Two Carnival passengers die at private Bahamian resort

Two Carnival Cruise passengers died hours apart at Celebration Key, the line's private resort in Grand Bahama, police said.

Two Carnival passengers die at private Bahamian resort

Two Carnival Cruise passengers, a 79-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman, were found unresponsive at Celebration Key, the line's private resort on Grand Bahama Island. The man reportedly became unresponsive while snorkeling near the beach; a lifeguard performed CPR, but he died. About two hours later, the woman was unresponsive while swimming in a pool and was later pronounced dead. Autopsies will determine the cause of death.

Opened last month, Celebration Key can host two ships at a time. On Friday one of the ships was the Mardi Gras sailing from Port Canaveral. Carnival Cruise Line said it is supporting the families and staff as investigators continue.

The incident highlights how cruise brands are expanding into private destinations. It raises questions about safety standards, oversight, and how quickly information is shared when something goes wrong far from ships. A private resort tied to a major cruise line will attract scrutiny about regulation and transparency in how authorities communicate with the public.

For passengers, investors, and Bahamian officials, the event may prompt talks about stronger safety protocols, insurance, and inspection regimes. The Bahamas relies on tourism, and how this incident is handled could color the public image of private resort projects linked to cruise brands. Carnival faces pressure to show accountability while respecting families’ privacy.

Highlights

Ongoing safety reviews will shape the next phase of this destination.