Carnival Jubilee: Texas-Sized Fun from Galveston

Picture yourself racing down an 800-foot roller coaster track 187 feet above the ocean waves. Or sliding down three massive spiraling water slides while the Caribbean sun warms your back. This is what awaits aboard Carnival Jubilee, the newest and largest ship in Carnival's fleet.

Launched in December 2023 and sailing from Galveston, Texas, this 182,015-gross-ton vessel brings Texas-sized fun to the high seas. Whether you're planning your first cruise or you're a seasoned sailor, Carnival Jubilee delivers experiences that'll make your vacation unforgettable.

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I. MEET THE SHIP

Carnival Jubilee is the third and final Excel-class ship, following her popular sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. She has her own personality though, with unique features you won't find on other ships.

At 345 meters (1,130 feet) long, she's an impressive sight pulling into port. The ship welcomes 5,374 guests at double occupancy, though she can accommodate up to 6,630 passengers when fully booked. A crew of 1,551 members keeps everything running smoothly.

Carnival Jubilee celebrates ocean life throughout the ship. From the three-story atrium with stunning sea views to the nautical-inspired décor throughout, everything connects you to life by and on the water. There's even a Lone Star painted on the ship's hull as a nod to her Texas home.

The ship runs on liquid natural gas (LNG), making her more environmentally friendly than older cruise ships. She was built by Meyer Werft in Germany—the first Carnival ship constructed there.

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II. ITINERARIES & DESTINATIONS

Carnival Jubilee operates 7-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, giving you the perfect week-long escape. Your journey takes you to some of the Caribbean's most beautiful ports.

Typical Port Stops:

• Roatan, Honduras—snorkeling in crystal-clear waters
• Costa Maya, Mexico—ancient Mayan ruins and pristine beaches
• Cozumel, Mexico—exploring historic towns and beach clubs

The ship spends plenty of time at sea too, with multiple sea days perfect for enjoying all those onboard amenities. These are opportunities to experience everything Carnival Jubilee has to offer without rushing from port to port.

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III. THE ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Dining That Delights

Food lovers will find plenty to satisfy their cravings without breaking the budget. Most dining on Carnival Jubilee comes included with your cruise fare.

Emeril's Bistro 717 brings New Orleans flavors to the ship with dishes like shrimp and grits, beignets, and duck and sausage gumbo. Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse created this menu specifically for Carnival.

Guy's Burger Joint serves up burgers that rival any land-based restaurant, while Big Chicken offers crispy fried chicken that's become a passenger favorite. BlueIguana Cantina satisfies your Mexican food cravings with fresh tacos and burritos.

The main dining rooms serve elegant meals with flexible dining times, and the Lido Marketplace buffet offers international cuisines throughout the day. Beach Buns in The Shores zone expanded its menu beyond sandwiches to include soups, salads, and desserts.

For pizza lovers, Coastal Slice stays open 24 hours and even features Texas-inspired options like barbecue chicken pizza and a Tex-Mex variety.

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Accommodations for Every Budget

Carnival Jubilee offers over 20 different stateroom categories, from cozy interior rooms to sprawling suites. Every room features modern conveniences like USB charging ports, improved lighting, and smart storage solutions.

• Interior staterooms provide great value with all the essentials.
• Ocean view rooms add natural light and sea views.
• Balcony staterooms give you private outdoor space to enjoy ocean breezes and stunning sunrises.

Special Categories:

• Havana rooms—exclusive adults-only pool area access
• Cloud 9 Spa rooms—spa perks and thermal suite access
• Family Harbor rooms—family lounge access and kids eat free
• Excel Suites—VIP treatment with Loft 19 access

Entertainment That Wows

The entertainment on Carnival Jubilee will keep you busy from morning until late night. Playlist Productions presents original shows like "Dear Future Husband," a Texas-themed musical that gets the whole audience involved.

Center Stage hosts "The Residency," an innovative show in an intimate venue with limited seating.

The Jubilee Theatre features full-scale productions with professional performers.

Popular Shows & Activities:

• Family Feud Live—TV game show hosted by cruise director
• Punchliner Comedy Club (arrive early - fills up fast)
• Two deck parties: White Hot Night & '80s Rock-N-Glow
• The Limelight Lounge features live music, karaoke, and late-night entertainment. The casino operates with slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker tables.

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IV. LIFE AT SEA: WHAT MAKES IT SPECIAL

The mornings on Carnival Jubilee start with stunning ocean views from your balcony or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. This peaceful space offers comfortable loungers, gentle sea breezes, and a nearby bar for when you want something cool to drink.

Loft 19 takes relaxation to another level. This resort-style sundeck features an infinity pool, premium cabanas with dedicated concierge service, and drink service. Excel suite guests get priority reservations, but anyone can rent a cabana for the day.

Wellness & Activities:

• Cloud 9 Spa—massages, facials, thermal suites
• Fitness center—Life Fitness equipment, cycling studio (6 AM - 2 PM)
• Fun Shops duty-free stores (8 AM - midnight)
• Casino—Vegas-style gaming
• Shopping enthusiasts can browse between spa treatments, while those seeking thrills can try their luck at the tables.

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V. SHORE EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS

Each port offers unique experiences that connect you with local culture and natural beauty.

• Roatan, Honduras features some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling and diving. The coral reefs here are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. You can also explore local villages or take a nature walk through tropical forests.
• Costa Maya, Mexico provides access to ancient Mayan ruins and pristine beaches. Many guests visit the Chacchoben ruins or enjoy beach time at local resorts with day passes.
• Cozumel, Mexico is famous for its diving and snorkeling sites. Jacques Cousteau called these waters some of the most beautiful in the world. You can also explore the town of San Miguel, visit beach clubs, or take catamaran trips. The ship's shore excursion desk helps you book activities, from glass-bottom boat tours to cultural experiences with local families.

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VI. THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND: THRILLS ABOVE DECK

The top deck houses The Ultimate Playground, where adrenaline seekers find their paradise.

BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster is the star attraction—the first and fastest roller coaster at sea. You control the speed of your electric motorcycle-style car as it races along an 800-foot track. Reaching speeds up to 40 mph, the track drops and twists 187 feet above the water line with moments of zero gravity.

WaterWorks is Carnival's largest waterpark at sea. Three massive spiraling slides include the Twister, Blue Lightning (a head-first racing experience), and Orange Thunder (where you start standing before dropping into high-speed turns). Twin racing slides let you compete with friends, while the PowerDrencher giant tipping bucket douses everyone below.

SportSquare features a full basketball court, mini-golf course, ropes course, and volleyball court. You'll also find foosball, ping-pong, and pool tables. A jogging track circles the upper deck for morning runs with ocean views.

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VII. CRUISING ESSENTIALS: WHAT TO PACK & KNOW

Preparing for your Carnival Jubilee cruise shouldn't feel stressful. We've put together a helpful packing guide that covers everything from formal evening wear to essential cabin items. This complete checklist gets you ready for casual daytime activities, elegant dinner nights, and all the fun your family will experience onboard.

Instead of wondering what to pack, use our comprehensive cruise packing list with a complimentary downloadable checklist. This resource includes targeted suggestions for cruise cabins, port excursions, and all cruise activities.

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VIII. SUPREMARINE'S INSIDER TIPS

1. Best Quiet Spots: Head to the library on Deck 5 for reading time, or find peace at the Serenity Retreat early in the morning before others wake up.
2. Dining Secrets: The buffet gets crowded around traditional meal times. Eat slightly earlier or later for shorter lines and fresher food.
3. Entertainment Hack: For popular shows like those at Center Stage, arrive 20-30 minutes early. The venue has limited seating and fills up quickly.
4. Photo Opportunities: The best sunset views are from the Serenity Deck or any balcony facing west. Sunrise shots work great from the starboard (right) side of the ship.
5. Pool Strategy: The main pool areas get packed during sea days. Try Loft 19 if you're in an Excel suite, or visit the pools early morning or during dinner time.
6. Shore Excursion Tip: Book through the ship for peace of mind, but independent operators often cost less. Just make sure to return well before all-aboard time.

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IX. TAKEAWAY

Carnival Jubilee brings together the best of modern cruise ship design with Carnival's famous fun atmosphere. From the BOLT roller coaster to the three-story ocean-view atrium, from Texas-themed dining to world-class entertainment, this ship delivers on its promise of a Texas-sized good time.

The Western Caribbean itinerary gives you the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, while the ship's amenities ensure you're never bored during sea days. Whether you're looking for family fun, romantic getaways, or just a break from everyday life, Carnival Jubilee provides the setting for memories that'll last long after you're back on dry land.

For first-time cruisers, the ship offers familiar comforts with exciting new experiences. For cruise veterans, the innovations and unique features provide fresh reasons to fall in love with sailing again.

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FUN FACT

Carnival Jubilee's BOLT roller coaster reaches speeds of 40 mph while racing 187 feet above the ocean, making it the first and fastest roller coaster at sea where riders control their own speed.