Cruising on Carnival Jubilee: Everything You Need to Know About the Newest Fun Ship at Sea
Published: December 12, 2025 7:10 AM
If you’re dreaming of a vacation that mixes cutting-edge thrills, ocean views for days, next-level dining, and Carnival’s signature fun-loving vibe… Carnival Jubilee is calling your name. I’m sailing December 20–27, 2025, and I’m so excited — it’ll be my second Christmas-at-sea, and honestly there’s nothing more magical than spending the holidays on a cruise ship. I’m counting down already! Let’s dive into what makes this mega-ship one of the most exciting cruise experiences sailing today.
Why Carnival Jubilee Is One Of Carnival’s Best Ships
Carnival Jubilee is the newest addition to Carnival’s Excel Class lineup, joining Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. She’s bright, bold, and built for people who want to have fun without taking themselves too seriously. Carnival Jubilee mirrors her two sister ships with BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster. Although an additional cost, it is a must do! How many people can say they have rode a roller coaster on a cruise ship?! Whether you ride it on a sea day or while in port you will take in amazing 360° views!
You will also get:
- Brand-new themed zones you can’t find on any other Carnival ship
- Food options that range from foodie-level to “I just want the late night snack buffet at 2AM” (would not recommend!)
- More power outlets, more USB-C outlets, better technology, and stronger onboard Wi-Fi
- Carnival’s classic energy, entertainment, and party-all-week vibe
This ship is massive but doesn’t feel overwhelming. Everything is walkable and easy to navigate — and every turn seems to reveal a bar, a lounge, or some random fun happening that pulls you in.
Top Highlights of Carnival Jubilee
BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster
You haven’t lived until you’ve zoomed around the top deck of a cruise ship at 40 mph with the ocean flying by beneath you. You control the speed. You scream as loud as you want. You brag afterward. The times are not posted for a photographer to play paparazzi while you ride so be sure to have a partner there to snap some pictures or record video.
Here I am on Bolt on Carnival Celebration in August of 2023! I have rode Bolt on Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration numerous times!
New Zones Unique to Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee has two themed zones you won’t find on Celebration or Mardi Gras:
Currents – A futuristic underwater dreamscape. LED wall panels, wavy LED lit ceiling panels, immersive music — it’s basically an underwater corridor with bars and eateries woven throughout. Instead of Fortune Teller Bar on Mardi Gras or Latitudes Bar on Carnival Celebration you have Dr. Inks Ph D Bar.
The Shores with beach vibes with Beach Buns serving up deli-style sandwiches and Coastal Slice serving up some of the best pizza at sea! If you like really thin crust! Quinch your thirst at the Marina Bar featuring both indoor and outdoor service on the Promenade.
Dining You’ll Actually Crave
Carnival Jubilee hits all the big favorites:
- Chibang! (Asian + Mexican fusion)
- Emeril’s Bistro
- Guy’s Burger Joint
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse (featured photo)
- Rudi’s Seagrill
- Shaq’s Big Chicken
- The Pacific Dining Room (beautiful new design)
Oh, and the pizza? Still free. Still worth the line.
Bars You’ll Fall in Love With
- Alchemy Bar (40 is the new 20 – my favorite!)
- Dr. Inks
- Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse
- Havana Bar
- Marina Bar
- Piano Bar
- The Golden Mermaid (gorgeous cocktails + Art Deco fantasy vibes)
- The RedFrog Tiki Bar (two levels — rum for everyone)
Don’t forget the exclusive cocktails at Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki!
Cabins Built for Comfort
The upgraded Excel-class rooms feel more modern and peaceful with:
- Bathrooms with glass shower doors (except in accessible cabins)
- Sliding balcony doors
- Softer lighting
- USB-C outlets beside the bed and at the vanity
The Excel Suites? Chef’s kiss. Wraparound balconies, hot tubs, walk-in closets, and priority everything.
Just keep in mind that the rooms alternate with bed by bathroom and bed by balcony doors (or window in Oceanview rooms) as seen in the images above. Do you have a preference? Let us know in the comments. I prefer the bed by the bathroom so when sitting on the couch you are closer to those ocean views!
Where Carnival Jubilee Sails
Jubilee sails from Galveston, Texas, making it a huge win for cruisers who love easy parking, cheaper flights, and southern sunshine.
Typical 7-day itineraries include:
- Cozumel
- Costa Maya
- Roatán
- Other Western Caribbean favorites
The port days feel perfectly spaced — enough time to party, rest, or explore without burning out.
My Itinerary
Day 1 | Saturday | Galveston
December 20, 2025
Transportation HOU Airport to Port | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM (Pier Arrival Times)
Keep in mind that you must check in by 11:00 am at the airport meeting spot. The bus was super nice! A newer Prevost bus with leather seats, USB and power outlets. and a foot rest.
Lunch: Big Chicken
I was a bit disappointed. I LOVE the seasoned fries but they were serving unseasoned crinkle fries. The ship was still being loaded with provisions so I am hoping they just ran out and have them later in the voyage! I will check again!
My order:
- 3 Chicken Strips
- Fries
Dinner: Fahrenheit 555 | 8:00 PM
Great service and food as always!
My order:
- Starter: Classic Caesar Salad, no dressing and light parmesan
- Entree: Broiled Filet Mignon (9 oz), butterflied and cooked medium well (it was cooked perfect!)
- Dessert: Cheesecake with Hazelnut Biscuit
- Sides:
- Yukon Gold Mash
- Mac N’ Cheese (I had never tried the Mac N’ Cheese before. It was very good! I will get again!)
If you are looking for a cocktail before dinner, stop by the bar at the steakhouse for a lemon drop. It was so good that I got a second one at dinner!
Day 2 | Sunday | Fun Day At Sea
December 21, 2025
Breakfast: Pacific Dining Room – Seaday Brunch
Crab & Avocado Sandwich
My order:
- Crab & Avocado Sandwich ($8 up charge – worth every penny!)
- Hashed Brown Potatoes
- Hickory Smoked Slice Bacon
- Was also given fries so they must come with the sandwich but was not shown on the menu.
Lunch: I skipped lunch. Still full from breakfast!
Dinner: Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse
My order:
- Starter: None
- Entree: Blue Ribbon Chicken (White), 18 Hour Brisket, Smoked Pulled Pork Butt
- Dessert: None
While my favorite is The Pig & Anchor Melt, I chose the 3 meats because I didn’t feel like eating bread after the sandwich at breakfast. I will get my melt before the cruise ends!
Playlist Production: Dear Future Husband
This is a newer show that I had not seen before. It was a decent show without acrobatics. It is described as : A post 2000’s Pop adventure where the Playlist Cast prepares to celebrate the nuptials in a fun wedding romance.
One thing I missed after the post-Covid restart was that the cast no longer did an after show party or a meet and greet. However, if you attend the late show there is an after party at Dr.Inks! That was a lot of fun! Conga lines, dance floor and selfies with the cast!
Day 3 | Monday | Cozumel
December 22, 2025
Breakfast: Big Chicken
My Order:
- 3 Chicken Strips
- Fries
Port: Cozumel
I did not schedule an excursion in Cozumel. I explored the shops at the pier and enjoyed the sunny weather!
Lunch: BlueIguana Cantina
Always fresh tortillas/taco shells!
My order:
- 2 Chicken Tacos
- Tomato
- Cheese
Dinner: Cucina del Capitano
I am usually not a fan of Cucina del Capitano. But this visit was really nice! The bread was still warm from the oven. It was so good I had 3 pieces!
My Order:
- Starter: Nonna’s Meat Balls (San Marzano sauce, roasted chili salsa, provolone, and parmesan)
- Entree: Penne Pomodoro (robust roasted tomato sauce)
- Dessert: None
Day 4 | Tuesday | Costa Maya
December 23, 2025
Breakfast: Big Chicken
My Order:
- Chicken Biscuit (biscuit with 2 chicken strips)
- Fries
Port: Costa Maya
Texas Star on Carnival Jubilee in Costa Maya
I did not schedule an excursion in Costa Maya. I explored the shops at the pier and took at taxi to their ‘downtown’. It was a traditional downtime by any means. The street was basically a walking path along the beach with vendors selling massages, water sports gear, and tons of restaurants. You would be seated on the beach area at tables and they would bring you your food from a restaurant on the other side of the street. The weather turned to rain and wind so I headed back to the ship.
Lunch: Guy’s Burger Joint
My order:
- Plain Jane
- No SMC (Super Melty Cheese)
- Chili Sauce
Treat: Swirls Soft Serve & FroYo
- 2 Bowls of Chocolate FroYo
Dinner: Your Time Dining | 5:30-9:00
My order:
- Starter: Chicken Noodle Soup and Crab and Shrimp Cake
- Entree: Jambalaya Pasta – good but spicy!
- Dessert: Fresh Tropical Fruit
Day 5 | Wednesday | Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras
December 24, 2025
Breakfast: Big Chicken
My order:
- 3 Chicken Strips
Port: Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Honduras
I did not schedule an excursion in Honduras. The area around the pier is very nice. I love the way they kept all aspects of nature and built around it. The are is so full of native trees and bushes. My favorite stops this trip. There are tons of shops, an open air market, a coffee/tea shop, an open air restaurant, nature trails, a beach, and plenty of photo props.
Lunch: Guy’s Burger Joint
My order:
- Plane Jane
- No SMC (Super Melty Cheese)
- Lettuce
- Onion
- Tomato
- Fries
Treat: Swirls Soft Serve and FroYo
- 1 Bowl of Chocolate FroYo
- 1 Cone of Chocolate FroYo
After lunch while walking through the Lido deck I noticed they had made a Santa and Reindeer out of towel animals. I am sure the kids really enjoyed seeing that when they returned to the ship!
Towel Animal Santa and Reindeer on Carnival Jubilee
Dinner: ChiBang
My order:
- All Appetizers:
- Super Loaded Nachos (chili, three beans, guajillo, tres quesos, pico de gallo, birria sauce, jalapeño, and guacamole – no crema)
- Quesadilla (queso blanco, queso Oaxaca, roasted tomato salsa)
- Taco de Carnitas (slow braised pork with guacamole and jalapeños)
If you have ever tried the Geisha martini in Bonsai Sushi or Bonsai Teppanyaki, you can also get it in Chibang! I was told they share the same bar–and it is true! Just ask your server for it since it is not on the menu.
Playlist Production: Soulbound
Set to the greatest R&B hits of all time, the devious characters will haunt you with a sinister story of mischief, mayhem and dastardly deeds. Being bad never felt so good.
Day 6 | Thursday | Fun Day At Sea
December 25, 2025
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Cucina del Capitano
My order:
- Starter: Mixed Greens Salad (iceberg, little gem, rucola, potatoes, ripe tomatoes, olives, cucumber, mustard vinaigrette–so good!)
- Main: Penne Pomodoro (robust roasted tomato sauce, Parmesan cheese — add chicken, bacon, and meat balls)
If you are wanting to eat as close to opening time, reservations open about 20 minutes before in the app.
Dinner: Fahrenheit 555 | 6:00 PM
Great service and food as always!
My order:
- Starter: Classic Caesar Salad, no dressing and light parmesan
- Entree: Broiled Filet Mignon (9 oz), butterflied and cooked medium well
- Dessert: Cheesecake with Hazelnut Biscuit
- Sides:
- Yukon Gold Mash
- Mac N’ Cheese
If you are looking for a cocktail before dinner, stop by the bar at the steakhouse for a lemon drop!
Playlist Production: Celestial Strings
A symphonic rock and pop experience! Embark on a magical journey with Elysium Strings and the Playlist Performers as they reimagine contemporary hits with electrifying strings.
Day 7 | Friday | Fun Day At Sea
December 26, 2025
Breakfast: None
Lunch: Bonsai Teppanyaki Lunch | 1:45 PM
My order:
- Starters: Miso Soup, Pork Belly Yakitori (sesame asparagus fries, seaweed salad) – did not eat!, Spicy Tuna on the Rocks (onion sesame sauce, den miso)
- Main: Fried Rice and Stir-fried Vegetables with Filet Mignon & Shrimp
- Dessert: Green Tea Ice Cream Cake
- Drinks: (2) Geisha (Absolut Citron Vodka, Pomegranate Liqueur, Agave Nectar, Fresh Lime Juice)
Dinner: ChiBang
My order:
- All Appetizers:
- Super Loaded Nachos (chili, three beans, guajillo, tres quesos, pico de gallo, birria sauce, jalapeño, and guacamole – no crema)
- Taco de Carnitas (slow braised pork with guacamole and jalapeños)
- Taco de Asador (grilled steak, refried sweet potato with roasted tomato salsa)
If you have ever tried the Geisha martini in Bonsai Sushi or Bonsai Teppanyaki, you can also get it in Chibang! I was told they share the same bar–and it is true! Just ask your server for it since it is not on the menu.
Comedy Show: You’ve Got A Friend in Me with Cruise Director Andy
Day 8 | Saturday | Galveston
December 27, 2025
Breakfast: None
Transportation: Port to HOU Airport | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Entertainment & Activities: Never a Dull Moment
Theaters with full Broadway-style productions
- Family Feud Live on the main stage
- Hilarious comedians at the Punchliner Comedy Club
- Next level water park with legit slides
- Trivia, games, deck parties, and poolside contests
- Sailaway and Mega Deck Party that turn the whole ship into a dance floor
This is the ship if you like your vacations lively.
Who Carnival Jubilee Is Perfect For
You’ll love this ship if you want:
- A fun, upbeat vibe
- Tons of food included
- Shows, pools, bars, and activities at every turn
- Value without sacrificing the “wow” factor
- A ship with personality
It’s awesome for:
- Couples
- Families
- Bachelorette/bachelor trips
- Friend groups
- Solo cruisers who love meeting people
Tips for Making the Most of Your Carnival Jubilee Cruise
- Book specialty dining early — especially Rudi’s and Bonsai Teppanyaki.
- Reserve BOLT on embarkation day for rides at different times throughout your cruise. Check often for open reservation slots.
- Grab a drink at The Golden Mermaid — it’s magical.
- Don’t skip Emeril’s Brunch (and Sea Day Brunch!)
- Book a room on Deck 10 or 11 for easy access to everything without noise.
- Download the Carnival Hub App before your cruise for show times, menus, chat, reservations, and your account summary.
Pay smarter at sea! Snag 8% off Carnival gift cards at Raise.com and use them to pay for anything on the ship (and your cruise!) — and if you’re new to Raise, enjoy an extra $10 bonus just for signing up! For transparency, I will also get $10 if you sign up for raise and use my referral link.
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Carnival Jubilee Ship Information
Carnival Jubilee Deck Plan
Carnival Jubilee Ship Page at Carnival.com
Book A Cruise On Carnival Jubilee
Ever wonder what ships will be in port when you are? Check out this site! https://www.cruisetimetables.com/
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