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.
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.
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:
- Basic access typically starts around $50–$70 per person
- Open bar packages are usually in the $95–$120 range
- All-inclusive options tend to fall between $120–$160 per person
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”
💲 Roughly $150–$250 per rental 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
💲 Typically $500–$800+ per rental 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
💲 Around $1,800–$2,800+ per rental 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
Dining at Pearl Cove
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!)
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.
— Trisha Bruce
Travel Planner
Discover the Magic Vacations with Trisha
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