Carnival guests can now experience even more fun while cruising, thanks to the immersive beauty of the Grand Bahamas at Celebration Key. This tropical destination offers waterslides, splash pads, sports courts, adult-only and family-friendly pool lagoons, dining and shopping. Over the course of seven months, KHS&S artisans working alongside local talent to set the stage for a one-of-a-kind guest experience to create a welcoming Bahamian vibe. Materials were shipped from the US requiring extensive coordination and logistics to ensure no time was lost due to delays. The result is a seamless blend of artistry, engineering and entertainment with craftsmanship woven into every detail.

Project Scope

• FRP
• Framing, sheathing and lathe
• Waterproofing
• Themed stucco and plaster
• Themed painting

By the Numbers

• 5,000 square feet metal framing for sandcastle tower
• 12,000 square feet plaster on sandcastle exterior
• 21,500 square feet of rockwork themed plaster
• 25,00 square feet themed painting
• 6,300 bags of cement

The 10-Story Suncastle Centerpiece

The focal point of Celebration Key is the 10-story Suncastle and waterslide positioned between two pool lagoons. Once the tower and waterslide was constructed, KHS&S was brought in to transform the exterior into a larger-than-life sandcastle. Crews installed secondary steel framing and applied lathe to create the base before applying themed plaster to give the appearance of being carved from sand. To construct six conch shells as high as 20 feet, the KHS&S design team produced full-scale 3D models for the artisans to hand build the steel frame and apply the custom plaster and themed painting.

Detailed Carving and Custom Features

The sandcastle also features seashells up to four feet wide, carved and painted directly onto the tower walls. KHS&S developed a custom plaster mix to replicate the exact color and texture of sand for the main tower, with additional blends for the shells and carved details. A hand-painted mural of the sun brightens the tunnel ceiling at the base, while a 31-foot high FRP sun crowns the top of the Suncastle. At the entrance, two identical marlins were hand-carved from templates to ensure symmetry while appearing as if sculpted from sand. The carved stucco including the stucco basecoat and themed plaster averaged 2 inches thick on the castle with other features such as the seashells and marlins requiring even more. At the main entrance to Celebration Key, KHS&S constructed a 65-foot wide by 32-foot-tall half sun portal that greets guests as they walk ashore. More than 70 FRP pieces were assembled on site and painted.