Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new private island, Celebration Key, opened just last month to rave reviews—but it has already been marred by tragedy.
Two elderly American tourists drowned within hours of each other during visits to the resort, leaving families and staff devastated.
Fatal Incidents on the Island
Local authorities confirmed that the victims were a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman.
One was found unresponsive while snorkeling in the lagoon around noon, and the other was discovered in the resort’s pool around 2:30pm.
Lifeguards and on-site medical teams responded immediately and performed CPR, but unfortunately, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Autopsies will be conducted to confirm the exact causes of death.
Cruise Itineraries of the Victims
The man had been on a six-day Eastern Bahama cruise aboard the Mardi Gras, which departed from Port Canaveral, Florida, while the woman was traveling on a four-day Carnival Elation voyage from Jacksonville.
Both were enjoying what was meant to be a relaxing getaway when the incidents occurred.
Celebration Key: A Luxury Private Destination
Celebration Key officially opened on July 19 and was designed to give Carnival greater control over its Caribbean stops while offering a more exclusive experience for guests.
The island features two 275,000-square-foot lagoons—Calypso, with a 166-seat swim-up bar, and Starfish—plus the Pearl Cove Beach Club with an 11,000-square-foot infinity pool.
Guests can also enjoy paddleboarding, snorkeling, dining options, and a variety of excursions.
The Rise of Private Cruise Islands
Private islands like Celebration Key have become increasingly popular among cruise operators including Norwegian and Royal Caribbean.
These destinations allow companies to manage crowds, maximize profits, and avoid overloading already-touristed ports.
Celebration Key can accommodate two cruise ships at once, with plans to expand further in the future.
Carnival’s Vision for Paradise
Carnival president Christine Duffy emphasized the resort’s appeal when it opened: “Celebration Key is more than just a beautiful place; it’s a celebration of the Bahamian paradise our guests love, complemented by an impressive variety of incredible new experiences and offerings.
We’ve built the ultimate beach day for our guests whether they crave fun in the sun or relaxation under a palm tree.”
A Somber Reminder
While Celebration Key promises sun, sand, and luxury, the recent drownings serve as a heartbreaking reminder of the risks that can accompany even the most idyllic vacation settings.
Staff, families, and fellow travelers continue to grapple with the shock as investigations proceed.
