CCL-Carnival Cruise Line inaugurated its latest flagship, Carnival Jubilee, in a ceremony held at Port Galveston Texas on February 24. This event marks the first christening of a cruise vessel at the Port of Galveston, as stated by the cruise line.
The christening ceremony was graced by Christine Duffy (CCL's President), along with officials from Port Galveston and local dignitaries including Craig Brown (City Mayor). Grammy-award-winning singer Gwen Stefani (serving as the vessel's godmother) utilized a lasso to activate the lever that smashed the ceremonial champagne bottle against the ship.
Carnival Jubilee commenced service for CCL in December 2023.
Hosted by Kyndall Fire (Carnival Jubilee's cruise director), the ceremony was live-streamed online and featured entertainment including a rope trick performance and rendition of the USA’s national anthem, Star Spangled Banner. Mayor Brown bestowed Duffy with the keys to the city and proclaimed February 24th as "Carnival Jubilee Day". Notably, this date coincided with what would have been the 100th birthday of CCL's founder Ted Arison.
Adorned with a Texas star on its bow, Carnival Jubilee pays homage to its homeport by hosting a 3-hour Lone Star Tailgate party on the ship’s Lido during each cruise, celebrating the vibrant culture of Texas.