The tropical atmosphere was in full swing at The Carlyle in Atlanta, where travel advisors gathered for a sneak peek of Carnival Cruise Line’s new Caribbean private destination, Celebration Key. The event, hosted by Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, showcased the $600 million investment in the project. With 500 sailings to Celebration Key already open for booking, anticipation was high among the attendees.
Perez’s four-city tour, “Your Peek at Paradise,” aimed to educate agents about the destination. Despite being ill during the Atlanta event, similar gatherings were held in Miami and Baltimore, with a final livestreamed event planned for Chicago. Attendees had the opportunity to explore different portals planned for Celebration Key, each catering to specific interests such as family-friendly activities, retail experiences, and adults-only sections. Carnival provided agents with a “passport” booklet containing valuable information and trivia questions to engage and inform them about the destination.
Kirk Neal, regional vice president of sales for the Eastern U.S. and the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of agents familiarizing themselves with Celebration Key before its official opening. The interactive presentation included a segment called “Burning Questions,” where sales executives shared insights about the destination while indulging in Bahamian hot sauces. Unlike other private destinations owned by Carnival Corp., Celebration Key was designed exclusively for Carnival Cruise Line guests, offering a high-energy experience with unique features like a 10-story sandcastle centerpiece and thrilling waterslides.
Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s senior director of brand experience and product development, highlighted the nostalgic elements incorporated into Celebration Key’s design. The goal was to evoke memories of carefree childhood days spent building sandcastles and playing in the sand with loved ones. The destination aims to provide a vibrant and engaging experience for guests, with options for both excitement and relaxation.
As the anticipation builds for the opening of Celebration Key on Grand Bahama next July, Carnival Cruise Line is positioning itself to offer a unique and unforgettable experience to its guests. With extensive planning, investment, and attention to detail, Celebration Key promises to be a standout destination in the Caribbean cruise market. Travel advisors play a crucial role in promoting and selling this new offering, as they equip themselves with knowledge and excitement about what Carnival has in store for their passengers.