Carnival Cruise Line unveils private island paradise for Galveston travelers

GALVESTON, Texas — Travelers sailing out Galveston will soon have a new tropical getaway on their itinerary as Carnival Cruise Line sets sail for its own private island. 

Carnival’s Dream, Jubilee, Miracle and Legends ships will cruise from Galveston to Celebration Key, an exclusive destination in the Bahamas, for seven or eight-day trips. According to its website, the first available dates are in September.

The 10-story Suncastle, adorned with five massive conch shells, is the centerpiece of all the fun at Celebration Key’s five portals. Guests can race through the castle on two giant water slides, each over 350 feet long. 

Calypso and Starfish Lagoons comprise the largest freshwater lagoons in the Caribbean, totaling over 275,000 square feet of refreshing bliss. 

Calypso Lagoon offers lively fun for those looking for an adult-friendly place to cool off. Dance on DJ Island or grab a cocktail at Mingo’s Tropical Bar & Kitchen, featuring the world’s largest swim up bar with 166 in-water seats.

Starfish Lagoon welcomes families and kids for hours of fun in the sun. There’s a splash pad with shallow pool, plus basketball, volleyball and pickleball at the game pavilion. Beach villas and floating aquabanas are just a couple of options for families to make this portal their home base. There are foods trucks and restaurants that offer plenty of cuisines.

These floating cabanas in the Starfish Lagoon can seat up to eight people around a canopy-covered table. Steps provide easy access for a dip in the lagoon. 

Guppy Grotto Splash Pad

For toddlers and small children, the Guppy Grotto splash pad is a colorful coral-reef themed children’s water play area and shallow wade pool in Starfish Lagoon.

Each lagoon offers super villas that can be reserved for up to 10 guests. They offer plenty of seating under the shade, a dining table with eight chairs, ceiling fans, hammocks, swing chairs and sun loungers. Fresh fruit and snacks are served and lunch is delivered. There’s also a mini fridge stocked with water and soft drinks. 

Pearl Cove Beach Club is an exclusive retreat that offers a premium experience for adult guests. Sun loungers and daybeds line the 11,000-square-foot infinity pool and there’s also a private beach with food and drink service.

Reservations for Pearl Cove Beach Club include three options: 

• Club access plus a welcome drink 
• Club access plus open bar (maximum of 10 drinks)
• Club access, all inclusive with open bar (maximum of 10 drinks) and food from the Pearl Cove restaurant.

Lokono Cove is a colorful showcase of Bahamian culture and shopping at kiosks, stores or a straw market. You can also enjoy local art exhibits, a mural wall and live music.