Private islands have become increasingly important to cruisers, offering exclusive, curated environments where food, beach chairs, and activities are often included in the price of the cruise. As demand grows for elevated beach day experiences, Carnival Cruise Line is making a significant push to enhance its private island offerings, with major upgrades planned for Isla Tropicale and the highly anticipated launch of Celebration Key.
A New Era for Mahogany Bay
Carnival’s well-loved Mahogany Bay destination in Roatán, Honduras, is getting a major makeover and a new name: Isla Tropicale. Set against the backdrop of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second-largest reef in the world—the island is already known for its lush landscapes, white sand beaches, and activities like snorkeling, wildlife encounters, and aerial rides on the “Magical Flying Beach Chair.”
Now, Carnival has announced plans for a substantial transformation of Isla Tropicale, scheduled for 2026. While full details have yet to be revealed, the upgrades are expected to include expanded beach areas, upgraded dining options, new cabanas, additional pools, and refreshed recreational facilities.
The move mirrors a broader industry trend, as cruise lines increasingly invest in their private destinations to create loyalty among guests and provide more reasons to book. By refreshing Isla Tropicale, Carnival is aiming to offer guests a more modern, varied, and immersive beach day that extends beyond the traditional sun-and-sand experience.
Celebration Key: Carnival’s Largest Private Destination to Date
While Isla Tropicale’s updates are still on the horizon, Carnival is preparing to unveil a brand-new destination much sooner. Celebration Key, located on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, is scheduled to open in July 2025.
The 65-acre development will be exclusive to Carnival guests and is designed to cater to a range of vacation styles with five distinct areas, or “portals.”
- Paradise Plaza: A central hub featuring live music, a Bahamian-inspired fountain, and guest services.
- Calypso Lagoon: An adult-friendly zone with a massive freshwater lagoon, swim-up bars, and dining spaces.
- Starfish Lagoon: A family-focused area with a splash pad, sports courts, and beach villas.
- Pearl Cove Beach Club: An adults-only beach club with private cabanas, an infinity pool, and upscale amenities.
- Lokono Cove: A vibrant cultural marketplace showcasing Bahamian crafts, art, and music.
In addition to these distinct experiences, Celebration Key will offer more than 30 dining and bar venues, both complimentary and specialty, along with activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and island tours.
The facility has been designed to accommodate two of Carnival’s largest ships simultaneously, offering a new level of capacity and variety.
Carnival Vista is slated to make the inaugural call to Celebration Key on July 19, 2025, marking the start of regular visits to the new destination.
Together, the upgrades to Isla Tropicale and the launch of Celebration Key signal a strategic shift for Carnival Cruise Line. With cruisers increasingly looking for more value, entertainment, and variety on private island days, these investments allow Carnival to compete with other major cruise lines that have similarly transformed their private destinations.
The focus is clear: private islands are no longer just an added perk—they are becoming an essential part of the overall cruise experience. By upgrading Isla Tropicale and creating Celebration Key from the ground up, Carnival is positioning itself to meet—and shape—the evolving expectations of today’s cruise travelers.
