We’ve just returned from an incredible journey aboard the brand new Carnival Jubilee, and let us tell you, this ship is a game-changer! As seasoned cruisers and travel writers, we’ve seen our fair share of ocean liners, from the grand dames to the ultra-modern marvels. But the Jubilee? She’s something special, a vibrant tapestry of innovation and classic Carnival fun, woven together with a Texan flair. We’ve spent countless hours exploring every deck, sampling every bite, and experiencing every thrill, and now we’re ready to share our unvarnished opinions. We’re talking about the things we absolutely adored and, yes, a few things that, well, didn’t quite hit the mark. This isn’t just a review; it’s a deep dive into what makes the Carnival Jubilee tick, perfect for anyone considering their next great cruise vacation, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruise booking pro.
Let’s kick things off with the things that truly stole our hearts. The Jubilee is packed with fantastic features, and we found ourselves consistently impressed by her offerings.
Innovative Spaces That Sparkled
From the moment we stepped onto the ship, we felt a palpable sense of excitement. Carnival really pushed the boat out (pun intended!) with some of their new and reimagined spaces.
Themed Zones: A Breath of Fresh Air
We were particularly enamored with the themed zones. “Currents” and “The Gateway” are brilliantly executed, each with its own distinct atmosphere and engaging details. “Currents” feels like an underwater wonderland, with mesmerizing LED screens and clever lighting that truly transports you. It’s a fantastic place for a pre-dinner cocktail or simply to soak in the ambiance. “The Gateway,” on the other hand, is a vibrant homage to travel, with stunning projections that make you feel like you’re stepping into different iconic destinations. These zones aren’t just aesthetically pleasing; they create unique experiences that elevate the entire cruise ship experience.
BOLT: The Ultimate Sea Coaster
Okay, we have to talk about BOLT. If you’ve never experienced a roller coaster at sea, you’re in for a treat. This wasn’t just a ride; it was an adrenaline-pumping, ocean-view spectacle! The rush of wind in our hair, the incredible views as we zoomed around the ship – it was an absolute blast. Even for those of us who aren’t typically thrill-seekers, the sheer novelty and exhilaration of BOLT made it a must-do. It’s a definite highlight and a brilliant addition to the fun quotient.
Culinary Delights That Tempted Our Taste Buds
Food is always a major part of any cruise vacation, and the Carnival Jubilee did not disappoint. We found an incredible array of dining options, from casual bites to elegant dinners.
Emeril’s Bistro 1396: A Taste of New Orleans
We are huge fans of Emeril Lagasse, and his bistro on the Jubilee is a culinary triumph. The dishes are bursting with flavor, offering a true taste of New Orleans cuisine. We particularly loved the jambalaya and the beignets – they were simply divine. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch or a more intimate dinner. This specialty restaurant is definitely worth the extra charge.
Rudi’s Seagrill: Seafood Perfection
For seafood lovers, Rudi’s Seagrill is an absolute must. The fresh catch was expertly prepared, and the presentation was exquisite. We enjoyed everything from perfectly seared scallops to succulent lobster. The service was impeccable, and the ambiance was refined, making it an ideal choice for a special evening out. It’s a fantastic example of the elevated dining experiences available on board.
Entertainment That Kept Us Engaged
We’re always looking for diverse and engaging entertainment options on a cruise ship, and the Jubilee delivered in spades.
Playlist Productions: High-Energy Performances
The Playlist Productions shows were simply fantastic. The talent of the performers, the elaborate costumes, and the incredible staging made for truly memorable evenings. We saw a few different shows, and each one was a high-energy spectacle that kept us entertained from start to finish. They’re a significant upgrade from some of the more traditional cruise ship entertainment we’ve seen in the past.
Live Music Everywhere: A Constant Soundtrack
One of our favorite aspects was the sheer abundance of live music throughout the ship. From lively bands in the atrium to acoustic sets in more intimate lounges, there was always something to tap our feet to. It created a wonderful, vibrant atmosphere that permeated the entire cruise vacation. We loved discovering new artists and revisiting old favorites as we explored.
Thoughtful Amenities and Services
Beyond the big-ticket items, it’s often the smaller details that truly elevate a cruise vacation.
Cloud 9 Spa: A Haven of Relaxation
The Cloud 9 Spa was a welcome sanctuary after a day of exploring. The thermal suite, with its various saunas and steam rooms, was incredibly relaxing. We also indulged in a couple’s massage, which was pure bliss. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, especially after a long day of shore excursion adventures.
Helpful and Friendly Crew: The Heart of the Ship
We cannot praise the crew enough. From our cabin steward to the restaurant staff and the entertainment team, everyone we encountered was genuinely friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to ensure we had a fantastic time. Their dedication and enthusiasm truly enhanced our overall cruise vacation experience. It’s a testament to Carnival’s commitment to excellent service.
In addition to the Carnival Jubilee Review: 20 Things I Loved and Hated, you might also find interest in an article that explores the vibrant sporting culture in Bordeaux, France. This piece highlights must-see sporting events that can enhance your travel experience, making it a perfect complement to your cruise adventures. Check it out here: Cruising for Sports Fans: Must-See Sporting Events at Bordeaux, France.
The Lows: What Didn’t Quite Hit the Mark
No ship is perfect, and while we had an overwhelmingly positive experience on the Carnival Jubilee, there were a few areas where we felt there was room for improvement. These are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things, but worth mentioning for those planning their next cruise booking.
In my recent experience aboard the Carnival Jubilee, I came across a fascinating article that delves into the intricacies of cruise port logistics, particularly focusing on parking options at various destinations. If you’re planning a cruise and want to ensure a smooth start to your journey, you might find this piece on cruise port parking quite helpful. It offers insights that complement the highs and lows I encountered during my time on the Jubilee, making it a valuable read for any cruise enthusiast.
Occasional Crowding in High-Traffic Areas
With a ship of this size, some crowding is inevitable, but we did notice it more in certain areas.
Elevator Wait Times: A Test of Patience
At peak times, especially around dinner or showtimes, the elevator wait times could be a little frustrating. We found ourselves taking the stairs more often than not, which isn’t a bad thing for getting those steps in, but it can be an inconvenience for those with mobility issues or when carrying things. This is a common challenge on larger cruise ship designs.
Lido Deck Congestion: Finding a Spot Can Be Tricky
The Lido deck, particularly around the main pools, could get very busy, especially on sea days. Finding an empty lounge chair sometimes felt like a competitive sport. We learned to head up early or explore some of the less crowded deck areas for a more relaxed experience.
A Few Missed Opportunities in Dining
While overall the dining was excellent, there were a couple of areas that we felt could be improved.
Main Dining Room Consistency: Hit or Miss Dishes
While many dishes in the main dining room were delicious, we found the consistency to be a bit hit or miss. Some evenings, everything was perfect, while other nights, certain dishes felt a little underwhelming. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something we noticed as frequent cruisers.
Limited Vegetarian Options in Some Venues
As occasionally vegetarian eaters, we felt that some of the more casual dining venues could benefit from a wider array of creative vegetarian options. While there were always options, they sometimes felt a bit repetitive or basic compared to the meat-centric offerings.
Minor Technical Glitches
It’s a brand new ship, so a few minor kinks are to be expected.
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Not Always Seamless
While the Wi-Fi package offered generally good speeds, we did experience occasional drops in connectivity, particularly in certain areas of the ship. It wasn’t constant, but enough to be noticeable when trying to work or stream. For those relying heavily on connectivity, it’s something to be aware of.
The Exclusivity of Some Areas
While we understand the need for various price points and experiences, we felt some of the premium areas could feel a bit exclusive.
Loft 19: An Exclusive Retreat
Loft 19 is a beautiful, serene space with stunning views and excellent service. However, its exclusivity (reserved for guests in specific suites or by purchasing a day pass) meant it wasn’t accessible to all. While we appreciate premium options, it would be nice to see some of those elevated design elements or a similar, more broadly accessible, tranquil area for all guests on a cruise vacation.
Planning Your Carnival Jubilee Adventure: Tips from the Experts
Having experienced the Jubilee firsthand, we want to offer some practical advice for those of you planning your own cruise vacation on this magnificent cruise ship.
Making the Most of Your Shore Excursions
When it comes to shore excursion planning, we always recommend doing your research in advance. The Jubilee offers a fantastic array of excursions at each cruise port, from adventurous outings to cultural explorations.
Booking Your Shore Excursions: Advance Planning is Key
Don’t wait until you’re on the ship to book your shore excursion. Popular tours often sell out quickly, especially if you’re traveling during peak season. Whether you book through Carnival or an independent operator, securing your spots ahead of time will save you stress and potential disappointment. We often compare prices and offerings from both to find the best fit for our interests and budget.
Exploring the Cruise Port Independently: A Local Experience
While organized shore excursion tours are convenient, don’t shy away from exploring the cruise port independently if you’re comfortable. Many ports are very walkable, and you can often discover hidden gems and authentic local experiences by venturing out on your own. Just be sure to always keep an eye on the time and be back at the ship well before its departure!
Optimizing Your Onboard Experience
To truly maximize your time on the Carnival Jubilee, here are a few insider tips we picked up.
Leveraging the Carnival Hub App: Your Digital Companion
The Carnival Hub App is an absolute game-changer. It’s your one-stop shop for everything on board: daily schedules, restaurant menus, showtimes, and even chat features to connect with your travel companions. We used it constantly to plan our days, check wait times, and stay updated on activities. Download it before you even board!
Specialty Dining Reservations: Book Early!
If you plan on indulging in any of the fantastic specialty restaurants like Emeril’s or Rudi’s, we strongly advise making reservations as soon as you’ve completed your cruise booking. Slots fill up quickly, especially for prime dinner times. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on these culinary highlights!
Making Your Cruise Booking: What to Consider
For both first-time cruisers and seasoned veterans, the cruise booking process can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Cabin Selection: Location, Location, Location
Think about what’s important to you when choosing your cabin. Do you want easy access to the Lido deck? A quiet location? A balcony for sea breezes? Consider your preferences when making your cruise booking. We personally love a balcony cabin for enjoying those quiet mornings at sea.
Understanding Your Cruise Fare: What’s Included?
Always read the fine print of your cruise booking. Understand what’s included in your base fare and what might be an additional cost (specialty dining, certain beverages, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, certain fitness classes, etc.). This helps manage expectations and budget effectively for your overall cruise vacation.
Our Final Verdict: A Stellar New Ship with Room to Grow
Overall, our time on the Carnival Jubilee was overwhelmingly positive. She’s a beautiful, fun-filled cruise ship that truly embodies the Carnival spirit with a fresh, modern twist. The things we loved – the innovative spaces, fantastic dining, thrilling entertainment, and exceptional crew – far outweighed our minor quibbles. For anyone looking for an exciting and memorable cruise vacation, especially those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and a plethora of activities, the Carnival Jubilee is an excellent choice. She’s a fantastic addition to the Carnival fleet, and we eagerly anticipate her future voyages. So, if you’re eyeing a cruise booking for your next adventure, we wholeheartedly recommend considering the Carnival Jubilee. We had an absolute blast, and we think you will too!