Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.Generate Key TakeawaysCarnival Cruise Line's Celebration Key fixes a big cruiser pain point originally appeared on Come Cruise With Me.
If you have taken a few cruises, you have likely experienced overcrowding at some popular ports, such as Nassau, Bahamas, and Cozumel, Mexico, which welcome huge volumes of guests daily.
Nassau, for example, often welcomes up to six ships a day. On June 25,2025, two Royal Caribbean ships, two Carnival ships, one Disney ship, and one MSC ship all docked at Nassau, according to CruiseMapper.
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Frequent discussions on social media cruising forums highlight a recurring theme: popular ports are too crowded, chaotic, and commercialized. And aggressive vendors can sometimes make exploring the ports uncomfortable.
For some cruisers, getting off at these stops does not make sense for them anymore. Port fatigue is causing passengers to rethink itineraries or just stay on the ship.
This is a big reason why private destinations are now becoming a major draw, both for the cruise lines and their guests.
Carnival Cruise Line ships are diversifying itineraries this year to port at their new private island, Celebration Key.Image source: Carnival Cruise LineRoyal Caribbean, other cruise lines double down on private destinations
Just about all major cruise lines have invested millions of dollars to develop land into private oases for passengers.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2cekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4cekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeAll major cruise lines seem to have one up and running these days. And now, cruise industry leaders are branching out to other areas to develop new private destinations.
Royal Caribbean (RCL) is a perfect example, with plans already underway to develop islands beyond its flagship Perfect Day at Coco Cay in the Bahamas, which debuted in May 2019 and has been a huge hit among cruisers.
Related: Royal Caribbean plans big changes for multiple cruise ships
Its popularity led Celebrity Cruises to include Perfect Day on its itineraries, which began in 2024.
Now, Royal Caribbean has been snatching up land in Nassau, Bahamas, to build a Beach Club at the port and is developing a Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico, set to open in 2026.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2iekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4iekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeIts most recent project is purchasing land in Costa Maya to build its second Perfect Day in Mexico. Perfect Day Mexico will be twice the size of Perfect Day in the Bahamas.
Carnival Cruise Line offers next-level destination: Celebration Key
With the imminent opening of Carnival Cruise Line's (CCL) new private destination, Celebration Key, on July 19,2025, Carnival is no exception to cruise lines' private destination trend.
Celebration Key will feature multiple beaches, a massive freshwater lagoon, and family-friendly zones. Two water slides, both over 350 feet long, will invite guests to a fun racing competition.
And yes, there is an adults-only section that will feature DJ island, where guests can enjoy drinks at the world’s largest swim-up bar.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2pekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4pekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeOther features include Over-the-Lagoon Super Villas,available for reservations, whichoffer sofas, locking cabinets, hammocks, ceiling fans, lunch delivery and more.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line passengers vote against US ports
Pearl Cove Beach Club is one area that offers an exclusive experience (for guests 18 years and older), with an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool, swim-up bar, sun loungers, food, drink service, and more.
The island includes Bahamian-themed shopping and dining, and seamless access for Carnival passengers — not tendering.
Celebration Key is curated and designed to be efficient, which could be quite appealing to families and older travelers.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R2vekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R4vekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeIt is designed to accommodate two of Carnival’s Excel-class ships at once, allowing the island to welcome more than 12,000 guests daily.
These controlled environments have become major profit centers in the cruise business.
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Carnival has noted Celebration Key will be featured on over 400 itineraries across 12 ships in its first year alone — an indicator of how central the destination will be to Carnival’s growth.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R35ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R55ekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframeCarnival Cruise Line already has its flagship island destination Half Moon Cay, located in the Bahamas.
Initially, Half Moon Cay was exclusively leased and used by Holland America and later became a stop for Carnival cruises after the two lines became part of the same parent company, Carnival Corp.
Half Moon Cay, being renamed as “RelaxAway Half Moon Cay,” is currently undergoing renovations, including the creation of a pier to accommodate Carnival’s Excel-class ships and eliminate the need for tendering.
A new tram service is also being built to make it easier to move around the island.
Celebration Key is the next private destination to watch for as major cruise lines continue to scope out new areas for development.
AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R3bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe AdvertisementAdvertisement#«R5bekkr8lb2m7nfblbH1» iframe(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at [email protected] or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by Come Cruise With Me on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
