Have you ever dreamed of having an entire cruise ship to yourself? Well, I had the incredible opportunity to experience just that for two days on Carnival Cruise Line’s new Carnival Jubilee. As one of only three non-employees on board, I was able to explore the ship and get a sneak peek before its first official revenue cruise.
During my visit, I witnessed the final preparations for Carnival Jubilee’s first sailing. The crew was hard at work, polishing brass, shampooing carpets, and stocking the onboard shops. The ship was getting ready to welcome over 6,200 passengers for its first 7-night voyage to the Western Caribbean.
One of the highlights of my visit was touring the different types of cabins on the ship. Carnival has come a long way in terms of cabin design, with its newest vessels featuring neutral colors and calming accents. I stayed in a spacious 341-square-foot Ocean Suite, which could accommodate four people comfortably. The suite had a queen bed, a twin sofa bed, and a single bunk that pulled down from the ceiling. It also had two TVs, a balcony, and plenty of USB ports.
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 was well-appointed and offered a comfortable and stylish space for guests to relax and unwind.
The restaurants on Carnival Jubilee were equally impressive. From the elegant main dining rooms to the fun and vibrant specialty restaurants, there was a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. I sampled dishes from The Pacific main dining room, Chibang! (a combination Asian and Mexican restaurant), Rudi’s Seagrill (a seafood eatery), Guy’s Burger Joint, and Coastal Slice and Beach Buns (counter-service areas). The food was consistently delicious, and there was something to satisfy every palate.
In addition to the fantastic dining options, Carnival Jubilee also offered a range of bars and lounges where guests could enjoy a refreshing drink. I tried the A Pearly Bubble at the Golden Mermaid Bar and the Sapphire Sparkle at Dr. Inks Ph. D. Both cocktails were creative and delicious. I also started each day with a coffee from the JavaBlue cafe.
Overall, my experience on Carnival Jubilee was nothing short of magical. Having the opportunity to explore the ship and enjoy its amenities almost entirely to myself was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the beautiful cabins to the incredible dining options, Carnival Jubilee exceeded my expectations. I can only imagine how amazing it must have been for the thousands of passengers who embarked on its first official sailing. If you’re considering a cruise, I highly recommend giving Carnival Jubilee a try.