Giving Icon of the Seas the competition it deserves
It’s easy to associate Carnival Cruise Line with wild nights of partying, college students, piña coladas, the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro (that’s what happens when you are Brazilian), and so on. But guess what? The Carnival Jubilee might represent a slight shift in this image.
While it’s still perfect for those seeking a fun and lively cruise adventure, Carnival has made smart changes to make the ship more family-friendly. The Carnival Jubilee has a roller coaster, a full water park, and a large sports area that includes a mini-golf course, a basketball court, and a ropes course for those looking to test their agility and reflexes.
The Carnival Jubilee is massive, rivaling mega-resorts at sea like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. As Carnival’s most advanced and largest ship to date, it offers an amazing opportunity for those looking to have tons of fun while enjoying what could very well be a theme park at sea.
What we like about Carnival Jubilee
Let’s get one thing straight: this is an awesome cruise ship for young adults and families with children. If you’re looking to have fun, ride a roller coaster, enjoy swimming pools, and sip on a good drink, then the Jubilee is for you. With tons of entertainment options onboard, you’ll never get bored. However, if you’re seeking a more relaxing, laid-back experience, you might find a better fit on a ship like the Celebrity Apex, rather than the Carnival Jubilee.
Much like other newer cruise ships, the Jubilee is divided into different zones. In fact, there are six different zones, each with its own theme and atmosphere. For example, the Currents Zone immerses guests in an underwater world, while the Ultimate Playground is an outdoor area focused on waterparks, slides, and games. While the zones may not be as large as those on the Icon of the Seas, they are equally impressive: colorful, fun, and of exceptionally high quality.
This is great news, especially considering that a 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise onboard the Jubilee costs around $790 per person, while a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise on the Icon of the Seas is priced at $1,790 per guest. That’s a pretty big deal! Carnival is known for offering some great prices on their cruises, and it’s awesome to see Jubilee continuing that tradition, even with so much to offer.
The activities onboard are some of the best you'll find on cruise ships, especially for teens. There’s a ropes course where you can walk the plank and view the ocean from several stories high, which can be quite intimidating for some guests. Bolt is also a great attraction, being the first roller coaster at sea. While it may not be as awesome as a traditional roller coaster, its originality and novelty are enough to make almost everyone want to give it a try. Oh, let’s also not forget the huge number of waterslides onboard. I don’t think any of them rank as the world’s tallest or anything, but there are many for you to choose from.
The food is good, especially if you love tacos, chicken, and comfort food you’d typically find at theme parks. Blue Iguana Cantina is often regarded as one of the best complimentary restaurants across all cruise lines, and it’s included here. You can also grab a burger at Guy’s Burger Joint. While the specialty dining options may not be as exciting as those on other cruise lines like Royal Caribbean or Disney Cruise Line, they still get the job done.
The rooms are generally considered to be okay to good, with not much distinction from other cruise lines. One positive aspect is that, even though the bathrooms are small, there are shower doors instead of curtains. Awesome.
What we don’t like about Carnival Jubilee
The Carnival Jubilee offers a lot for a really good price, so you know what that means, right? Everyone wants to get onboard. Carnival is known for offering budget-friendly travel, and when you pair that with great entertainment options, it means the Jubilee is often crowded. This ship still attracts a lot of young adults, college students, and party lovers, so keep that in mind when planning your next cruise.
Another area where the Jubilee could improve is the elevators across the ship. They aren’t very spacious, don’t move quickly, and aren’t air-conditioned. This makes getting around a bit slower, which is a problem considering the ship is often crowded, with lines forming almost everywhere.
Carnival Jubilee FAQ
When did the Carnival Jubilee first set sail?
The Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023.
What are the main ports of call for the Carnival Jubilee?
The main port of call for the Carnival Jubilee is Galveston, Texas.
What are the main destinations of the Carnival Jubilee?
The Carnival Jubilee often visits the Western Caribbean and the Bahamas.
Are there waterparks or waterslides onboard the Carnival Jubilee?
Yes! There is a full waterpark with multiple slides and a complete sports court onboard the Carnival Jubilee.
Is the Carnival Jubilee good for children?
Yes! There are a lot of fun things for children, including a waterpark with waterslides, a mini-golf course, a roller coaster, a ropes course, multiple swimming pools, and more that kids will love.
How much is a cruise on the Carnival Jubilee?
Prices depend on the date and stateroom type, but they start at $790 per person for a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas.
Is the Bolt roller coaster free onboard the Carnival Jubilee?
No, the Bolt roller coaster typically costs $15 per person for two laps around the track.
