Two American tourists died in separate drowning incidents on August 15, 2025, at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened private resort in the Bahamas. The deaths occurred within a three-hour span at the $600 million facility, which opened in July.
The first incident happened shortly before noon when a 79-year-old man became unresponsive while snorkeling off one of the resort’s beaches. Lifeguards pulled the man from the water and administered CPR, but he was pronounced dead by medical personnel. The victim was a passenger aboard the Carnival cruise ship Mardi Gras, traveling with family on a six-day Eastern Bahamas trip that departed from Port Canaveral, Florida.
The second drowning occurred around 2:30 p.m. when a 74-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in a swimming pool at the resort. Despite lifeguard rescue efforts and CPR attempts, she was also pronounced dead. The woman had been traveling with family aboard the Carnival Elation on a four-day cruise from Jacksonville, Florida.
Both victims were American nationals, according to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, which is leading investigations into both deaths. The identities of the tourists were not immediately released pending further investigation.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incidents in a statement, noting that their lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday. The company indicated that one incident occurred in the lagoon and the other at the beach. A Carnival spokesperson expressed that their thoughts and prayers are with the guests and their families, and that their Care Team is providing assistance to the affected families.
The cruise line emphasized that they maintain trained lifeguards and medical professionals who respond promptly to emergencies. Carnival officials stated they are cooperating fully with law enforcement in the investigation of both deaths.
Autopsies are scheduled to be performed on both victims to determine the exact causes of death, according to police statements. The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed that investigations into the circumstances surrounding both drownings remain ongoing.
Celebration Key, located on Grand Bahama Island, represents a significant investment by Carnival Cruise Line. The private resort destination is exclusively available to Carnival cruise passengers and features five marquee attractions, including what the company describes as the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. The facility includes 275,000 square feet of lagoons named Starfish and Calypso, an 11,000 square foot infinity pool at the Pearl Cove Beach Club, and the Calypso Lagoon, which boasts a swim-up bar with 166 seats.
The resort complex includes numerous restaurants, pools, live music venues, a retail hub, and amusement park-style activities. The facility was designed with a pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival’s largest ships simultaneously, allowing passengers exclusive access to the destination. Future expansion plans aim to accommodate additional ships at the facility.
When Celebration Key opened in July 2025, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy described the facility as an extraordinary milestone for the company. She noted that the destination offers both active experiences for guests seeking fun in the sun and relaxation options for those preferring to unwind under palm trees.
The resort features additional amenities, including a 10-story sandcastle structure, two racing waterslides, a shopping area, a basketball court, and an adults-only section. Industry estimates suggest the destination could bring more than two million guests to Grand Bahama in its first year of operation, with projections reaching more than four million visitors by 2028.
The coincidence of two fatal water emergencies occurring on the same day at the newly opened facility has heightened scrutiny of safety protocols at private resort destinations operated by major cruise companies. The deaths mark a concerning start for the expensive new venture, which represents one of the cruise industry’s most significant recent investments in private destination development.
