The scene is set at The Carlyle in Atlanta, where travel advisors are transported to a tropical paradise through vibrant music, feather-adorned Junkanoo band performances, and an oversized sandcastle. Despite the sunny weather outside, this indoor venue provided a sneak peek into Carnival Cruise Line’s new Caribbean private destination, Celebration Key. The investment of $600 million into this project demonstrates Carnival’s commitment to creating a unique and enticing experience for its guests.
Adolfo Perez, Carnival’s senior vice president of global sales and trade marketing, spearheads a four-city tour called “Your Peek at Paradise” to educate agents about Celebration Key. This initiative aims to build excitement and awareness around this upcoming destination. Although Perez was unable to attend the Atlanta event due to illness, similar gatherings were held in Miami and Baltimore, with the final event in Chicago set to be livestreamed. This proactive approach to engaging travel advisors highlights the importance of building relationships and driving interest in new offerings.
At the Atlanta event, attendees had the opportunity to explore different “portals” within Celebration Key, each catering to various preferences such as family-friendly, retail, and adults-only sections. Carnival provided agents with a “passport” booklet containing information about each portal, encouraging them to participate in trivia activities for a chance to win exclusive tours or gift cards. This interactive and educational approach not only entertains attendees but also equips them with valuable knowledge to share with potential clients.
Kirk Neal, regional vice president of sales for the Eastern U.S. and the Caribbean, emphasized the significance of being informed about Celebration Key before its official opening. He highlighted how this destination could serve as a catalyst for securing more business, as travelers are always seeking new and exciting experiences. By staying ahead of the curve, travel advisors can leverage their knowledge to attract customers who are interested in embarking on a Carnival cruise to Celebration Key.
Unlike other private destinations within Carnival Corp.’s portfolio, Celebration Key is tailored specifically for Carnival Cruise Line guests. The high-energy atmosphere, coupled with areas designated for relaxation, caters to a diverse range of preferences. The iconic sandcastle, featuring two waterslides spanning 350 feet each, serves as a focal point of Celebration Key. Glenn Aprile, Carnival’s senior director of brand experience and product development, aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia and fun in guests, reminiscent of carefree childhood days spent at the beach.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key promises to be a captivating and dynamic destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in the Caribbean. With meticulous planning, engaging educational initiatives, and a focus on guest satisfaction, Carnival is poised to elevate the cruise industry’s standards in private island destinations. As travel advisors continue to spread the word and generate excitement around Celebration Key, the future looks bright for Carnival Cruise Line and its guests.