Lifestyle

Carnival Vista Docks At Celebration Key, Marking Milestone For GB

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Carnival’s Celebration Key opens in Grand Bahama with Shaquille O’Neal as Chief Fun Officer and plans to boost local tourism and business.

Published

8 months ago

July 19, 2025

Italia Hall

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – Carnival’s long-anticipated cruise port, Celebration Key, officially opened Saturday with the arrival of the Carnival Vista, carrying nearly 5,000 passengers ready to make history.

The festive tone was set by the Grand Bahama Brass Band as VIPs disembarked, including Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who serves as the port’s Chief Fun Officer.

Duffy announced that while Phase One is now complete, Phase Two is already in motion, signaling continued growth for the Grand Bahama tourism sector.

In a symbolic moment, officials turned a giant key and cut the ribbon, unlocking what many are calling a new era for the island.

Excitement followed as guests, including the very first kids to conquer the five-story sandcastle water slide, began exploring the port. Shaq joined in the fun, showing off his skills on the basketball court and leaving his handprints behind for Celebration Key’s version of the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

Executives and media got an exclusive look at Pearl Cove, the port’s luxury beach club, where Duffy hosted a Q&A and emphasized Carnival’s commitment to empowering Grand Bahamians through the project.

General Manager for the Ministry of Tourism on Grand Bahama, Nuvolari Chotoosingh, added that the development will create opportunities for local businesses and strengthen the island’s economic future.