Carnival Jubilee sailed into Galveston in late 2023, and she's been making waves ever since. This Excel-Class giant is the third in her class, following Mardi Gras and Celebration. She brings 6,619 passengers worth of energy, entertainment, and yes : a legitimate roller coaster at sea.
If you're sailing from Texas or looking for that signature Carnival "Fun Ship" experience dialed up to 2026 levels, here's what you need to know.
The BOLT Rollercoaster: Worth the Hype
Let's start with what everyone wants to know about. BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster sits on Deck 20, and it's exactly what it sounds like : a motorcycle-style roller coaster that zips around the top of the ship at speeds up to 40 mph.
You sit on a motorcycle-style seat, lean into the curves, and control your own speed with handlebar accelerators. The track runs 800 feet and includes drops that hang out over the ocean. The views alone make it worth riding.
Fair warning : lines can get long during sea days. Head up early morning or during dinner time if you want shorter waits. The ride is free, but you can pay extra for unlimited rides or skip-the-line access.
Is it gimmicky? Maybe. Is it fun? Absolutely.
The Shores: Six Zones, One Ship
Carnival redesigned how you experience their ships with themed zones instead of just numbered decks. Jubilee features six distinct neighborhoods called "The Shores." Each has its own vibe, venues, and purpose.Ultimate Playground is where BOLT lives, along with the SportSquare mini golf, basketball, and ropes course. This is high-energy territory.
Summer Landing centers around the main pool and WaterWorks aqua park. Expect crowds here during sea days : think shopping mall at Christmas, but with swimsuits and frozen drinks.
Lido Deck is classic cruise ship territory. Buffet, bars, and casual dining spots line this area. It's functional and busy.
The Gateway handles embarkation and debarkation. You'll pass through but won't spend much time here.
French Daze brings New Orleans energy with live music venues, bars, and the main theater. This is where you'll find evening entertainment concentrated.
Currents might be the sleeper hit of the zones. This adults-only retreat on Deck 17 offers ocean views, quiet seating, and the Havana Bar. If you need a break from the chaos below, head here.
Food: Beyond the Buffet
Carnival gets criticism for food quality, but Jubilee offers enough variety that you can eat well if you know where to go.
Shaq's Big Chicken is the headliner. Located on Deck 16, it serves fried chicken sandwiches, tenders, and sides. The chicken is crispy, portions are generous, and it's included in your cruise fare. Lines form fast at lunch and dinner.
Emeril's Bistro 1396 costs extra but delivers. The short ribs and BBQ shrimp get consistent praise. If you're doing one specialty dinner, this is a solid choice.
Rudi's Seagrill offers breakfast and lunch at no extra charge : something most ships charge for. The seafood crepes at breakfast and fish tacos at lunch are standouts.
The main dining room is standard Carnival fare. Some nights hit, some miss. The steakhouse burgers in the MDR are better than you'd expect.
Street Eats scattered around the ship offer quick bites like tacos, noodles, and sandwiches. These save you from the buffet when you just need something fast.
Frozen yogurt stations appear in multiple spots. Grab some between activities.
The buffet remains the buffet : fine for breakfast, crowded at lunch, variable quality throughout. You have enough other options to skip it if you want.
Entertainment: Something Always Happening
Carnival runs activities from noon to midnight. Trivia, karaoke, comedians, magicians, game shows : the schedule stays packed.The main theater hosts production shows that lean toward high-energy song and dance numbers. They're fun, well-executed, and exactly what you'd expect from Carnival.
Live music happens in multiple venues. French Daze has the RedFrog Pub with live bands, plus the piano bar for sing-alongs.
The Heroes Tribute Bar honors military members with memorabilia and a patriotic theme. Good cocktails and a quieter atmosphere than most bars.
Playlist Productions runs the karaoke and DJ events. If you're into late-night deck parties, you'll find them.
Fair warning : quiet spaces are limited. Music and announcements fill most public areas. If you need silence, your cabin is the best bet.
Cabins: New Ship Perks
Cabins feel fresh because the ship is new. The Excel Class improved layouts compared to older Carnival ships.Standard inside and ocean view cabins offer decent space. Bathrooms got a thoughtful redesign with better storage and lighting.
Balcony cabins provide the space you'd expect. Corner cabins offer extra windows and angled views.
Havana cabins grant access to the Havana Retreat : an exclusive outdoor deck area with bar and hot tubs. If you like having a semi-private outdoor space, the upcharge might be worth it.
Family Harbor cabins group family-friendly staterooms together with a private lounge. Useful if you're traveling with kids and want them to connect with other families.
Some passengers reported minor maintenance issues : normal for ships in their first years. Nothing major, just new-ship quirks getting worked out.
The Galveston Advantage
Sailing from Galveston changes the experience. You're boarding in Texas, which brings a distinct regional flavor.The port is easy to navigate. Parking runs about $85 for a week, and the facility handles embarkation efficiently. You can be on the ship faster than at busier ports like Miami or Port Canaveral.
Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston typically hit Cozumel, Costa Maya, and sometimes Mahogany Bay or Belize. These ports offer solid excursion options without the overcrowding you see in Nassau or Grand Cayman.
The Texas connection shows up in small ways : BBQ options in the dining room, Southern hospitality from crew members, and a passenger base that skews regional.
If you're driving in from anywhere in Texas, Louisiana, or Oklahoma, Galveston makes logistics easier than flying to Florida.
Who This Ship Works For
Carnival Jubilee delivers exactly what Carnival promises : energetic, activity-packed cruising with a casual atmosphere.This ship works well for:
- Families with kids who want constant activities
- Groups looking for nightlife and entertainment
- First-time cruisers who want to try everything
- Anyone who likes having options and doesn't mind crowds
- Cruisers seeking quiet, refined atmospheres
- People who prefer smaller ships with less stimulation
- Anyone who values intimate dining over variety
- Passengers who hate navigating large vessels
If you embrace the Fun Ship philosophy, you'll have fun. If you fight it, you'll be frustrated.
Bottom Line
Carnival Jubilee brings the Excel Class experience to Texas with all the energy Carnival is known for. BOLT adds legitimate bragging rights as a cruise ship roller coaster. The Shores zones organize the chaos better than older ships. Food options give you enough choices to avoid the buffet.Is it the most elegant ship at sea? No. Is it the quietest? Definitely not. Is it fun? That's the whole point.
For 2026, Carnival continues running Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston with occasional longer voyages. Pricing stays competitive with other mainstream lines, and the drive-to convenience from Texas markets makes it accessible.
If you want rollercoasters, Big Chicken, and Texas-sized fun at sea, Jubilee delivers. Just bring comfortable shoes and embrace the energy.
Want to connect with others who've sailed on Jubilee or share your own experience? Head over to our Carnival Cruise Line forum where fellow cruisers discuss everything from cabin choices to shore excursions. Real experiences from real travelers : no cruise line marketing spin.