The atmosphere was electric with music from brass horns and drums as a feather-adorned Junkanoo band paraded around an oversize sandcastle. But this wasn’t a beach setting, this was The Carlyle, an indoor venue in Atlanta. The occasion was a sneak peek event for travel advisors to get a taste of what’s in store at Carnival Cruise Line’s new Caribbean private destination, Celebration Key.
The Investment
Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, spoke passionately about the $600 million investment in Celebration Key. The goal is to create excitement and anticipation among travelers. He highlighted the 500 sailings planned with stops at Celebration Key, which is set to open on Grand Bahama next July. This exclusive destination will be visited by 18 Carnival ships from nine homeports, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing a unique experience.
To educate agents about the destination, Perez organized a four-city tour named “Your Peek at Paradise.” Although he was unable to attend the Atlanta event due to illness, similar gatherings were held in Miami and Baltimore. The final event in Chicago will be live-streamed for wider reach. The event in Atlanta saw around 350 attendees exploring the various sections of Celebration Key and sipping on themed mocktails like the “Not Yo Mama’s Bahama Mama.”
The layout of Celebration Key includes five distinct “portals” catering to different preferences, such as family-friendly areas, retail zones, and adults-only sections. To engage agents, Carnival provided them with a “passport” booklet containing details about each portal and trivia questions. This interactive approach aimed to familiarize agents with the destination before it opens, enhancing their ability to promote it to potential travelers.
Unlike other private destinations owned by Carnival Corp., Celebration Key was designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests. The destination is intended to offer a high-energy experience, with the exception of an adults-only zone for those seeking tranquility. The centerpiece of Celebration Key will be a 10-story sandcastle housing two 350-foot long waterslides, adding an element of fun and nostalgia to the overall design.
The Grand Unveiling of Celebration Key promises to be a game-changer for Carnival Cruise Line, offering a unique and exhilarating experience for travelers. With careful planning, exclusive design elements, and a focus on providing memorable moments, Celebration Key is set to become a sought-after destination for cruise enthusiasts. As agents eagerly await the opening next July, the buzz surrounding this Caribbean paradise continues to grow, setting the stage for a new chapter in cruising adventures.
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