Two American tourists died in separate drowning incidents within a three-hour span at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s newly opened private resort in the Bahamas on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The first incident occurred just before noon when a 79-year-old man became unresponsive while snorkeling off one of the resort’s beaches. A lifeguard assisted him from the water and administered CPR, but medical personnel later pronounced him dead. The second drowning happened approximately 2.5 hours later at around 2:30 p.m., when a 74-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive in a swimming pool at the resort.
The Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed both victims were American nationals and indicated that lifeguards performed CPR on both individuals, though neither could be revived. Medical doctors pronounced both tourists dead at the scene.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the victims were passengers traveling with their families on separate ships. The 79-year-old man was aboard the Mardi Gras, which typically departs from Port Canaveral in Orlando, while the 74-year-old woman was traveling on the Carnival Elation, which sails from Jacksonville, Florida.
A Carnival spokesperson told reporters that “Our lifeguards and medical team responded to two separate emergency incidents at Celebration Key on Friday.” The company indicated one incident occurred in the lagoon and the other at the beach, and expressed that their thoughts and prayers were with the guests and their families. The cruise line’s Care Team is providing assistance to the affected families.
The deaths occurred at the $600 million Celebration Key resort, which opened in July on Grand Bahama Island approximately 100 miles off the coast of Florida. The exclusive destination features five main areas including lagoons, pools, beaches, restaurants, and entertainment venues designed specifically for Carnival cruise passengers.
Police authorities indicated that autopsies will be performed on both victims to determine the exact causes of death. The Royal Bahamas Police Force is leading investigations into both incidents, with the circumstances surrounding each drowning under review.
The resort describes itself as the “Key to Paradise” and features what Carnival calls the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean. The facility includes 275,000 square feet of lagoons named Starfish and Calypso, along with an 11,000 square foot infinity pool at the Pearl Cove Beach Club. The adult-oriented Calypso Lagoon contains what the company markets as the world’s largest swim-up bar with 166 seats.
Carnival Cruise Line indicated it is cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation of both deaths. The company emphasized that it maintains trained lifeguards and medical professionals who respond to emergencies at the resort.
The newly constructed resort includes a pier capable of accommodating two of Carnival’s largest ships simultaneously, allowing passengers exclusive access to the facility. Company officials project approximately two million visitors will pass through Celebration Key annually, with expectations to double that number by 2028.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy had previously described the resort as an “extraordinary milestone” when it opened last month. The facility offers various excursions including paddleboarding, dining options, and bars, in addition to its water attractions and beach activities.
The identities of both victims have not been released by authorities. Police indicated the investigations into both drowning incidents remain ongoing as they work to determine the specific circumstances that led to each death.
In a separate incident reported over the weekend, a 63-year-old American was attacked by a shark while spearfishing off Big Grand Cay in the Bahamas on Saturday around 1 p.m. The man sustained severe injuries and was treated at a local clinic before being airlifted to the United States for additional medical treatment.
The drowning incidents occurred less than a month after Celebration Key’s official opening, marking the first reported fatalities at the exclusive resort destination. The facility represents Carnival’s significant investment in private cruise destinations, designed to offer passengers enhanced experiences beyond traditional port stops.
