched blend of relaxation, adventure and entertainment. The 65-acre destination is home to a 1.5-mile stretch of pristine beach, five distinct portals for unique guest experiences and record-breaking attractions. Guests can enjoy the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, the world’s largest swim-up bar and swings bar, over 30 dining and beverage outlets and the largest private beach club retreat at any cruise port.

“We’re immensely proud and grateful for the great reaction from our guests visiting Celebration Key throughout this first week. The world’s newest cruise destination is already a success and delivering more fun to 9,000 visitors in one day is a great testament to that,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.