I'm one of the first passengers on Carnival's newest ship: Check out more than 100 Carnival Jubilee photos

25.12.2023 - 15:15 / thepointsguy.com

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a cruise ship almost entirely to yourself? I have, and for two days this week, I had the chance to experience it. I was one of just three non-employees on Carnival Cruise Line's new Carnival Jubilee, the third ship in the line's Excel Class, which gives a nod to some of the brand's original vessels.

I was visiting the vessel before its first official revenue cruise, which began on Saturday.

Not everything was open during my time on board, but that's because there weren't enough people to warrant it. That changed soon after I left the ship on Saturday. More than 6,200 passengers embarked Carnival Jubilee for its first sailing, a 7-night voyage to the Western Caribbean. The ship was sailing completely full.

It was nothing short of magical to see the final touches for Carnival Jubilee's first sailing come together.

The crew was busy preparing – polishing brass, shampooing carpets, washing linens, stocking the onboard shops, rehearsing shows, doing meal service dry runs and putting up the last of the holiday decorations that have taken up residence in just about every public space. (The first voyage is happening over Christmas, after all.)

During my short visit, which included a quick sailing from Galveston, Texas, where Jubilee is based, I toured several types of cabins, caught two of the theater shows, ate at six of the ship's restaurants and snagged enough coffee from the onboard cafe to stay awake for what feels like a week. I also checked out the Bolt roller coaster – one of just three at sea – and the ship's new Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks bars in the ship's "Currents" zone, which features an under-the-sea theme that celebrates ocean life.

So, what was it like? Here are more than 100 Carnival Jubilee pictures so you can sneak a peek before you sail on this phenomenal new ship.

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Carnival has come a long way since the days when its staterooms were colored like cotton candy. Instead, its newest vessels are done up in neutrals with calming accents of blue and green, depending on the cabin category.

On my sailing, I was in a 341-square-foot Ocean Suite capable of sleeping four people with a queen bed, a twin sofa bed and a single bunk that pulled down from the ceiling. In addition to tons of closet and drawer space, there were two TVs, a sizeable balcony and a ton of USB ports.

I also had an opportunity to check out a couple of other cabin types, including a 158-square-foot inside that sleeps three people, a 243-square-foot Family Harbor ocean-view room, 249-square foot Cove Balcony accommodations, a 341-square-foot Spa Suite and an 861-square-foot Excel Aft Suite.

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