Carnival Unveils Details for Celebration Key’s Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon

Carnival Cruise Line revealed details for Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon, two of the five portals at its new Celebration Key destination on Grand Bahama set to debut in July 2025.

Paradise Plaza will feature a promenade, a 10-story-high Suncastle, live music and more. Destination information will help guests decide how they want to spend their day, whether by playing water sports, joining shore excursions or relaxing. There is also a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

The adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon, located west of Paradise Plaza, offers guests a chance to engage in athletic activities or take a dip in the freshwater lagoon surrounded by loungers, daybeds or cabanas.

On one side of the lagoon, guests will find a bar with nearly 50 swings so guests can dip their toes in the cool water while enjoying Bahamian cocktails. Additional bars are located around Calypso Lagoon as well as two full-service restaurants and casual snack shacks.

A section of Calypso Lagoon and the adjacent beach will be reserved for adults only. In this area, guests will find a swim-up bar with a DJ keeping the energy going all day.

“When guests see our Suncastle as they arrive at Celebration Key, they’ll know immediately they’re in for big FUN. Paradise Plaza will be the perfect welcome spot and will set the tone for the entire visit to this truly unique destination. These new details show the creative design that’s gone into the development of each portal, with Calypso Lagoon alone offering a wide variety of options to fill the day while honoring the beauty of Grand Bahama and celebrating Bahamian culture,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Royal Caribbean Announces New Beach Club in Cozumel

Royal Caribbean International has announced a new beach club: the Royal Beach Club Cozumel in Mexico, opening in 2026.

At the future location of the beach club along the western coast of the island, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley revealed plans for the next experience in the Royal Beach Club Collection while alongside the Secretary of Tourism of Quintana Roo in Mexico, Bernardo Cueto Riestra, and the mayor of Cozumel, Juanita Alonso.

“We are delighted to build on our longstanding partnership with the local community and government to continue bringing our guests to Mexico,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group. “The expansion of our destination offerings aligns with the growing global demand for the ultimate vacation experiences and enables our guests to connect with the beauty of local cultures and people in the places they visit.”

“The anticipation for what’s next when it comes to Royal Caribbean destinations has only continued to build since we revealed Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in The Bahamas that opens in 2025. Now is the perfect time to announce the next iteration of this collection with Royal Beach Club Cozumel,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Cozumel is an incredible destination, and the beach club will perfectly complement all the island has to offer as an experience that combines familiar Royal Caribbean touches with the spirit of Mexico, alongside amenities and activities for every type of vacationer.”

Royal Caribbean said the club would feature “striking beaches, views and pools for every vibe.”

“We are very proud that Royal Caribbean International has chosen Quintana Roo to build Royal Beach Club Cozumel as a new attraction for many of their guests visiting our magical island. My administration will always be committed to partnering and working very closely with the private sector to build modern and sustainable infrastructure and create local jobs for our people. These kinds of projects reaffirm our commitment to continue to be the top port of call in Latin America,” said Mara Lezama, governor of Quintana Roo.

Crime Meets Cruise on Vasco Da Gama

Following the success of the first crime thriller cruise in 2023, Nicko Cruises is once again hosting a crime-themed cruise onboard the Vasco da Gama, according to a press release.

Sailing from August 8 to August 20, 2024, the 17-day cruise around Great Britain with moderator Uwe Bahn is all about mystery, criminal cases and investigations, as well as visiting destinations across the UK such as Edinburgh, Dundee and Belfast.

The onboard program ranges from crime quizzes to crime talk and live podcast hearings to crime readings and more. Guests will have the opportunity to find out how realistic their favorite crime films and series are and what a real court reporter does. 

Real crime scene fans can also meet actor Dietmar Bär at the Meet&Greet who will join guests for crime readings.

Guests onboard the Vasco da Gama will also get to explore Ireland and Scotland on this journey.