Carnivals Celebration Key will Showcase Bahamian Culture

Carnival Cruise Line’s new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama Celebration Key will feature a retail portal that has been named Lokono Cove with help from a Grand Bahama resident. Lokono Cove is the winning submission from a community competition that was supported by the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy announced the name at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference this week in Miami Beach.

At Lokono Cove, one of the five portals of Celebration Key, a variety of stores and kiosks will join an authentic Bahamian artisan market showcasing local craftsmanship. Guests will browse through locally crafted goods, admiring the work of Bahamian artists. Guests will find everything from souvenirs to fine jewelry at Lokono Cove, but the portal will showcase Bahamian culture beyond the goods on display. Music will guide guests beneath swaying palm trees beside vibrant murals, each meticulously painted by talented Bahamian artists, to create a backdrop for indulging in local snacks.

A selection committee, including local Grand Bahama officials and representatives of the cultural and creative industries, helped to choose the name Lokono Cove, submitted by Deidre Rahming, as part of a competition open to all Grand Bahamians. 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 gentle and creative community of artisans who excelled at basket-weaving, pottery and painting.

“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,” said Duffy. “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.”

For submitting the winning name, Rahming will receive B$5,000 cash; attendance at the ribbon cutting ceremony for Lokono Cove including transportation, food and beverage; and a day-pass to Celebration Key, along with drink vouchers, food and a cabana.

Lokono Cove joins Paradise Plaza, which will serve as a welcome area, and Calypso Lagoon, the adult-friendly area as three of the five portals. Carnival will share details soon on two more portals, a family-friendly area and an adults-only private retreat. Celebration Key is scheduled to welcome its first guests in July 2025, and more than 500 itineraries currently open for sale feature visits to the new destination on 18 ships sailing from 10 U.S. homeports.