Less than a month after inaugurating its cruise operations, two American tourists have tragically drowned at Carnival’s new private island in the Bahamas.

A 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman died in separate incidents on Friday at a “private tourist destination,” according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force in a Facebook statement. 

Initial reports indicate the man became “unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach.” Despite being retrieved from the water by a lifeguard and receiving CPR, he did not survive. 

The woman “became unresponsive while swimming in a pool,” police reported. She was helped out of the water by a lifeguard and given CPR but did not survive. 

An aerial view of the lagoons at Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, which officially opened July 19, 2025. (Carnival Cruise Line)

“One guest was accompanied by family on Mardi Gras and the other on Carnival Elation,” a Carnival spokesperson stated. “Our deepest sympathies are with the guests’ families, and our Care Team is offering support.” 

Celebration Key opened to cruise visitors on July 19. This $600-million venue boasts attractions like a 10-story sandcastle, “two thrilling racing waterslides,” a shopping village, a basketball court, and an “adults-only retreat,” per Carnival’s opening-day press release.

Guests enjoy drinks at Carnival Cruise Line’s Calypso Lagoon at Celebration Key.  (Carnival Cruise Line)

“Celebration Key will initially bring more than two million guests a year to Grand Bahama,” it said. “By 2028, this number is expected to grow to four million. The economic impact for Grand Bahama is substantial, with hundreds of long-term jobs created by daily operations. The destination features an adjacent cruise pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival’s largest ships simultaneously. Already, construction on an extension to the pier is underway to accommodate two additional ships.”