Celebration Key is Carnival Cruise Line’s newest private destination that I had the opportunity to visit again on the same cruise whose stop was Half Moon Cay. It’s a beautiful island with different ‘portals’ that have all kinds of activities for families, children as well as some that are adult-only.
The first time I went here, I missed some accessibility so I wanted to share my updated experience in case anyone reading this is going soon!
So, here’s everything you need to know about Carnival’s Celebration Key’s accessibility before visiting as a wheelchair user:
There Are Accessible Trams
Celebration Key is not a tender boat port like Half Moon Cay. Instead, it docks at a long pier that takes you directly onto the island. There are accessible trams that run every few minutes that take you from the pier to Celebration Key’s entrance as well as all around the property. These trams are specifically for people who use mobility aids.
The Main Shopping Area Is Completely Accessible
The main area is one big concreted pathway with some places being bumpy and not smooth. However, there are no lisps, curbs, or any other raised areas that individuals using mobility aids have to maneuver over, despite some areas being cobblestone. This is also where all the souvenir shops are located, which are also 100% accessible due to the shops having ramps at their entrance instead of steps or curbs.
First-Come First-Serve Beach Mobility Aids
The reason I said ‘mobility aids’ instead of beach wheelchair is because for the first time ever, I saw a beach walker, which I thought was super cool! Although, I think the walkers are more limited in quantity. Beach wheelchairs however, are located in every ‘portal’ on a first-come, first-serve basis in order to get to the areas of the island that do not have concreted pathways.
I personally did not utilize the beach wheelchair due to not feeling comfortable leaving my own chair out of eyesight. The less crowded areas, including beaches, are only accessible by going through the sand and if you use a mobility aid that doesn’t work well with the sand, then a beach wheelchair or walker would be your best option if you want to explore these areas!
Beware of Rocks If You Have Sensitive Feet
My grandmother and I went a little further down the beach during this visit and the sand was a little rocky before it got soft. Just be aware of this if you have sensitive feet like me. I always wear water shoes.
Zero-Entry for Main Pool and Lagoons Isn’t Accessible
This is what my grandmother and I missed the first time we visited so I was excited to go back and check out the zero-entry points for the main pool and lagoons. They may have changed this since I went in October, but I’m going to explain what I saw in case everything is still the same.
At first glance, these zero-entry points looked amazing! There is a rubber mat that is extremely easy to navigate but in order to get on the mat, it wasn’t flush with the sand so there was a tiny hump I had to get over. It almost looked like the sand had settled or it wasn’t finished all the way.
Once we got to the end of the rubber mat, we realized that it didn’t go all the way to the pool entrance like other zero-entry designs I’ve seen. Instead, the mat stops about 2 inches (maybe less) before both the pool and lagoon entrance and is separated by a slight threshold. Even though the lagoon is located in a separate area, the zero-entry is the same.
I met several individuals who tripped or fell forward because they thought that the mat was seamless with where an individual enters the pool and lagoon.
No Pool Lifts
Due to the zero-entry pool area, there are no pool lifts for individuals with disabilities to use if they need it.
Conclusion
Overall, I loved my time at this port due to it practically being a beach day! l definitely recommend getting off if you love the sun, sand and the ocean! It’s not as accessible as I had hoped so just be mindful when booking a cruise that stops here.
There are some things I hope Carnival Cruise Line improves some things such as the zero-entry points. But until then, I will continue to adapt to the best of my ability and can’t wait for my next trip!
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