Carnival Corporation Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen joined Cruise Line President Christine Duffy for a behind-the-scenes look at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama.

The event kicked off the countdown to the destination’s official opening on July 19, 2025.

“Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival, and its construction builds on our close partnership with The Bahamas, so seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible,” said Duffy.

“We broke ground on this site less than three years ago, and now, in five short months, we’ll see our first guests enjoy the many experiences we created just for them to celebrate and enjoy this gorgeous place on Grand Bahama.”

“This destination will serve as a tribute to the rich Bahamian culture and Grand Bahama’s natural environment,” said Weinstein.

“It’s clear Celebration Key will be a game-changer for our flagship brand and its loyal guests, with endless options for relaxation and recreation; but it’s also truly great to see firsthand how we’re implementing our company’s robust sustainability initiatives on land,” he added.

The company said in a press release that its leaders marked milestones in construction progress across the destination and highlighted Celebration Key’s sustainability commitment.

They also placed commemorative keys into Celebration Key’s Suncastle, which is the centerpiece of the destination’s five portals.

During their tour, the leaders also joined team members in planting palm trees from the “Plant a Tree” community engagement program.

The initiative was launched last year as part of a broader preservation drive that has involved replanting native trees across the property. According to the press release, about 1,000 sabal palms were saved and replanted.

Duffy also participated in the ceremonial filling of one of two expansive freshwater lagoons.

The company said that about 500 workers are on site daily to prepare the destination for its summer opening, where the Carnival Vista will make the inaugural call on July 19.

Photo: Carnival Corp. & plc. CEO Josh Weinstein, Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen and Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy