Less than a month after opening to its first cruise passengers, Carnival’s new private destination in the Bahamas has witnessed the tragic drowning of two American tourists.
A 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman died in different incidents on Friday at what was described as a “private tourist destination,” the Royal Bahamas Police Force stated in a Facebook post.
Emergency responders were informed that the man had become “unresponsive while snorkeling at a beach.” Despite being pulled from the water by a lifeguard and receiving CPR, he could not be revived.
The woman “became unresponsive while swimming in a pool,” according to police. She was helped out of the water by a lifeguard and received CPR, but she also 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 traveling with family on Mardi Gras and another with family on Carnival Elation,” a Carnival spokesperson stated. “Our hearts and thoughts go out to the guests and their families, and our Care Team is supporting them.”
Celebration Key first welcomed cruise guests on July 19. The $600-million destination boasts a 10-story sandcastle, “two thrilling racing waterslides,” a shopping village, a basketball court, and an “adults-only retreat,” according to a statement by Carnival on opening day.
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.”
