Mardi Gras Makes History at Celebration Key: Carnival’s Largest Cruise Ship Marks New Era in Grand Bahama

The sun was just beginning to dip over the turquoise waters of Grand Bahama when Mardi Gras—Carnival Cruise Line’s flagship Excel-class cruise vessel—glided into Celebration Key, making history as the largest cruise ship ever to dock at the company’s new private destination.

As she berthed alongside the Carnival Pride, the vibrant mood on the pier was unmistakable. With over 9,000 guests stepping onto the sun-kissed island, the moment marked more than just another port call—it signaled the beginning of a bold new chapter in Carnival’s Caribbean journey.

A Celebration of Firsts

The week-long Eastern Caribbean voyage had already seen Mardi Gras call at Amber Cove, Grand Turk, and Nassau. But the real excitement began as the ship approached Celebration Key—Carnival’s 65-acre dreamscape in the making.

The destination, designed to elevate private-island experiences, offers:

• 1.5 miles of pristine beachfront
• Five immersive guest zones
• The Caribbean’s largest freshwater lagoons
• Record-breaking swim-up and swing bars
• Over 30 unique food and drink venues
• And the biggest private beach club ever built at a cruise port

And this is just the beginning.

🛳️ Two Ships, One Grand Vision

Mardi Gras, sailing from Port Canaveral on July 19, and Carnival Pride, departing from Baltimore on July 20, converged at Celebration Key on the same day. Their dual arrival was part of a grand debut—a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Carnival Corporation CEO Josh Weinstein.

For Carnival, Celebration Key is more than just a stop—it’s a strategic evolution. A total of 20 ships from 10 U.S. homeports are set to call here in the coming months.

What Lies Ahead: Ace-Class Ships & Jubilee

Mardi Gras will now make 18 more calls to Celebration Key by the end of December 2025.

But bigger plans are already on the horizon.

In September 2026, the Carnival Jubilee, sailing from Galveston, will begin its visits to the port.

And between 2029 and 2033, the next-generation 230,000-ton Ace-class ships—the largest in Carnival’s fleet—will begin arriving. Built by Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy, these ships are expected to redefine cruising standards.

A Passenger’s View

“Pulling into Celebration Key felt like arriving at a theme park island,” said one passenger on board Mardi Gras. “There’s this energy in the air, like you’re stepping into something brand new—and Carnival really made sure it felt special.”