Continuing its first cruise to the Western Caribbean, the new Carnival Celebration arrived at the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center for its maiden call on Thursday.
The call also marked the first time the new Carnival Cruise Line vessel visited Honduras.
After entering service with a transatlantic crossing in early November, the Celebration started its debut season on Nov. 21.
Following a special christening ceremony in Miami, the LNG-powered kicked off a series of week-long cruises to the Caribbean. After leaving Miami on Nov. 27, the ship’s current sailing also included the maiden visits to Mexico’s Cozumel and Costa Maya.
The 5,200-guest ship is now set to make regular visits in Mahogany Bay as part of its year-round schedule of Caribbean cruises.
Departing from PortMiami every Sunday, the itineraries also include visits to ports in the Eastern Caribbean.
Developed by Carnival Corporation in partnership with a local businessman, the Mahogany Bay Cruise Center opened in 2009.
A popular cruise destination in the Western Caribbean, the facility serves the island of Roatan, in Hondura’s Bay Islands.
In addition to a two-ship cruise pier, the cruise terminal offers a welcome center along with a variety of retail outlets, including two themed bars, a restaurant and several shops.
A chair lift system takes guests from the welcome center to the Mahogany Beach, a 10-acre private island featuring an 825-foot-long white-sand beach with a beach volleyball court and water sports opportunities.
Along with the new Celebration, the Carnival Pride also visited Mahogany Bay on Dec. 1. The vessel is presently offering a seven-night cruise to Mexico, Belize and Honduras departing from Tampa.
A third ship, the Norwegian Breakaway, was also docked at a different cruise terminal in Roatan. The Norwegian Cruise Line vessel is presently offering week-long Western Caribbean cruises departing from New Orleans.
