CocoCay vs. Celebration Key, Which Personal Cruise Port Is Higher?

Prior to now month, I had the chance to go to each Royal Caribbean’s non-public island in The Bahamas, CocoCay, and Carnival Cruise Line’s new non-public port, Celebration Key.

I had visited CocoCay six occasions previous to this previous cruise, and I used to be at Celebration Key the day it opened final month on July 19, 2025.

Which non-public port between the 2 largest cruise traces on the planet is one of the best? Let’s have a look at the options that every one presents so you may make the choice for your self primarily based in your pursuits.

CocoCay is Royal Caribbean’s highest rated port amongst their visitors. Celebration Key’s a month outdated and might be increasing over the subsequent few years.

Pool

That is one space the place Celebration Key wins fingers down. I at all times liked the massive swimming pool at CocoCay with the swim-up bar. The one space of the pool that step by step will get deeper is nice for little children.

Nevertheless, I used to be blown away by the large measurement of the swimming pools, or lagoons as Carnival calls them, at Celebration Key. The 2 swimming pools are separated by a walkway and every one is 6.3 acres in measurement.

If you wish to spend most of your day in a pool, then Celebration Key’s for you. They’re a mixed 16.5 occasions bigger than the pool at CocoCay.

Seashore Golf equipment

CocoCay has the Coco Seashore Membership and Celebration Key has the Pearl Cove Seashore Membership. Each have an entrance price, an infinity pool, non-public seaside and embody upgraded meals choices. Pearl Cove does have some choices that don’t embody a premium lunch.

The meals at Coco Seashore Membership is miles forward of the Pearl Cove Seashore Membership. The infinity swimming pools are related, however Pearl Cove does have a swim-up bar.

CocoCay has over-the-water cabanas you could hire for the day that nothing wanting unbelievable.

I actually love the doorway to the Coco Seashore Membership, it provides you the sensation that you’re coming into a secluded, non-public space away from every part else on the island.

Excursions

On CocoCay, your choices are a seaside day, pool day or waterpark day. If none of these curiosity you, then the one different possibility is to remain on the ship.

Since Celebration Key’s positioned on Grand Bahama Island, you possibly can take a standard cruise tour away from the seaside and pool. You’ll be able to even take a taxi and do your individual factor for the day.

Seashore

The seaside at Celebration Key’s one lengthy seaside and is a primary ocean seaside. Since it’s open water for a superb 50 miles away, it’s possible you’ll not discover the calmest of water.

CocoCay has plenty of totally different seaside choices throughout the island. Since there are a number of islands throughout CocoCay, the water is calmer and results in a greater seaside day. Additionally they constructed a number of coves the place the water is generally very calm.

Pier

Each ports have a pier so you possibly can simply stroll off the ship and be straight in paradise.

Waterpark

Proper now, solely CocoCay has a waterpark, nevertheless it’s not simply any waterpark. It has the tallest waterslide in North America, a wave pool, and thrilling waterslides.

Carnival has talked about constructing a waterpark that might be part of Part 2 on Celebration Key. In fact, we may have all updates when Carnival says what precisely might be included in Part 2.

Splashpad for Youngsters

Whereas each ports have splashpad for teenagers, however the one on CocoCay is so much greater than the one on Celebration Key. Nevertheless, the one on Celebration Key’s positioned proper subsequent to the huge pool and in a significantly better location for households.

Meals

Since Carnival Cruise Line doesn’t personal or function the meals stalls at Celebration Key, it’s not an all you possibly can eat state of affairs like most cruise line non-public islands. You get one complimentary meal for lunch. Nevertheless, they do have extra selection than what you’ll discover on different islands.

CocoCay presents limitless meals throughout the island.

Which non-public island is best actually all will depend on what you’re trying to do this day. I personally liked each of the ports and look ahead to return to every of them quickly.