Carnival Jubilee Joins the Fleet: A New Era of Cruising from Galveston
Carnival Cruise Line has officially expanded its fleet with the addition of its latest gem, Carnival Jubilee, which was ceremoniously delivered during an event with shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany. This significant addition marks the third Excel Class ship for Carnival and the fifth new vessel to join the fleet since 2021.
Carnival Jubilee is now en route from Germany across the Atlantic to its new home in Galveston, Texas. There, it is set to enhance Carnival’s offerings with year-round, week-long Western Caribbean itineraries, contributing significantly to the cruise line’s capacity.
With a gross tonnage of 183,000, Carnival Jubilee is a behemoth of the seas, capable of accommodating up to 6,400 passengers and 1,750 crew members. The ship’s inaugural voyage from Galveston is eagerly anticipated for December 23.
The delivery event was attended by notable figures including Carnival president Christine Duffy, senior vice president Ben Clement, and Jan Meyer, managing director of Meyer Werft. Duffy highlighted the ship’s critical role in Carnival’s dynamic offerings, especially in Galveston, one of the cruise line’s most popular homeports. From the exhilarating roller coaster, BOLT, to the tranquil Serenity retreat, Carnival Jubilee promises an unprecedented level of fun and relaxation for its guests.
Carnival Jubilee is not only a testament to Carnival’s commitment to enhancing its fleet but also plays a pivotal role in the company’s growth strategy. In recent years, Carnival has introduced several ships, including Mardi Gras, Carnival Luminosa, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Venezia, with Carnival Firenze set to join in April 2024.
Galveston is a focal point in Carnival’s expansion plans. By October 2024, the cruise line will operate four ships from this Texas port: Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Miracle, with Carnival Jubilee featuring a Texas star on its bow as a symbol of its dedication to the region.
The ship will operate from Terminal 25 at the Port of Galveston, recently upgraded with a $53 million renovation to accommodate this new addition. Notably, Carnival Jubilee is the first Galveston-based cruise ship to run on liquified natural gas and the third in Carnival’s fleet to use this eco-friendly fuel.
Moreover, Carnival Jubilee is set to be the first ship in the Carnival fleet and the first cruise ship in North America to offer 5G mobile connectivity, thanks to a partnership with Wireless Maritime Service.
In preparation for its transatlantic journey, the ship’s senior officers have been conducting seaworthiness trials, ensuring that Carnival Jubilee is ready to set sail and offer its guests a unique, state-of-the-art cruising experience.