Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key in Grand Bahama became the first cruise destination to earn KultureCity’s sensory inclusion certification.
This was announced during World Autism Acceptance Month. On April 3, a sensory room pop-up at Celebration Key lets guests can experience a calm, controlled environment designed to help with sensory regulation.
The pop-up sensitivity room, available April 3 at Celebration Key PHOTO: CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
More than 2m cruisers visit Celebration Key
With more than 2m cruisers visiting Celebration Key, Carnival said its certification highlights a commitment to making every guest’s experience inclusive and fun, including families with sensory needs.
For the last six years, Carnival has partnered with KultureCity, a leading nonprofit organization that creates sensory-inclusive spaces for individuals with invisible disabilities such as autism, dementia, PTSD and sensory processing disorders. KultureCity is recognized worldwide for certifying venues to better serve individuals with these sensitivities.
400 team members trained
At Celebration Key, more than 400 guest-facing workers have been trained to help visitors with sensory needs navigate the destination and have fun. Free sensory bags with noise-reducing headphones, fidget tools and glasses with filters to block out strobe and bright lights are also now available. The bags include a VIP lanyard with a headphone logo and light bulb symbol to discreetly signal to Carnival team members that the guest may require additional support or accommodations, as well as a feelings thermometer that allows non-verbal guests to point and communicate their emotions.
Shipboard and reservations training
Other Carnival efforts implemented in partnership with KultureCity include training shipboard staff and shoreside call center representatives who interact with guests during the booking process.