Carnival Unveils Retail Portal Coming to Celebration Key

Carnival Cruise Line has unveiled new details about its retail portal area coming to Celebration Key, its new private destination on Grand Bahama Island opening in the summer of 2025. 

The space will be named Lokono Cove, a name that was a winning submission from a community competition that was supported by the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for Grand Bahama residents. 

Lokono Cove will feature a variety of stores and kiosks, as well as an authentic Bahamian artisan market showcasing local craftsmanship. Here, visitors will have the chance to browse and shop locally crafted goods made by Bahamian artists. The portal will feature live music and vibrant murals, each meticulously painted by local artists. 

A selection committee, including local Grand Bahama officials and representatives of the cultural and creative industries, helped to choose the name Lokono Cove. The winning submission came from Deidre Rahming. Lokono means “the people” and is derived from the Lucayans, who were among the first to call Grand Bahama home. Historians describe the Lucayans as a community of artisans who excelled at basket weaving, pottery, and painting.

For submitting the winning name, Rahming will receive a cash prize, attendance at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lokono Cove, and a day pass to Celebration Key. 

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally-inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” Christine Duffy, Carnival Cruise Line President. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove. It’s a special honor that locals from Grand Bahama have contributed already in an impactful way, giving this portal its name.”            

The Lokono Cove portal will serve as the gateway to Grand Bahama outside of Celebration Key as the departure point for guests looking to explore other areas of Grand Bahama Island or participate in a Carnival Adventures shore excursions. 

Lokono Cove joins previously announced portals at Celebration Key, including Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon. Carnival will share details soon on the two remaining portals, which include a family-friendly area and an adults-only private retreat. 

Celebration Key will welcome its first guests in July 2025. Currently, there are more than 500 Carnival itineraries open for sale that include visits to the new destination, on 18 ships sailing from 10 U.S. homeports. 

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