Carnival Jubilee

The 2023-built Carnival Jubilee cruise ship is CCL fleet's newest and largest liner (fleet's 26th vessel) and the third/last unit of the XL-Class (aka EXCELLENCE) inaugurated in December 2023. Carnival's XL units in this series are from the German shipbuilder Meyer Werft (shipyard Papenburg).

Jubilee is the first Carnival ship constructed in Germany. As with all other "Fun Ships", the shipowner is Carnival Corporation - the world's largest passenger shipping company.

The vessel (IMO number 9851737) is currently Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311001390) and registered in Nassau. Previously, it was Panama-flagged (MMSI 352002723) and registered in Colon.

The XL-Class is similar in design and facilities to Excellence/Helios-Class ships produced for Carnival Corporation's brands Costa and AIDA by Meyer Werft. Other Excellence-Class liners (Carnival Jubilee sisterships) are Carnival Mardi Gras (2021) and Carnival Celebration (2022), as well as P&O Iona (2020), P&O Arvia (2022), Costa Smeralda (2019), Costa Toscana (2021), AIDAnova (2018), AIDAcosma (2021).

Carnival XL-Class ship design features a new (red-white-navy blue) hull and was created by the NYC-based naval architecture firm "Bluarch Architecture". Among the world's largest passenger ships, the new liner has length 1130 ft (344 m), passenger capacity 5200 (lower berths) and boasts the most advanced maritime technologies as well as various fleet-first and industry-first innovations.

Like the sisterships Mardi Gras and Celebration, Jubilee has the industry's first-at-sea roller coaster. The facility ("BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster") will be built by Maurer Rides (Munich Germany-based company) specializing in roller coaster design and manufacturing. The race track has length 244 m (800 ft), with twists, turns, drops and speeds up to 64 kph (40 mph). Individual speeds are posted after the race. Carnival's roller coaster is all-electric and allows 2 riders to race along in motorbike-like vehicles at height 57 m (187 ft) above the sea. The experience features breathtaking top-deck 360-degree views and ends with a high-speed turn around the funnel/smokestack.

On January 25, 2019, was announced that the new Carnival XL-class vessels will have 6 themed zones (neighborhoods).

Mardi Gras ship's neighborhoods are named Grand Central, French Quarter, Lido-Pool, La Piazza, Summer Landing, The Ultimate Playground.

Jubilee ship's neighborhoods are named Grand Central, Currents, Lido-Pool, The Shores, Summer Landing, The Ultimate Playground.

Decks and Cabins

Carnival Jubilee staterooms (a total of 2626 passenger cabins) are divided into 22 different categories, including 2-deck apartments (duplex suites) and 80 wheelchair-accessible cabins (for disabled passengers). All cabin bathrooms feature CCL fleet's first glass-door showers and in-shower shaving bar. Over 70% of all staterooms are outside, 300 pairs are connecting/family cabins.

The boat has 18 decks, of which 15 are passenger-accessible and 11 with cabins.

Cabin balconies are accessed via sliding floor-ceiling glass doors. The lounge area is furnished with new-type sofabeds (couch bed with footstools opening up for storage), under-bed storage (for suitcases), flexible reading lamps (bedside), mini-refrigerator with transparent glass door, plenty of power outlets, USB ports (on the vanity table and bedside), more shelving (for electronic devices), large wardrobe (with folding shelves, sliding shoe rack, 2 pull-out bins).

Like the Vista-class Carnival liners, Jubilee has Havana staterooms with a patio (indoor-outdoor space) with direct access to an exclusive Sundeck area with loungers, Bar and swimming pool. Another Vista-class type of cabins are Family Harbor (clustered near Camp Ocean/kids club) and with direct access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge. Cloud 9 Spa staterooms traditionally offer exclusive amenities, including premium bathrobes and slippers and Elemis brand toiletries.

The new Carnival ship Jubilee offers 180+ suites in 11 categories, including CCL's new premium category "Carnival Excel" suites (32 staterooms in 4 categories) with new VIP amenities and exclusive access to Loft 19 (resort-style, open-air sundeck). All ship suites offer a VIP amenities package including priority boarding/debarkation, bottled water upon arrival, priority MDR (main dining room) seating, plush bathrobes. Passengers in "Carnival Excel" suites receive as additional amenities:

• Dedicated concierge phone line
• Unlimited access to Loft 19
• Guaranteed specialty dining times (except Bonsai Teppanyaki, and Chef's Table)
• Complimentary room service, laundry, and Bottomless Bubbles soda package
• Fresh fruit basket and sparkling wine upon arrival
• Upgraded bathroom amenities

Shipboard facilities and amenities

The sisterships Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee have CCL fleet's largest Atriums and open-deck areas.

Grand Central (midship on Decks 6-7-8) is an expanded Atrium concept combining day-to-night entertainment complex with a bar lounge (overlooking the ship's starboard side) with 3-decks high floor-ceiling windows. From the Atrium are accessible the restaurants Bonsai Sushi, Bonsai Teppanyaki and Punchliner Comedy Club, as well as the intimate Piano Bar 88 (themed venue for sing-a-longs).

Currents (aft on decks 6-7) is lined with eateries and bars. This neighborhood is linked via 2-deck-high Promenade with "The Golden Mermaid" (bar lounge offering hand-crafted cocktails and live music).

The Shores (midship on Deck 8) is an ocean-themed zone housing two new 24-hour complimentary fast food venues - Coastal Slice (pizzas) and Beach Buns (mini-sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs), as well as the new Marina Bar (lounge with live music nightly).

Summer Landing (aft on Deck 8) houses Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Carnival's complimentary smoked-on-board BBQ food by Guy Fieri), The Watering Hole (outdoor bar with wide selections of cocktails and beers), ParchedPig (onboard- brewed craft beers), Heroes Tribute Lounge. Also in this neighborhood are located a lunch counter (for the Smokehouse-Brewhouse), an expansive outdoor deck area with two whirlpools and an infinity pool, a stage for live music, a sports bar featuring indoor and outdoor TV screens, hang-out space with trivia, dance classes, arts and crafts.

Heroes Tribute (bar lounge via partnership with Operation Homefront/USA-based nonprofit organization that provides services and supports military families and veterans) offers comfortable seating (leather armchairs with low tables) and large TVs (for live sporting events).

Lido (aft on Decks 16-17) houses Carnival's complimentary Pool Deck eateries Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina, and Guy's Burger Joint, plus the fleet's new venues "Street Eats" (grab-and-go eatery) and "Big Chicken by Shaq" (lunch and dinner take-away food bar)

The Ultimate Playground (aft on Decks 18-20) is a large family-friendly outdoor playground area highlighted by the fleet's largest Carnival WaterWorks (aquapark) and an expanded SportSquare (sports complex). Also here is the "BOLT - Ultimate Sea Coaster" (first at sea).

The new Carnival Jubilee also has CCL's signature facilities Serenity (adults-only resort), Alchemy Bar, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse. Further innovations are yet to be announced.

On Carnival Jubilee debuted two new for CCL ocean-themed zones/neighborhoods - Currents (decks 6-7) and The Shores (deck 8). Note: CURRENTS and THE SHORES on Jubilee replaced the Mardi Gras ship's respective zones French Quarter and La Piazza.

The Currents Zone (midship-aft on decks 6 and 7) changes from day to night and also throughout the current voyage. It is fitted with 6x large LED screens (serving as windows) and a wave-shaped LED ceiling for UHD media projections. Within the Currents Zone are the venues Dr. Inks Ph.D. Bar (serving ocean-themed and color-changing beverages, including cocktails and shots) and The Golden Mermaid Lounge (serving specialty cocktails and having a stage for live band music performances). Also on Deck 6 is the "Emeril's Bistro 717" (a specialty restaurant by Emeril Lagasse/CCL's Chief Culinary Officer).

Carnival Jubilee's Currents Zone is underwater-themed and provides a submarine-like experience.

• The "Seaquest: A Fun Sub Adventure" is a feature attraction comprising of the LED screens (Portals to the Sea/ flanking the Promenade), the LED ceiling (length 100 ft/31 m), interactive lighting, music and sound effects. Seaquest's "underwater excursion" visits different locations (including the fictional resort Carnival Seacation and the The Golden Mermaid's kingdom) and showcases various marine life.
• The Change the Currents activations transform the Currents Zone into six different underwater worlds, with each environment changing the Zone's ambiance (colors and sounds). The Create A Fish zone allows children to design their own sea creatures and watch them come to life on the LED screens.
• In the evenings, the Currents Zone displays different themes/destinations every night.
• The Soundwaves Jukebox is a music-activated visualizer that brings passenger-chosen songs to life through UHD media and light display.
• The Currents Atlas is an interactive map displaying real-time locations (satellite AIS tracking) of the entire CCL fleet, in addition to fun facts about marine creatures and their migratory patterns.

The Shores Zone (midship-aft on deck 8) is themed on seaside scenery (piers and beaches) and features a 3-deck-high (decks 6-7-8) fish art installation. The Shores' boardwalk features a Ferris wheel-themed ceiling and houses two complimentary fast food venues open 24 hours - Coastal Slice (pizza bar) and Beach Buns (mini-sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs), as well as the Cucina del Capitano (seafood restaurant) and the Marina Bar (lounge serving specialty coffees and cocktails, and with live music nightly).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

Carnival Jubilee's main dining rooms feature select items from the onboard steakhouse, available for an additional fee. Traditionally, shipboard dining includes a complimentary Lido Buffet Restaurant. A special venue is the New England-inspired casual eatery Seafood Shack. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating and the menu includes steamed lobster, lobster rolls, fried shrimp, fried clams, crab cakes, and other seafood surprises. Seafood Shack serves lunch and dinner and is priced a la carte starting at $4.

The ship has a Japanese specialty restaurant (named Bonsai Teppanyaki) located within the Bonsai Sushi restaurant (on Promenade-Havana Deck). The restaurant offers authentic Far East dishes and a live cooking show performance (by the chefs) at custom-built cooking stations positioned at the center of an 8-seat dining table. Due to the room's limited seating, reservations are required. Each meal at Bonsai Teppanyaki starts with a sampling of 5 appetizers (Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori, Spicy Tuna on Rocks). Combo dinners are also offered. Each meal ends with the specialty desserts "Chocolate Bento Box" and "Green Tea Ice Cream". The restaurant is open for lunch (seadays only) and for dinner (every night of the voyage). The cover charge/price is per person and covers the entire meal.

Available on all Fun Ships is Chef's Table (VIP dining experience / 12-guest capacity) that includes multicourse dinner with the Master Chef, private cocktail reception and galley/kitchen tour. This dining option usually takes place in a non-traditional venue (a dedicated room in the galley) and can be booked onboard for USD 75 per person.

Celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse has a specialty restaurant (located in the French Quarter of Deck 6 / portside). Lagasse is the chef and owner of 11 different restaurants, including 4 in New Orleans. He is a regular guest on Good Morning America (TV show) and has hosted 2000+ shows on Food Network (US pay-TV channel). Lagasse Restaurant offers New Orleans cuisine, including spicy creole specialties. Menu items include muffuletta sandwiches, oyster and cochon de lait po-boys, gumbo, jambalaya, side dishes (Creole potato salad with diced scallions, red beans, jazz-man rice), desserts (Bananas Foster, lemon icebox pie). For Breakfast are also offered Shrimp & Grits, and Shrimp Creole Omelet. A-la-carte menu appetizers cost US$2 each, entrees are priced at US$12.

New (currently available on XL-class Carnival ships only) drinking and dining venues are within the themed zones "Lido" (deck 16) and "Summer Landing" (Lanai/promenade deck 8 aft). These include RedFrog Tiki Bar, The Watering Hole, Street Eats, Big Chicken by Shaq.

• RedFrog Tiki Bar is a South Pacific Island-themed, 2-level bar designed as a variation of Carnival's poolside RedFrog Bar. New is the island-inspired outdoor decoration with floral patterns, vibrant colors, tiki heads. Located close to Guy's Burger Joint, RedFrog Tiki Bar offers refreshing cocktails (like Red's Rum Runner Jumper, Jungle Bird, Polynesian Punch) presented in souvenir glasses and pineapples.
• The Watering Hole (located within The Patio at Summer Landing) is a backyard-like designed outdoor bar with wide selections of cocktails and beers (including Carnival's own brands / canned and draft brews).
• Street Eats is an open-air complimentary eatery located next to Seafood Shack. It offers ready-to-eat street food via 3 themed kiosks (steamed, fried, and plancha food). The new grab-and-go dining venue has a daily rotating menu. Small plates (including falafel or empanadas) are available at the fried food station, siu mai or bao buns - at the steamed food outlet, and satay and kebabs at the plancha food kiosk.

Carnival Jubilee has the fleet's fourth "Big Chicken" restaurant at sea (by Shaquille O'Neal). Big Chicken by Shaq is located aft on Lido Deck. Many menu items are developed by the basketball player himself, the rest are based on the celebrity's favorite food recipes.

Rudi's Seagrill is another fleet-first dining venue (seafood restaurant by Rudi Sodamin / Holland America Line's Master Chef). Rudi's Seagrill is a specialty restaurant (at surcharge / reservation fee) located on Deck 8 (between Summer Landing and The Shores) with indoor (80 seats) and outdoor seating (al fresco dining on The Lanai). The Seagrill offers appetizers, entrees and desserts, with all menu items presented as food faces. Signature dishes include Bigeye Tuna, Lemon-Stuffed Grilled Branzino, Seared Scallops, Salt-Roasted Prawns, Broiled Lobster Tails, Crab Cake, Caramel Apple Cheesecake, Chocolate Truffle Cake. Non-seafood options are also on offer.

Jubilee's 2-deck-high Lido zone houses fleet's biggest "Guy's Burger Joint" (by Guy Fieri), the Mexican food bar BlueIguana Cantina, the New England-inspired Seafood Shack, and Lido Marketplace (ship's buffet restaurant). Other signature facilities in the area are Beach Pool (midship) and the infinity swimming pool Tides Pool (aft) with a bar, great stern views and ample seating. Lido-Pool Deck also houses deck parties and Dive-in Movies (at Carnival Seaside Theater/outdoor cinema).

Follows the complete list of Carnival Jubilee restaurants and food bars.

• Pacific Restaurant (2-level Aft Dining Room)
• Atlantic Restaurant is a dinner-only Dining Room (complimentary) with sit-down waiter service.
• "Emeril's Bistro 717" is the second-at-sea (after Mardi Gras ship's) restaurant by chef Emeril Lagasse (celebrity chef and owner of 11 different restaurants in the USA). The restaurant is on Deck 6 (starboard) and was named after the Jubilee ship's hull/Papenburg shipyard number (S717). A-la-carte menu appetizers cost US$2 each, entrees are priced at US$12. The restaurant offers New Orleans cuisine, including muffuletta sandwiches, side dishes (Creole potato salad with diced scallions, red beans, jazz-man rice), desserts (Bananas Foster, lemon icebox pie). For Breakfast are also offered Shrimp & Grits, and Shrimp Creole Omelet. Signature dishes at Emeril's Bistro 717 are chef's favorites Slow-Cooked Cochon de Lait Po'Boy (Boston butt pork roast), BBQ-Grilled Shrimp (large shrimp/peeled-deveined, tails attached), Emeril's Classic Seafood Gumbo (shrimp, fish, oysters), Cajun Jambalaya (boneless-skinless chicken thighs).
• Bonsai Sushi restaurant (including Bonsai Teppanyaki) serves Japanese cuisine specialties and drinks (a la carte priced menu).
• Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (indoor/outdoor seating, open between 6 - 9:30 pm) is a premium steakhouse-seafood restaurant at a surcharge (reservations recommended).
• The Chef's Table (private dining room) is a small room dedicated to the multi-course Chef's Table VIP dinner package (surcharged at $75 per person).
• The Shores Zone is ocean-themed and houses two 24-hour complimentary fast food venues - Coastal Slice (pizza bar) and Beach Buns (mini-sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs), as well as the Cucina del Capitano (seafood restaurant) and the Marina Bar (lounge serving specialty coffees and cocktails, and with live music nightly).
• Summer Landing houses Guy's Pig and Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (Carnival's complimentary smoked-on-board BBQ food by Guy Fieri) and ParchedPig (onboard-brewed craft beers).
• Lido houses Carnival's complimentary Pool Deck eateries Seafood Shack, BlueIguana Cantina (Mexican fast food bar), and Guy's Burger Joint
• BlueIguana Cantina is a complimentary poolside (self-serve) fast-food bar with Mexican cuisine serving the Beach Pool area.
• Lido Marketplace (self-service buffet restaurant)
• Big Chicken by Shaq (specialty restaurant by Shaquille O'Neal)
• Rudi's Seagrill (specialty restaurant by Rudi Sodamin)
• RedFrog Tiki Bar
• The Watering Hole
• Street Eats (grab-and-go eatery)

(deck 16/Lido) Chibang! is a new (introduced on the ship Mardi Gras) restaurant for signature Chinese and Mexican dishes (a la carte-priced), with two separate food menus plus a beverage menu (including specialty cocktails, like Chibang! Margarit, Smokey Mezcal Negroni, Green Tea Martini). The decor is marked by floor-ceiling windows (wall-to-wall), heavy red and green, with gold accents, a colorful dragon (at the entrance). Dishes include favorites like Kung Pao Chicken, Singapore Chili Shrimp/Prawn, Slow-Braised Pork Belly, Egg Drop Soup, Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos, Steak Ranchero, Mole de Pollo Mexicano, Pork Lomito, Pescado Frito Crujiente, Camarones a la Diabla (shrimp).

In mid-January 2018, CCL announced 4 new craft beers that will be brewed onboard Carnival Horizon (and on the new XL-class ships/Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee). The brews were developed by brewmaster Colin Presby. They are offered at Guy's Pig and Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse (Brewhouse), The names of the new draft beers are inspired by the BBQ offerings at the Smokehouse/Brewhouse.

• "ParchedPig Farmhouse Ale" is a lightly hopped dry finish beer.
• "ParchedPig Smoked Porter" is brewed with in-house smoked malt, hickory smoke, and molasses.
• "ParchedPig Toasted Amber Ale" has rich amber color and notes of toasted caramel and biscuit.
• "ParchedPig West Coast IPA" is a traditional West Coast India Pale Ale loaded with bitterness and a distinctive aroma of pine and citrus.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

The outdoor activity complex on Carnival Jubilee is named "The Ultimate Playground" (2-deck high) with SkyCourse, SportSquare, Carnival WaterWorks (fleet's largest aquapark with 3x spiraling waterslides, 1x 2-lane racing slide, 1x tipping bucket) and "BOLT - Ultimate Sea Coaster" (world's third rollercoaster at sea).

A signature outdoor fun facility is the ropes course SkyCourse (length 600 ft / 183 m). SkyCourse is part of the SportSquare (sports complex) with an indoor hangout, mini-bowling, mini-golf course, The Clubhouse, Ping-Pong area with tables, jogging track, interactive sports gaming, arcade basketball.

Located on top-deck (deck 19), Loft 19 is a new VIP leisure concept (secluded retreat for adults) designed as a premium resort complex. Here are offered full bar service, swimming pool, sunbathing area with cabanas, deckchairs and sun loungers available for rent. The cabanas are fully stocked with beverages, chilled towels, plush bathrobes and provide dedicated concierge service with lunch delivery and fresh fruits. Carnival Excel Suite passengers enjoy priority cabana reservations.

Follows the complete list of Carnival Jubilee lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Family Harbor Lounge (a dedicated to families space with 24-hour complimentary dining, concierge and babysitting service, movies, video games, board games by Hasbro).
• Jubilee Theater is the boat's main show lounge for grand-style show productions featuring live performances (tribute acts - singing and dancing) combined with sound and lighting special effects.
• Currents Zone's "The Golden Mermaid" bar lounge is a music-themed venue with live performances and hand-crafted cocktails.
• Punchliner Comedy Club/brunch (Karaoke, art auctions, nightly shows).
• Piano Bar 88 (cocktail bar) offers themed music nights, a grand piano for live performances by a resident pianist, singalongs, trivia quizzes.
• JavaBlue Cafe (open between 7-10 am, and between 4 pm-12:30 midnight) is a specialty patisserie/coffee bar.
• Havana Bar is an authentic Cuban cafe (cocktail/coffee bar) with live Latin music in the evenings. After midnight, the bar transforms into a Latin disco/nightclub.
• Cherry on Top (open between 4-10:30 pm) is a Carnival signature shop selling bulk candies by the oz (mix and match, sugar-free, assortments), confections (lollipops, sweet apples, truffles, chocolate deep cheesecakes and pretzels, cupcakes, fudge, cookies /and sugar-free).
• The Fun Shops is named the shipboard duty-free shopping complex of retail stores (open between 8 am - 12 midnight).
• Special Occasions shop sells Bon Voyage wines/champagnes/liquor, Carnival cruise packages, specialty items, and gifts.
• Jubilee Casino is a Vegas-style gambling casino equipped with various slot machines (Coinless Fun Slot Machines) and gaming tables (Craps, Roulette, Black Jack 21, Caribbean Stud Poker, dealer-free poker tables).
• Limelight Lounge offers live evening entertainment by vocalists, musicians, comedians, karaoke.
• Lanai promenade (with outdoor seats, served by Lanai Bar-BQ Bar).
• Alchemy Bar is a vintage-themed cocktail bar (drink pharmacy) where professional mixologists (dressed in lab coats) serve handcrafted cocktails and made-to-order drinks from unique ingredients.
• Dreams Studio (photo sessions studio)
• Pixels Photo Gallery and Shop (professional photo-video services, duty-free equipment, and accessories, photos on display available for purchasing)
• Havana Outside is the Havana complex' pool area (1 swimming pool /Havana Pool, live palm trees).
• Tides Pool (aft) has 1 swimming pool flanked by 2 Whirlpools and a large sunbathing area served with drinks by the Tides Bar.
• Circle C (kids club lounge), Club O2 (teens club lounge)
• Warehouse (Video Arcade)
• Camp Ocean (formerly known as "Camp Carnival" - youth activities program)
• Creative Cove (a dedicated room for kids arts-crafts and workshops)
• Dr Seuss Bookville is a family-themed indoor playground (kids room/library) fitted with all Dr Seuss books (available for reading), fun games, themed decorations and activities (Dr Seuss characters, memorable phrases from the books, character meet-and-greets). Other themed events held on the ship include Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (at Main Dining Rooms), Story Time (at Camp Carnival), Seuss-A-Palooza Parade (Promenade Deck show).
• Carnival Cloud 9 Spa (wellness complex)
• The Fitness Center/Gymnasium (complimentary)
• Loft 19 Retreat offers full bar service and a swimming pool surrounded by cabanas.
• The Ultimate Playground is a large (2-decks high) family-friendly outdoor playground with fleet's largest Carnival WaterWorks (aquapark), expanded SportSquare (sports complex with a basketball court, ropes course, jogging track, mini-golf) and "BOLT - Ultimate Sea Coaster" (world's 3rd rollercoaster at sea).

Serenity is the ship's adults-only retreat (complimentary/free entry for passengers 21+ yo) accessible at any time. This is a forward-location outdoor area/sundeck with 2x Jacuzzies/whirlpools (large-size outdoor hot tubs, cantilevered/infinity pool type, with glass walls), 2x massage huts, cabanas, Fresh Creations (complimentary chopped salad station for made-to-order fresh salads), Spritz Bar/Serenity Bar (waiter-served beverages), and an exclusive sundeck for relaxation, sunbathing and evening dance parties. Both bars and the whirlpools are available between 8 am - 10 pm. Hours may vary depending on cruise itinerary, portdays/seadays, weather.

Serenity Deck is furnished with hammocks, premium wicker chaise lounges and clamshell chairs (plush seating, teal cushions), shaded seating areas with double loungers and plush wicker sofas, live trees for decoration. At regular bar prices, Serenity Bar's menu offers drinks and refreshments (cocktails, beer/buckets, wine by the glass, frozens, smoothies, shakes, sodas).

Grand Central (midship on Decks 6-8) is an expanded Atrium concept combining day-to-night entertainment complex with a bar lounge (overlooking the ship's starboard side) with 3-decks high floor-ceiling windows.

Carnival Cruise Line's entertainment team partnered with celebrity directors from Los Angeles (Broadway) and London (West End) to create 3 new signature shows - part of the onboard "Playlist Productions" revues. The new shows (named "Celestial Strings", "Soulbound", "Vintage Pop") use the full capacity of the interactive LED screens. A 4th show ("Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance") is also available on the Horizon ship. It was introduced in 2017 on Carnival Vista.

• "Celestial Strings" show is themed on classical music mixed with modern pop.
• "Soulbound" is a gothic-inspired, New Orleans-themed show featuring R&B music favorites.
• "Vintage Pop" show is themed on "Gatsby's Cotton Club", featuring modern songs recomposed into classic jazz interpretations performed live by a 6-piece jazz band.
• "Amor Cubano - A Caribbean Dance Romance" show is themed on classic Latin songs mixed with modern music hits. It is held at the Havana Bar and highlighted by a 7-piece Cuban music band.

To pay homage to Texas, to Jubilee's Playlist Productions shows was added the new interactive pop musical "Dear Future Husband". The onboard live entertainment also includes CCL's popular game shows "Family Feud Live" and "Deal or No Deal".

The ship's new and reimagined live entertainment offerings for families with children also include:

• "Space Cruisers Program" (via partnership with Kennedy Space Center) - Jubilee introduced a high-tech space wall (inside Camp Ocean) with a large LED screen resembling a space capsule dashboard and showcasing NASA imagery.
• "See The World Program" (based on LED technology creating virtual "portholes"/Currents Zone) - allows kids to design unique sea creatures. The program is for teens and was expanded with the Panagbenga Festival (flower parades and culture-themed activities).
• "Night Owls Camp Out" is a new evening entertainment program with outdoor activities like fort building and obstacle courses.
• "Dr. Seuss Celebrations" is an extension of CCL's popular Dr. Seuss Breakfast transformed into a birthday party. The Seuss-a-palooza Parade on Jubilee has a new character - Fox in Socks, who creates an underwater world on LED screens.
• "Seuss-a-palooza Story Time" (interactive storytelling program) includes the book "Green Eggs & Ham".
• "Planet Play at Sea" is a space-themed toddler playground modeled after the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex's Planet Play.

Enhanced facial recognition technology in the youth area ensures secure authentication for child and adult matches during entry and exit.

Itineraries

Carnival Jubilee's itinerary program is based on year-round Caribbean roundtrips leaving from homeport Galveston (Texas USA). The inaugural cruise season was originally planned to start on October 30, 2023, with an 18-day Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to Texas (call ports Vigo, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Funchal Madeira, Grand Turk). The Caribbean Maiden Voyage was scheduled for November 18th. However, due to construction delays, the liner's delivery was postponed and the Maiden Voyage was rescheduled for December 23rd (6x sailings were canceled in Dec 2022/the Transatlantic from Europe to the USA plus 5x Caribbean departures).

The 7-day Western Caribbean roundtrips from Galveston visit Mexico (Cozumel and Costa Maya) and Honduras (Isla Roatan's Mahogany Bay).

Carnival Jubilee cruises were open for booking on January 25, 2021.

CCL's homeporting operations in Galveston started in 2000. From Galveston Carnival offers cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean, visiting ports in Bahamas (Nassau, Freeport, Half Moon Cay), Florida (Key West), Mexico (Cozumel, Costa Maya), Honduras (Roatan), Belize City.

During their inaugural seasons, Jubilee's sisterships were homeported in Florida's Port Canaveral (Mardi Gras/2021) and Miami (Celebration/2022).

The shipbuilding order (Meyer Werft yard number / hull S717) was placed by Carnival Corporation (shipowner) with the shipbuilder Meyer Werft (Papenburg Shipyard Germany) on February 27, 2018. The order was for a 3rd unit (EXCEL/Excellence class) and was originally planned for the Corporation's German subsidiary AIDA Cruises as a sistership to/same designed as AIDAnova and the AIDAcosma. Back then, this was the 98th cruise ship order for the industry's global fleet (vessels in the order book 2018-2026). However, in June 2021 was announced that the newbuild will be instead assigned to the CCL fleet.

On June 23, 2021, CCL-Carnival announced plans to add two additional ships to its fleet by 2023. The vessels included an EXCEL-class unit (Carnival Jubilee/2023-built) and Costa Magica (2004-built/joins CCL in 2022-H1).

The vessel's name (Carnival Jubilee), IMO number (9851737) and homeport (Galveston TX) were officially announced on November 11, 2021, by Christine Duffy (CCL's President). The new ship's name honors MS Jubilee (1986-built/2017-scrapped in Alang India) - CCL's second (out of three) Holiday-class liners, with sisterships MS Holiday (1985-built/2021-scrapped as "CMV Magellan") and MS Celebration (1987-built/2021-scrapped as "Grand Celebration").

For the newbuild (yard number S717), on October 1, 2021, Meyer Werft contracted Silverstream Technologies (London UK-based company specializing in the development and installation of hull air lubrication systems). The technology is based on releasing air bubbles from the full-length hull's flat bottom (12x ARUs/Air Release Units) that generate a dense carpet of microbubbles for reducing water resistance (resulting in better fuel efficiancy/~5%) and improving maneuverability during navigation. The same system (by Silverstream Technologies) was installed on P&O Arvia (2022) and on Diamond Princess (2004).

Like most large-sized newbuilds, the new Carnival Jubilee is LNG-powered, with 4x Caterpillar Marine LNG engines (model MaK 16M-46DF) generating combined output 57,2 MW. The propulsion system is based on two Azimuting thrusters with combined power output 37 MW. The ship has 3x LNG tanks (cryogenic steel) with total capacity ~3200 m3. Two of the tanks are larger (length 35 m / 115 ft, diameter 8 m / 26 ft, gas capacity 1525 m3), while the 3rd tank has length 28 m (92 ft), diameter 5 m (16 ft) and gas capacity 520 m3. The vessel's bunkering takes ~8 hours and her LNG capacity is enough for ~14 days of operation (navigation and onboard electricity production).

For its LNG-bunkering operations in Florida (at homeports PortMiami and Port Canaveral), CCL-Carnival partnered with Royal Dutch Shell plc as fuel supplier.

The vessel's construction officially started on March 18, 2022, with the steel-cutting ceremony held at the Papenberg shipyard. The special event was attended by Christine Duffy (CCL's President) and Jan Meyer (Meyer Werft GmbH's Managing Director).

The physical construction/assembly started with the keel-laying/coin ceremony held on July 21, 2022, at Meyer Werft Papenburg and attended by Christine Duffy, Ben Clement (CCL's Senior VP of Newbuilds, Refurbishments & Product Innovation) and Bernard Meyer (Meyer Werft's Managing Director).

CCL's 26th ship was launched/floated out from drydock, on July 22, 2023, then was moved to the shipyard's outfitting pier. Carnival Jubilee's hull livery has a unique feature - a Texas star on the bow. During the launch ceremony, Christine Duffy commented that this is a symbol of CCL's commitment to Port Galveston, as Carnival was the first cruise line that started homeporting in Galveston year-round.

CCL's symbolic winged funnel/smokestack was installed on July 25th.

In August, CCL announced that Jubilee's senior officers - Captain Andrea Catalani (Master, with CCL since 1999), Vittorino Perasole (Chief Engineer, with CCL since 1998), Pierre Camilleri (Hotel Director, with CCL since 2004), Kyndall Magyar (Cruise Director, with CCL since 2016), Matthew Boyd (Entertainment Director, with CCL since 2010).

During the Ems River conveyance (from Papenburg to Eemshaven Holland), the vessel navigated the waterway in reverse/backward, being assisted by two tugboats. It left Papenburg at 8:30 AM UTC (Oct 30) and arrived in Eemshaven at 3:56 AM UTC (Oct 31).

North Sea/Baltic Sea trials were completed in two phases - November 7-10th and November 14-17th. On Nov 10th, the ship visited Skagen Denmark and remained at anchorage for 5 hours. Following technical and nautical trials in open sea, Carnival Jubilee returned to Eemshaven for further outfitting.

In November Carnival announced that Jubilee would be the fleet's first liner offering 5G connectivity/mobile phone service. The service is provided via partnership with WMS/Wireless Maritime Services LLC (2005-founded, Miramar Florida-based company) specializing in cellular networks for high-performance/fast connectivity at sea.

Carnival Jubilee was officially delivered to CCL by Meyer Werft GmbH & Co KG on December 4th (2023) in Port Bremerhaven. The delivery event was attended by Christine Duffy, Ben Clement, Jan Meyer, as well as the ship’s senior officers.

For Carnival Jubilee, Meyer Werft contracted Almaco Group for planning, designing, building, supply/installation and commissioning of the ship's all provisioning stores. The project (completed in December 2023) included fixed furniture, air supply connections, electrical works, carpeting, ceiling enhancements, finishing of 1000+ staterooms. All cabins were prefabricated, delivered and installed by the subcontractor EMS PreCab GmbH.

The ship's christening ceremony was on February 24, 2024, held at Port Galveston. The naming event was invitation-only and led by godmother Gwen Renee Stefani (1969-born American singer and songwriter, co-founder and lead vocalist/songwriter of "No Doubt"/1986-formed rock band). Live-streamed online, the 45-min event was hosted by Kyndall Fire (Carnival Jubilee's Cruise Director) and attended by Christine Duffy and Craig Brown (Galveston City's Mayor). The live entertainment included a rope trick performance and rendition of the Star Spangled Banner (USA’s national anthem). Galveston's Mayor bestowed CCL's President with the city keys and proclaimed February 24th as "Carnival Jubilee Day". Notably, the date coincided with what would have been the 100th birthday of Ted Arison (CCL's Founder/1924-1999).

Inaugural cruise itineraries 2023

The next tables show the ship's Maiden Voyage/inaugural Caribbean cruise out of Galveston (Texas USA).

Note: Due to construction delays/shipyard issues, 6x voyages scheduled for 2023 (Nov 30 through Dec 16/including) were canceled.

(Maiden Voyage/CANCELED) 18-day westbound Transatlantic crossing from Europe/UK to Texas USA ($1445 pp)

(new MAIDEN VOYAGE) 7-day Western Caribbean itinerary ($945 pp)

Godspeed!