8 ‘secrets’ to making the most of your day in Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key

The secret’s out: Families sailing with Carnival Cruise Line can now visit Celebration Key, the line’s new private island stretching more than 65 miles toward the south of Grand Bahama Island. If your itinerary includes a stop there, you might have already read about its myriad attractions for families, including a massive freshwater lagoon and dedicated swath of white-sand beach.

As one of the first passengers to visit the island for its grand opening, I was equal parts excited and overwhelmed by how much there is to do. (Spoiler alert: You won’t have time to do it all.) It also left me wondering: How could I maximize my time on the island, and what are some ways I can stretch my wallet?

With inclusions ranging from the family-friendly Starfish Lagoon and Starfish Beach (complete with complimentary lounge chairs and umbrellas), the Guppy Grotto splash pad and wading pool, and meals from a collection of quick-bite eateries, it’s possible to enjoy a fun-filled day without swiping your Sail and Sign card. But there are some splurges worth making, if your budget allows.

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I took on the arduous task of spending a day on the island, to come up with tips on how families can make the most of their time—and fill you in on some money-saving secrets.

1. Be one of the first to get off the ship.

You won’t want to sleep in on the day your ship docks at Celebration Key. Being one of the first passengers ashore will give you dibs on the best lounge chairs. It’ll also mean shorter lines for attractions such as the Suncastle Waterslides. Restaurants begin to open at 11 a.m., so expect the crowds to increase around that time.

2. Eat before you get off the ship.

Through the Island Eats program, cruisers essentially have their choice of complimentary and for-fee specialty restaurants at Celebration Key. Here’s how it works: Each passenger receives a ‘credit’ that translates to a complimentary meal at either the Food Hall or one of a handful of food trucks. The other option is to dine at a full-service restaurant, where adults can exchange their credit for 25 percent off one entree, and kids eat for free. Since everyone is entitled to only one meal, I suggest filling up on a hearty breakfast before you head ashore, and pack snacks if you can. This way, you’re not shelling out more cash for a second meal when hunger strikes later in the day.

3. Head to the pool first, then the beach.

Access to a picture-perfect beach, reserved just for you and your fellow passengers, is one of the most alluring perks of visiting a private island. But generally speaking, this is where many folks start their days. My advice is always to head to the pool in the morning; then make your way to the beach around lunchtime. By this point, the Starfish Lagoon will be packed, and you should be able to enjoy some quieter beach time.

4. Book tickets to the Suncastle Waterslides in advance.

To control lines and crowd flow, Carnival offers up only a limited number of tickets to ride the Suncastle Waterslides. They sell out fast, so snag ’em before you go on the island to guarantee your spot. Tickets are $15 per person, and you can ride as many times as you’d like. (Note: Riders must be a minimum height of 40 inches tall. Also, the slides involve multiple periods of complete darkness, so bear that in mind when deciding whether or not your kiddo will enjoy it before spending the money.)

5. If you splurge, do it on a cabana (psst: unlimited waterslide rides are included).

Booking a cabana or “supervilla” on Celebration Key gives families access to a slew of value-added perks. These vary depending on which one you choose, but all include a cooler with chilled water, fresh fruit and snacks, locking cabinets (lockers cost extra on their own), and unlimited rides on the Suncastle Waterslides. (Note: Floating, inflated Aquabanas come with tickets to the waterslides but not the other standard cabana inclusions.)

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6. Save even more money by the way you pack your beach bag.

Aside from the usual beach accessories like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, passengers will need to bring their beach towels from the ship. (Only those at the Pearl Cove Beach Club are provided with additional towels gratis.) I also always recommend packing your own swim masks and snorkel gear, to avoid paying rental fees, which are $20 per set on Celebration Key.

7. Be strategic about the lounge chairs you choose.

The island is huge. It was also thoughtfully designed for families, keeping just about everything they might want and need on the east side. Still, it could take at least 10 minutes to walk from the pool to the beach, or vice versa. That means you’ll want to kick back wherever you plan to spend most of the day. For example, if you’ve got little ones, claim chairs near the splash pad. This will put you a few steps from one of the many swim diaper-friendly shallow areas of the lagoon, as well as a short walk from the pier and beach.

8. Bring your credit or debit card if you plan to go shopping.

More than 25 local business owners have partnered with Carnival to sell their goods on the island. Be sure to take your credit or debit card ashore if you plan to shop, as some of them won’t accept your Sail and Sign card. Note: ATM machines are available on the island.

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