Updated September 2026 with current prices and age rules.
If your cruise includes a stop at Celebration Key, you’re going to hear a lot about Pearl Cove Beach Club.
And if you’re traveling without kids, it’s probably already caught your attention.
But here’s what most people don’t realize right away:
Pearl Cove is not included in your cruise fare — even basic access is an extra cost.
Whether it’s worth it depends entirely on what kind of day you want to have. Let’s walk through it.
Quick answer: is Pearl Cove worth it?
For most adults, yes, if you pick the right pass:
- Planning on 3 or more drinks? Get the Open Bar pass. It usually pays for itself around your third cocktail.
- Want lunch covered too? The All-Inclusive pass adds one premium lunch at the Pearl Cove restaurant.
- Not much of a drinker? The basic Access pass gets you in, and you can buy food and drinks as you go.
- Want shade and your own space? A daybed or cabana includes your entry, so you don’t need a separate pass.
Keep in mind the Open Bar and All-Inclusive passes are 21+, and prices change by sailing, so always check your Carnival cruise planner. Here’s the full breakdown.
What Pearl Cove Actually Is
Pearl Cove is an adults-only (18+) beach club located inside Celebration Key, Carnival’s private destination in the Bahamas. Heads up: you must be 21+ for the Open Bar and All-Inclusive passes, since they include alcohol. New to Carnival’s island? Start with my Celebration Key guide.
It’s designed as a quieter, more controlled environment compared to the main areas of the island. Capacity is limited, and everything is set up to feel a little more like a resort day than a typical cruise port stop.
You’ll find:
- A private beach area
- A large infinity pool with a swim-up bar
- Dedicated dining
- Lounge chairs, with optional upgrades like daybeds and cabanas
Understanding the Pricing
One of the biggest points of confusion is how pricing works.
There isn’t just one way to access Pearl Cove — there are several tiers, and they change what’s included.
All pricing is subject to change depending on sailing and demand, but this is the general structure:
- Access only: about $60–$115 per person (includes a welcome rum punch if you’re 21+)
- Open Bar: about $98–$161 per person (up to 10 drinks, 21+)
- All-Inclusive: about $126–$207 per person (up to 10 drinks plus one premium lunch, 21+)
Carnival has lowered prices since Pearl Cove opened in July 2025 (it launched at $99.99, $139.99 and $179.99), but they still swing a lot from sailing to sailing. Busy sailings and holiday weeks tend to run higher.
Is the Open Bar pass worth it?
A cocktail bought on its own at Pearl Cove can run around $15. Since the Open Bar pass is usually about $40 more than Access, it tends to pay for itself by your third drink. If you’ll only have one or two, stick with Access and buy as you go.
The lowest tier is simply paying for entry. Food and drinks are not automatically included unless you select a package that covers them.
Upgrades like daybeds, cabanas, and villas are priced separately. These are limited and often sell out early.
What Each Option Actually Gets You
The difference between packages isn’t just price — it’s the experience.
Basic Access
This gives you entry into the beach club and access to the beach, pool, and seating areas. Food and drinks are available, but you’ll pay for them individually.
Open Bar
This includes drinks (with a limit of up to 10 alcoholic beverages), but still does not include food.
All-Inclusive
This is the only option that bundles everything together — entry, drinks, and one full meal at the restaurant. For most travelers, this is the version that feels the most seamless.
Add-Ons: Where You Can Elevate (or Overspend)
This is where Pearl Cove can go from a simple upgrade… to a full-on luxury beach day.
And it’s also where I see people either:
👉 pick something perfect for their trip
👉 or spend way more than they needed to
Because these upgrades are not required — they’re about comfort, space, and experience.
Daybeds: The “Comfort Upgrade”
💲 From about $180 per rental (some sailings run closer to $345) and fits up to 4 people
This is your entry-level upgrade.
You get:
- A covered cushioned daybed with adjustable curtain walls
- 2 Cushioned loungers
- An Umbrella with a small cooler that doubles as a table
👉 Best for couples or small groups who want to be more comfortable, but don’t need anything over-the-top
Cabanas: The “We Want Our Own Space” Option
💲 From about $600 per rental (some sailings run over $1,100) and fits up to 7 people
This is where things start to feel more private and elevated.
You’ll get
- A shaded, dedicated space
- A Cabana Concierge
- A “home base” for the day
- three-seat sectional sofa, two armchairs, and two loungers under an umbrella.
- Open bar consisting of rum punch, draft domestic beer (regular and light beer), house red and white wine, all house drinks, frozen strawberry daquiris and pina colada (max 10 drinks per person)
- A safe located inside the coffee table for your belongings
👉 Best for:
- Groups
- Anyone who doesn’t want to fight for space
- Travelers who plan to stay in Pearl Cove all day (though it also includes unlimited rides on the Suncastle Racing Slides if you DO venture out)
Super Villas: The Full VIP Experience
💲 From about $2,240 per rental (some sailings run over $3,200) and fits up to 12 people
This is the top-tier option.
Think:
- Villa Concierge.
- Eight-seat sectional sofa, a bar with stools, an eight-seat dining table, two hammocks for that perfect nap, and six loungers under an umbrella
- Two safes located inside the coffee tables, three coolers, a mini fridge stocked with bottled water and sodas for each guest and charging points for devices
- Open bar consisting of rum punch, draft domestic beer (regular and light beer), house red and white wine, all house drinks, frozen strawberry daquiris and pina colada (max 10 drinks per person)
- Snacks on arrival.
- Complimentary lunch from a curated selection.
- Unlimited rides on the Suncastle Racing Slides all day long.
👉 Best for:
- Celebrations
- Larger groups splitting the cost
- “We’re doing this once, let’s do it right” trips
What Most People Don’t Realize About Add-Ons
If you think you may want one, book it. Options are limited & will sell out.
These INCLUDE general access to Pearl Cove Beach Club, so you do NOT have to purchase separate entry.
Pricing can change based on demand and sailing
Pearl Cove Menu: What’s Served at the Restaurant
Dining is one of the biggest differences between Pearl Cove and the rest of Celebration Key.
This isn’t a quick-service setup. It’s a full restaurant with a menu that leans more toward what you’d expect at a resort than a cruise port.
Options include:
- Sushi and raw bar selections
- Seafood dishes like lobster tail and seafood pasta
- Steak and grilled entrées
- Mediterranean-style starters
- Desserts like carrot cake and chocolate cake
If you’re planning to eat here, it’s worth deciding ahead of time whether the all-inclusive option makes sense for you.
Drinks and What Carries Over
Drinks are tied to your Pearl Cove package, not your cruise.
Even if you have a drink package onboard, it does not extend into Pearl Cove.
If drinks are important to you, it’s worth factoring that into which option you choose.
A Few Important Details
There are a couple of small but important things that can affect your day:
- You’ll be given a wristband that determines what’s included
- Benefits only apply inside Pearl Cove
And one that surprises people:
Island Eats credits cannot be used inside Pearl Cove.
If you want to use that credit, you’ll need to step outside the beach club and explore the main areas of Celebration Key — which you’re free to do at any time.
(And yes, the donuts are worth the hype!)
How It Compares to the Rest of Celebration Key
The main areas of Celebration Key are included with your cruise and tend to be more energetic — larger pools, music, and a mix of families and groups.
Pearl Cove offers something different:
- A quieter atmosphere
- Fewer people
- A more “resort-type” vibe
It’s less about activities and more about having space to relax.
Is Pearl Cove Worth It?
That really comes down to your travel style.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, adults-only environment where you can spend the day without crowds, it’s a strong add-on.
If you prefer a more social, high-energy atmosphere, you may be just as happy staying in the main areas. (Calypso Lagoon™, the adult-friendly portal (13+) has ALL the vibes!)
My picks by type of traveler
- Couples who want a relaxing day with a few drinks: Open Bar pass
- Foodies who want lunch handled: All-Inclusive pass
- Light drinkers or budget-minded: Access pass
- Groups of 4 or more: a daybed or cabana, since you split the price and entry is included
- Families with kids under 18: skip it and enjoy the main areas of Celebration Key, like Starfish Lagoon
Pearl Cove Beach Club FAQs
How much does Pearl Cove cost?
Depending on your sailing, passes run about $60–$115 per person for access only, $98–$161 with the open bar and $126–$207 for all-inclusive. Daybeds start around $180 for up to 4 people and cabanas around $600 for up to 7.
What’s included in the Pearl Cove all-inclusive?
Entry to the beach club, up to 10 drinks from the open bar (rum punch, draft domestic beer, house wine, house cocktails, frozen strawberry daiquiris and piña coladas) and one premium lunch at the Pearl Cove restaurant.
What’s on the Pearl Cove menu?
It’s a full-service restaurant with sushi and raw bar selections, seafood like lobster tail and seafood pasta, steak and grilled entrées, Mediterranean-style starters and desserts like carrot cake and chocolate cake.
Does my Carnival drink package work at Pearl Cove?
No. Drinks at Pearl Cove are tied to your Pearl Cove pass, not your onboard drink package.
What is the age limit?
You must be 18+ to enter Pearl Cove, and 21+ to drink or to buy the Open Bar or All-Inclusive pass.
Can I leave Pearl Cove and explore the rest of Celebration Key?
Yes. You’re free to step out at any time, and that’s where you’ll need to go if you want to use your Island Eats credit.
When should I book?
As early as you can. Daybeds, cabanas and super villas are limited and often sell out, especially on full sailings.
Final Thoughts
Pearl Cove isn’t something you have to do — but it is something you should decide on ahead of time.
Availability is limited, and the difference between the package options can significantly change your experience.
For the right traveler, it turns a standard port stop into a much more relaxed, intentional day.
If you’re considering a cruise with a stop at Celebration Key and want help deciding if Pearl Cove makes sense for your trip, I’ll walk you through the options and make sure you’re booking what actually fits your travel style.
Planning a Carnival cruise with a Celebration Key stop? Tell me about your trip here, and I’ll help you find the right sailing and book Pearl Cove before the best spots sell out.
Getting ready to go? Grab my free Carnival Caribbean packing guide. First cruise? Read what first-time cruisers need to know before booking, or see my best Caribbean islands for first-timers.
— Trisha Bruce
Travel Planner
Discover the Magic Vacations with Trisha