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Carnival Jubilee cruise ship, the Excel-class flagship homeported in Galveston
Carnival Cruise Line · Excel Class

Carnival Jubilee

Carnival's Excel-class flagship — the biggest, most fun ship to sail from Texas.

© Ein Dahmer / WC / CC BY-SA 4.0
Launched
2023
Gross Tonnage
183,521 GT
Passengers
5,228
Decks
19
Home Port
Galveston, Texas

Carnival Jubilee is the third ship in Carnival's impressive Excel class, debuting in December 2023 as the largest ship ever homeported in Galveston, Texas. Powered by LNG for cleaner operations, she packs 19 decks of signature Carnival fun — from celebrity-chef restaurants and the BOLT roller coaster to poolside party decks and Broadway-inspired entertainment. If you're driving to Galveston and want maximum value and entertainment, this is your ship.

✦ The standout feature

BOLT — the electric roller coaster that launched on Mardi Gras now races across Carnival Jubilee too. At speeds up to 40 mph, two decks above the ocean, it's the most exhilarating 90 seconds at sea.

What’s Onboard

🍽️

Dining

  • Emeril's Bistro 1396 by Emeril Lagasse
  • Cucina del Capitano (Italian family restaurant)
  • Guy's Burger Joint (fan favourite)
  • Big Chicken by Shaquille O'Neal
  • JiJi Asian Kitchen
  • BlueIguana Cantina & Seafood Shack
🌊

Pools & Recreation

  • Summer Landing rooftop waterpark with 4 slides
  • BOLT electric roller coaster (40 mph)
  • Serenity adults-only sun deck & pool
  • Sports court, mini golf & fitness centre
  • Two main pools and splash zones
  • Carnival WaterWorks slide complex
🎭

Entertainment

  • Playlist Productions (Broadway-inspired shows)
  • Punchliner Comedy Club
  • Piano Bar 88
  • RedFrog Pub & Brewery
  • Heroes Tribute Lounge
  • Bingo, game shows & live music all day
🛏️

Cabins

  • Interior, Oceanview, Balcony & Excel Suite categories
  • Family Harbour Suites (connecting family rooms)
  • Excel Suites with priority boarding and lounge access
  • Cloud 9 Spa Staterooms with spa amenities
  • Carnival's first SkySuite with panoramic views
  • 2,641 staterooms total
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Family & Kids

  • Camp Ocean by age group (2–11 years)
  • Circle 'C' teens programme (12–14)
  • Club O2 teen zone (15–17)
  • Summer Landing waterpark with dedicated kids' slides
  • Family Harbour Lounge with self-serve breakfast
  • Hasbro, The Game Show — live interactive family show

Video Tour

Carnival Jubilee — Full Walkthrough Ship Tour & Review

✓ Best for
  • Budget-conscious families
  • Gulf Coast travellers (drive-to Galveston)
  • Groups of friends wanting a party atmosphere
  • First-time cruisers on a budget
✗ Not the right fit for

Travellers seeking a quiet, sophisticated experience or international itineraries. Carnival Jubilee is designed for fun — it can get lively and loud.

Typical pricing

7-night Caribbean from ~$700/pp (inside) to $2,200+/pp (suite)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Carnival Jubilee sail from Galveston?
Galveston is a major drive-to cruise port for Texas and the Southern US. Carnival Jubilee was specifically homeported here to serve the large Texas market — millions of passengers can drive to the port without flying.
What is the BOLT roller coaster like?
BOLT is a single-passenger electric coaster that runs around the top deck. Each rider controls their own speed (up to 40 mph) via a handlebar throttle. It's 800 feet long and runs two decks above the ocean. Height minimum is 51 inches.
Is Carnival Jubilee good for families?
Absolutely. The kids' clubs are well-run, Summer Landing waterpark is excellent for children, and the value pricing makes family travel affordable. The Family Harbour section has connecting staterooms and a dedicated family lounge.
How does Jubilee compare to Mardi Gras?
Both are Excel-class ships with nearly identical layouts. The main differences are homeport (Jubilee is Galveston; Mardi Gras is Port Canaveral) and a few venue differences. Jubilee has Emeril's Bistro and Piano Bar 88; Mardi Gras has different specialty restaurants.
Carnival Cruise Line Ships