Carnival’s Roatan Destination Gets Major Upgrade With New Pool Area

Key Aspects:

  • The Mangrove Bay pool, splash pad, and private cabanas and day beds are now open at Isla Tropicale in Honduras.
  • Carnival Jubilee was the first ship to enjoy the new features on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
  • A swim-up bar is also part of the 48,000-square-feet of new recreational space at the private destination.

New upgrades are now open in Roatan, Honduras, as Carnival Cruise Line transforms the exclusive destination, formerly known as Mahogany Bay, into Isla Tropicale. On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the new Mangrove Bay pool area debuted along with specialized options to appeal to all sorts of cruisers.

One of the new features is a dedicated splash pad for young cruisers, giving them a fun space adjacent to the main pool so families can share splashtastic memories together.

On the other side of the pool, a swim-up bar offers refreshing beverages, with even more bar service nearby to ensure no one has to wait too long for their libations.

In total, the Mangrove Bay pool area includes 48,000 square feet of recreational space. Its most unique feature is a premium peninsula space in the middle of the pool with cabanas and day beds available to rent.

“New features, including the destination’s first pool area, will elevate the guest experience at Isla Tropicale,” Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy said.

The shaded cabanas are wheelchair-accessible and feature a ceiling fan and water loungers, plus four chairlift passes for guests to enjoy. The daybeds are also shaded and include loungers and four chairlift passes. Prices for both rentals vary depending on sailing date.

Other features of Isla Tropicale include 52 shops and local artisan kiosks, three restaurants, and four bars. Oceanview cabanas are also available to rent, and guests can enjoy a scenic chairlift.

The Mangrove Bay pool is the first pool for guests to enjoy at the port, which is located on an island just off the coast of Honduras. It is a popular Carnival destination on Western Caribbean itineraries.

Two ships can dock at once at Isla Tropicale, and the dock is large enough to welcome the line’s biggest ships, the Excel-class vessels.

Carnival Jubilee was in port on Wednesday, bringing up to 6,631 guests to be the first to enjoy the new pool. As part of the opening festivities, guests onboard received commemorative pins in their staterooms to celebrate the occasion.

Carnival's New Isla Tropicale Pool Area
Carnival’s New Isla Tropicale Pool Area

A new logo for the destination was also unveiled as a great photo spot, with a hummingbird and flower motif and a font with gentle curves to mimic ocean waves and evoke relaxation.

Cruise Hive previously reported on the renaming of the destination as well as the logo refresh for all of Carnival Cruise Line’s private destinations, which are now grouped together as the “Paradise Collection” which includes Isla Roatan, Celebration Key, and RelaxAway Half Moon Cay.

Great Local Investments

Since the destination first opened, Carnival Cruise Line has invested $93 million in Roatan to create a fantastic experience for guests. To date, nearly nine million guests have visited the port.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Roatán and Honduras and expanding our positive economic impact in the region,” confirmed Duffy.

The port has generated $750 million in economic impact for the region, including 1,300 local jobs. Sustainability has been a key focus of the ongoing project, and the beach has won multiple awards for its environmental management and water quality.

“Isla Tropicale reflects the continued importance of cruise tourism to Roatán and to Honduras,” said Andrés Ehrler, minister of tourism of Honduras.

“We value partnerships that support local jobs, create opportunities for businesses and help strengthen Roatán’s position as one of the Caribbean’s most welcoming destinations, and Carnival has done exactly that.”

The new pool and exclusive rental spaces are sure to appeal to guests who enjoy the relaxation and tropical vibes of the popular destination.

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Melissa Mayntz
Melissa Mayntz
Melissa has been offering her expertise on cruises since 2017 and reporting on cruise news since 2021. She has been on more than 40 voyages to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, and more, and always has at least one more sailing booked on the horizon.