Just weeks after the grand opening of its $600 million Caribbean Getaway, two American tourists tragically died on Friday at Carnival’s private Bahamas resort.
Carnival officials reported a “water emergency” that involved guests from two different ships at Celebration Key on Grand Bahama Island. Details about the incidents have been somewhat unclear.
A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise noted, “Lifeguards and medical teams at the resort responded to both situations that took place in the lagoon as well as one on the beach.”
The deceased have been identified as a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman. An investigation into their deaths has been initiated by the Royal Bahamas Police.
The man was snorkeling when he reportedly stopped responding just before noon on August 15, according to officials. Efforts by lifeguards to rescue him were made, and CPR was administered, but he was later pronounced dead.
The second incident involved the 74-year-old woman, who was discovered unresponsive in the pool around 2:30 p.m.
An autopsy will be conducted on both individuals to ascertain the exact causes of their deaths, as officials are still gathering details.
One of the tourists was on a six-day voyage to a Caribbean island as part of the Mardi Gras itinerary, having departed from Port Canaveral, Florida. Another group was on a four-day trip from Jacksonville, Florida.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to our guests, their families, and our care team,” Carnival said in a statement.
The fatalities occurred less than a month after the resort opened its doors on July 19. Celebration Key, referred to as the “Key of Paradise,” is an exclusive escape for Carnival guests and boasts five major attractions, including what is claimed to be “the largest freshwater lagoon in the Caribbean.”
The lagoon stretches over 275,000 square feet and features an 11,000 square foot infinity pool at Pearl Cove Beach Club. An adult-only lagoon, the Calypso Lagoon, is home to what’s touted as “the world’s largest swim-up bar.”
The resort also offers various excursions, including paddle boarding, dining options, and bars during the stop. It has a pier capable of accommodating two ships, with plans to expand to welcome more in the future.
Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy described the resort opening as “an extraordinary milestone,” emphasizing that Celebration Key isn’t just about beautiful scenery but also about celebrating Bahamian paradise with a wide range of exciting experiences.
