Have you ever dreamt of having a cruise ship all to yourself? Well, I recently had the incredible opportunity to experience just that. For two days this week, I was one of only three non-employees on the Carnival Jubilee, the newest addition to Carnival Cruise Line’s Excel Class.
I had the privilege of visiting the ship before its first official revenue cruise, which began on Saturday. During my time on board, not everything was open, as there weren’t enough people to warrant it. However, that quickly changed after I left, as more than 6,200 passengers embarked on the Carnival Jubilee for its first sailing to the Western Caribbean.
It was truly magical to witness the final preparations for the ship’s first voyage. The crew was hard at work, polishing brass, shampooing carpets, stocking shops, and putting up holiday decorations. The excitement in the air was palpable, as the ship was ready to embark on its maiden voyage, especially during the Christmas season.
During my visit, I had the chance to explore various types of cabins, attend two theater shows, dine at six of the ship’s restaurants, and even try out the Bolt roller coaster, one of only three at sea. I also visited the ship’s new Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks bars, which are part of the “Currents” zone that celebrates ocean life.
The cabins on the Carnival Jubilee have come a long way since the early days of the cruise line. Instead of the cotton candy colors of the past, the new vessels are decorated in calming neutrals with accents of blue and green. I stayed in an Ocean Suite, which was spacious and comfortable, capable of accommodating four people. The suite had ample storage space, two TVs, a balcony, and plenty of USB ports. The bathroom was modern and well-equipped, complete with in-shower dispensers for shower gel and shampoo.
In addition to the Ocean Suite, I also had the opportunity to check out other cabin types, including an inside cabin, a Family Harbor ocean-view room, a Cove Balcony, a Spa Suite, and an Excel Aft Suite. Each cabin had its own unique features and amenities, catering to different preferences and budgets.
The restaurants on the Carnival Jubilee were elegant yet fun, offering a wide variety of cuisines to satisfy every palate. From the Hogwarts vibes in the main dining rooms to the glass fish on the wall at Rudi’s Seagrill, there was always something to talk about over dinner. I dined at The Pacific main dining room, Chibang! (a combination Asian and Mexican restaurant), Rudi’s Seagrill (a seafood eatery by chef Rudi Sodamin), Guy’s Burger Joint (for complimentary burgers designed by Guy Fieri), and Coastal Slice and Beach Buns (counter-service areas offering free pizza and deli items).
I must say, Carnival’s food is severely underrated. It consistently exceeded my expectations, and the variety of cuisines available was impressive. Whether it was Italian, Asian, seafood, or steak, there was something for everyone. The complimentary options like burgers, pizza, burritos, and fried chicken were also a hit.
Of course, no cruise experience is complete without trying out a few drinks. I visited the Golden Mermaid Bar and Dr. Inks Ph. D., where I sampled some creative and delicious cocktails. The A Pearly Bubble, a mixture of gin, St-Germain liqueur, cranberry juice, dragon fruit, and lime juice, was a refreshing choice. The Sapphire Sparkle, made with lemon rum, blue curacao, cranberry juice, and aquafaba, was also a hit. And to start each day off right, I grabbed a coffee from the JavaBlue cafe.
Overall, my experience on the Carnival Jubilee was nothing short of incredible. Having the chance to explore the ship before it was filled with passengers was a unique and memorable experience. From the luxurious cabins to the delectable dining options, every aspect of the ship was meticulously designed to provide an unforgettable vacation. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to cruising, the Carnival Jubilee is sure to impress.