Carnival Cruise Line has announced the name of the retail portal at its new exclusive destination on Grand Bahama, Celebration Key. The portal, Lokono Cove, was chosen through a community competition supported by the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Local resident Deidre Rahming submitted the winning name; Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy made the announcement at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach.
Lokono Cove will feature a variety of stores, kiosks and an authentic Bahamian artisan market showcasing local craftsmanship. Your cruise clients will be able to browse through locally crafted goods, souvenirs and fine jewelry while enjoying music, colorful murals painted by Bahamian artists and local snacks.
Carnival Cruise Line Honors Bahamians
The name Lokono, meaning “the people,” is derived from the Lucayans, one of the first communities to call Grand Bahama home. Historians describe the Lucayans as skilled artisans excelling in basket weaving, pottery and painting.
“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove—a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of The Bahamas and find locally-inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones or cherish for themselves for years to come,” said Duffy in a press statement. “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove. It’s a special honor that locals from Grand Bahama have contributed already in an impactful way, giving this portal its name.”
Lokono Cove will also serve as the gateway to Grand Bahama outside of Celebration Key, with guests departing from the portal for shore excursions or independent exploration of the island.
Celebration Key is scheduled to welcome its first guests in July 2025. Carnival Cruise Line has over 500 itineraries with visits to the new destination on 18 ships sailing from 10 U.S. homeports. Lokono Cove joins the previously announced Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon as three of the five retail portals at the exclusive destination.
For more information, visit goccl.com.
