Carnival Cruise Line is developing Celebration Key, a 65-acre private island on Grand Bahama Island, set to open in July 2025. This $600 million investment is part of a trend where cruise lines create exclusive destinations to retain passenger spending within their ecosystems. These private islands offer free access but charge for amenities, similar to theme parks, ensuring profits from on-island spending. For instance, Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at Cococay, which cost over $250 million, is projected to generate an additional $100 million annually. Carnival's Celebration Key is expected to yield $150 million in its first year, becoming its most profitable destination. However, critics argue these developments divert revenue from local businesses and economies, as passengers spend less in traditional ports. Despite concerns, cruise lines claim these islands ease port congestion and provide backup stops during bad weather. The Bahamian government has implemented taxes to ensure local benefits, and most workers on these islands are locals. The Caribbean remains a major hub for cruise tourism, with cruise lines promising economic benefits to host countries, though these claims are often overly optimistic. The success of private islands in the Caribbean is leading cruise lines to explore similar ventures globally, such as Royal Caribbean's upcoming Perfect Day Mexico.