Double tragedy at Carnival Cruise’s new resort explained.
A Caribbean vacation quickly spiraled into heartbreak after two American tourists lost their lives at Carnival Cruise Line’s brand-new $600 million luxury resort, Celebration Key.
Celebration Key’s grand opening highlighted.
Celebration Key only opened last month, with Carnival billing it as the future of cruise destinations.
The resort sits on the south side of Grand Bahama Island, boasting infinity pools, swim-up bars, and vast lagoons.
At $600 million, the project was one of the cruise line’s boldest investments ever.
The property is open only to Carnival passengers, making it a signature attraction.
Carnival advertised the resort as “endless adventure,” highlighting kayaking, ATV rides, and dolphin swims.
Rival cruise lines had already launched private islands, and Carnival saw Celebration Key as its answer.
Locals hoped the resort would boost Grand Bahama’s struggling economy after years of setbacks.
Carnival executives hailed Celebration Key as “a new era of cruising” when the doors opened in July.
The day of the tragedy revealed.
On August 15, what started as a vacation day at the resort turned into a nightmare.
Around noon, a 79-year-old American man was pulled from the water after snorkeling.
He was assisted out by a lifeguard and CPR was performed immediately.
Despite efforts, the man was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
Just over two hours later, another emergency erupted.
A female guest was found unresponsive while swimming in a pool.
Lifeguards administered CPR but could not revive her.
Police reported she too was pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
Two Americans had died at the resort, just hours apart.
The aftermath and investigation unraveled.
Police in Grand Bahama confirmed autopsies would be conducted on both victims.
A spokesperson said its lifeguards and medical staff responded to two separate emergencies.
One victim was traveling on Mardi Gras, the other on Carnival Elation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families and our Care Team is providing assistance,” Carnival told UNILAD.
Fellow travelers described a somber atmosphere on the island after the incidents.
The back-to-back tragedies raised new concerns about resort supervision.
Celebration Key was designed as a jewel in Carnival’s crown, but now faces scrutiny.
Police have not said whether the two deaths were linked or just tragic coincidence.
Cruise industry trend under scrutiny.
Private islands have become the industry’s way of keeping tourist dollars in-house.
Royal Caribbean boasts CocoCay, while Norwegian has Great Stirrup Cay.
Celebration Key was its chance to finally compete at the same level.
The Bahamas partnered with Carnival expecting millions in new tourism revenue.
The tragedies struck barely weeks after the resort’s celebrated opening.
Two Americans, aged 79 and 74, died just hours apart in separate water-related emergencies at Carnival’s $600 million Celebration Key resort—just weeks after it opened its doors.