Carnival Jubilee: Newest Excel Class Ship Sets Sail for Galveston

Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the delivery of its latest vessel, Carnival Jubilee, in a ceremony with shipbuilder Meyer Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany. The third ship in Carnival’s Excel Class and the fifth addition to the fleet since 2021, Carnival Jubilee is en route from Germany to Galveston, Texas. Upon arrival, it will enhance Carnival’s capacity, offering year-round, week-long Western Caribbean itineraries from December 23. With a gross tonnage of 183,000, the ship can accommodate 6,400 passengers and 1,750 crew members.
Carnival president Christine Duffy highlighted the ship’s significance in the cruise line’s growth strategy and its commitment to Galveston. Carnival Jubilee joins a lineup of four ships based in Galveston by October 2024: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Miracle. The vessel features a Texas star on its bow, symbolizing Carnival’s dedication to the region.
Operating from Terminal 25 at the Port of Galveston, which recently underwent a $53 million renovation and expansion, Carnival Jubilee stands out as the first cruise ship in Galveston running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). It also marks the third LNG-powered ship in Carnival’s overall fleet. The ship’s deployment aligns with Carnival’s plan to introduce 5G mobile connectivity, making it the first in the Carnival fleet and the first cruise ship in North America to offer this service.
As part of the ongoing expansion, Carnival has plans for another vessel, the Carnival Firenze, joining the fleet in April 2024. Carnival Jubilee’s transatlantic journey follows a month of seaworthiness trials conducted by the ship’s senior officers.