CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE AND BALLY’S DOUBLE DOWN ON BENEFITS FOR CASINO GUESTS

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New Partnership Extends Carnival Cruise Benefits to Bally Rewards Players

MIAMI, May 23, 2024 – Carnival Cruise Line is welcoming more casino players to join the fun on board its fleet of 27 ships by partnering with the Bally’s Corporation, one of the world’s leading gaming and entertainment companies, to extend cruise benefits to Bally’s Rewards guests.

             In addition to special events, Bally Rewards’ Legend, SuperStar and Star tier guests are now eligible for complimentary and discounted Carnival cruises. The new partnership between Carnival and Bally’s also extends the reach of both brands. Known as America’s Cruise Line, Carnival sails from 14 U.S. homeports – more than any other cruise line – and Bally’s operates 15 popular properties nationwide. 

            “We’re committed to our Carnival Players Club guests and in Bally’s, we have a partner that values its own loyal guests with the same fervor. We have plenty of fun to go around across our fleet, so we’re excited to bring Bally’s on board with us and look forward to growing this unique partnership,” said Marty Goldman, Carnival Corporation’s senior vice president of global casino operations.

            "This collaboration brings together two industry leaders, combining the excitement of Bally's gaming experience with the unparalleled entertainment and hospitality of Carnival Cruise Line. Together, we will create unforgettable experiences for our guests, both on land and at sea,” said Mike Donovan, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of gaming for Bally’s Corporation. “This partnership represents a new chapter in our commitment to providing exceptional entertainment and gaming options to our valued patrons.” 

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site. For more information on Bally Rewards, visitBallyRewards.com.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

ACTOR JONATHAN BENNETT NAMED AS ‘GODFATHER’ TO CARNIVAL FIRENZE

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Carnival Cruise Line announces Jonathan Bennett will serve as the godfather of Carnival Firenze

Carnival Set to Welcome Second Carnival Fun Italian Ship to Long Beach on April 24 

MIAMI, April 5, 2024 – Having conquered the big screen (“Mean Girls”), the small screen (“Hallmark Channel”) and Broadway (“Spamalot”), actor Jonathan Bennett is ready to take on his next big role: the godfather of Carnival Cruise Line’s new 135,000 gross ton ship featuring Carnival Fun Italian Style.

Carnival Cruise Line today named Bennett as the godfather for its next ship, Carnival Firenze, which is inspired by the city of Florence, Italy and is the second Carnival ship to sail with the Carnival Fun Italian Style theme. Carnival President Christine Duffy surprised Bennett with the news captured in this video. To make it even easier for Bennett to sail, the ship will be homeported in his backyard in Long Beach, Calif., where it will be christened on April 24 and embark on its first sailing on April 25. 

“Jonathan is a true brand ambassador for Carnival.  He cruises with us, honeymooned with us and tells his friends and family to vacation with Carnival.  He is friendly and welcoming to everyone and embodies the Carnival style of fun.  After he sailed on the first voyage of Carnival Firenze’s sister ship Carnival Venezia last May, he told me it would be his dream to be the godfather of one of our ships, so how could I turn down such a request for such a terrific friend to Carnival,” said Duffy.  “While he’s not Italian, he is proof positive that anyone can have Italian Style fun when you sail on our Italian-themed ships, and we are thrilled to have him help us welcome our newest addition to the Carnival fleet.”

Following his first professional acting role on the soap opera “All My Children,” Bennett appeared in a number of television series before his breakout role as Aaron Samuels in the hit movie “Mean Girls.”  He has gone on to star in multiple feature films, Hallmark Channel movies and hosted programs for the Food Network. He’s also the host for the New York Times Square New Year’s Eve celebration where Carnival has sponsored the ball drop for the past three years.  He is currently completing his first Broadway appearance in the hit revival of the musical, “Spamalot.”

“This is an amazing honor and I’m so proud to know that I’ll always be a part of the Carnival Firenze family,” said Bennett. “When I told Christine that I’d love to be a Carnival cruise ship godfather, I never thought she’d take my request seriously. I have so much respect for the Carnival team and how they’re dedicated to taking care of their guests, the ocean and each other. When I say Carnival is a great company and a great way to vacation, I mean it! I’m so excited to not only be the ship’s godfather, but to also get to cruise on Carnival Firenze as a guest now that Carnival fun Italian style is coming to the west coast.”

Bennett will join Duffy at the Carnival Firenze naming celebration on Wednesday, April 24 in Long Beach. The ceremony will be livestreamed on Carnival’s Facebook page. 

Carnival Fun Italian Style combines Italian theming with Carnival’s signature fun. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will sail year-round from Long Beach, offering three- to seven-day Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises. To see all Carnival Firenze sailings currently open for sail, click here.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

GLOBAL MUSIC SUPERSTAR GWEN STEFANI NAMES CARNIVAL JUBILEE

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 Texas-themed Jubilee Celebrates Carnival Cruise Line’s New Flagship  

GALVESTON, Tex., Feb. 26, 2024 – The stars were out in Texas on Saturday as Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the naming of its new flagship Carnival Jubilee, global music superstar Gwen Stefani was honored as the ship’s godmother, and Feb. 24 was declared “Carnival Jubilee Day” by Galveston Mayor Craig Brown – all on the same day that marked the 100th birthday of the late Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Line’s founder. To see highlights from the event, click here.

            “We hold a very warm place in our hearts for Carnival Cruise Line because they initiated the entire cruise industry for the City of Galveston. They were the first and will always be first in our hearts,” said Brown.

Stefani spent the day on the ship, visiting the bridge to meet the captain and blowing the ship’s horn and then cutting the ribbon at several venues including: 

  • Joining Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse at his newest Emeril’s Bistro on Carnival’s Excel class ships

  • The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s sculpture, where she met Ty Crowninshield who drew the artwork that inspired the sculpture while he was a patient at the hospital

  • The EFFY Jewelry store, where she was presented with her godmother gift of an EFFY Legacy panther ring.

After a cocktail reception and celebratory lunch, the invited guests of public officials, community leaders, travel advisors, business partners and Carnival cruisers attended the 45-minute naming ceremony in the ship’s theater. Noting that Carnival Jubilee is the first brand new ship to be homeported in Galveston, and the first cruise ship to be christened in Galveston, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy welcomed the guests and thanked the Galveston community for their decades of support. And with reference to the embossed Texas star on the bow of the ship, she assured them that Galveston is Carnival Jubilee’s forever home.

Carnival also used the occasion to celebrate its relationships with its two national charitable partners. Duffy announced that after meeting its goal of $33 million for St. Jude by 2024, the company has set a new pledge goal of $50 million by 2030. And a specially-designed pair of Carnival Jubilee-themed cowboy boots by Houston-based Parker Boot Co. were auctioned off for $25,000 to benefit Operation Homefront, which is dedicated to supporting military families.

            “I know she has been honored in so many ways for her music with numerous awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and now she has a ship!,” said Duffy as she introduced Stefani.  “She’s also put giving back as an important focus in her life, especially to a number of children’s causes, so we are truly thrilled to have Gwen as the Godmother of our flagship Carnival Jubilee!”

            As she joined Duffy and Captain Stefano Bonica on stage, Stefani blessed and named the ship, and then pulled a lasso rope and lever that released the champagne bottle that struck the ship’s bow to officially christen Carnival Jubilee. Stefani then treated the guests to a private concert of some of her hit songs, including “Just a Girl,” “The Sweet Escape” and “Hollaback Girl.”

            Carnival Jubilee is homeported year-round in Galveston, sailing week-long Western Caribbean cruises. The ship is powered by a liquefied natural gas (LNG) technology platform and accommodates 6,500 guests and 1,750 crew. Leveraging technology and enriched by detailed theming, the ship celebrates the sea and features the ultimate fun, from a top-deck roller coaster to a resort-like retreat. Carnival recently announced that a fourth Excel sister ship will join Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras in 2027. 

            Click here to watch the special ceremony.  For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

‘CURRENTS’ ZONE ON CARNIVAL JUBILEE WOWS GUESTS WITH INTERACTIVE ACTIVATIONS, INCLUDING ‘SEAQUEST: A FUN SUB ADVENTURE’ 

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Technology and Rich Theming Combine Across Two-Deck Zone to Create New and Immersive Experiences Throughout Each Sailing

MIAMI, Feb. 22, 2024 – As Carnival Cruise Line prepares for the Carnival Jubilee naming ceremony on Feb. 24, it’s sharing an up-close look at one of the innovations already wowing guests aboard the new ship: Currents, a technology-rich underwater-themed zone of the ship that spans two decks. A video tour, Inside the Fun: ‘Currents’ Zone on Carnival Jubilee, can be watched here.

            All-new zone-wide activations developed specifically for Currents showcase the thrill of discovery include Seaquest: A Fun Sub Adventure, which transforms the area’s promenade into an immersive experience for guests. Seaquest combines the technology built into the zone, including the six huge LED Portals to the Sea flanking the promenade, the 100-foot-long wave-like LED ceiling overhead, lighting, music and sound effects to give guests the feeling they’re journeying on the world’s first Fun Sub. The submarine-like experience takes guests on an exciting underwater excursion to visit out-of-this-world locations and encounter incredible ocean creatures. ​

“Seaquest is a truly first-of-its-kind experience that brings together the real and fantastical to create an exciting onboard excursion. As they adventure through the world created for Seaquest, guests will see the Carnival Seacation resort, explore a neon glowing grotto, encounter a giant jellyfish school, navigate among cosmic whale sharks and journey to the kingdom of The Golden Mermaid, which helps tell the story behind one of the unique new venues created for Carnival Jubilee,” said Glenn Aprile, senior director of brand experience and product development for Carnival Cruise Line. 

In addition to Seaquest, guests will see other zone-wide activations, such as the Change the Currents, which allows guests to transform the zone into six different underwater worlds, including cool arctic waters inhabited by penguins and orcas, colorful coral reefs with a multitude of playful fish and sea turtles and other scenes depict coastal mangroves home to gators and crabs and even a massive cave filled with sharks. Each environment changes the entire ambiance of the zone, including the colors guests see and the sounds they’ll hear – all inspired by nature. For kids (and kids at heart), Create A Fish allows everyone to add their own whimsy to their environment by designing a unique sea creature and watching it magically come to life on the screens.

During the evenings, the Currents zone will show guests beautiful, otherworldly destinations as they enjoy a drink at Dr.Inks, Ph.D or dinner at Emeril’s Bistro 717. Each night of the cruise will showcase different themes, so guests may spot playful neon fish swimming past the zone’s Portals to the Sea one night, and then be surrounded by Dr.Inks’ trendy underwater apartment the next. The zone will also feature Soundwaves Jukebox, a music-activated visualizer that brings songs chosen by guests to life through exciting visuals and a colorful light display. In addition, guests will find Currents Atlas, an interactive map displaying real-time locations of all Carnival ships, along with fun facts about sea creatures and their migratory patterns around the world, as well as other interesting oceanic and geographical details.

The technological capabilities incorporated into the design of the Currents zone complement other elements of its rich theming, such as the playful drinks curated to embody the quirky personality of  Dr. Inks. The Golden Mermaid takes on a more elevated persona, with a live band entertaining guests in an elegant and comfortable lounge where bartenders serve craft cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE INTRODUCES CARNIVAL FIRENZE LEADERSHIP TEAM

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Captain Crescenzo Palomba, Chief Engineer Rosario Capilli and Hotel Director Renil Kuruvilla are Carnival Firenze’s senior officers

Carnival Firenze Team to Launch ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’ on West Coast

MIAMI, Feb. 16, 2024 – Carnival Cruise Line today announced the appointment of the senior officers and lead entertainment team members for Carnival Firenze, the newest addition to the cruise line’s fleet and the second ship to feature Carnival Fun Italian Style.

            Captain Crescenzo Palomba, Chief Engineer Rosario Capilli and Hotel Director Renil Kuruvilla are Carnival Firenze’s senior officers. Ensuring all the Carnival fun is delivered on board, Gordon Travis is serving as the ship’s entertainment director and Joey Boyes has been named the ship’s inaugural cruise director. The team will welcome their first guests aboard Carnival Firenze from Long Beach, Calif. on April 25, 2024.

            “Our inaugural team members launching Carnival Firenze are fortunate to work alongside some of the most skilled and experienced leaders in the cruise industry. This ship is a special addition to our fleet as we expand our operations on the West Coast, where we already embark more guests than any other cruise line. We have a unique opportunity to bring our signature FUN to a beautiful vessel inspired by the iconic city of Florence, Italy to our popular homeport of Long Beach. I’m certain this strong team is the perfect group to deliver this dynamic offering to our guests,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. 

Meet Carnival Firenze’s Leaders

Senior Officers

  • Captain Crescenzo Palomba: Originally from Italy, Palomba began working for Carnival in 1999 and brings nearly 25 years of Carnival experience to the helm of Carnival Firenze. He has worked on 20 Carnival ships, including Carnival Venezia, Carnival Dream, Carnival Valor, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Elation.

  • Chief Engineer Rosario Capilli: Also from Italy, Capilli started with Carnival as a second engineer in 1990. He has led several engineering teams across the fleet as a chief engineer since 2002. Capilli has worked on 13 other Carnival ships, including Carnival Horizon, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Pride and Carnival Vista.

  • Hotel Director Renil Kuruvilla: Hailing from India, Kuruvilla brings 30 years of hospitality management experience, with a diverse background in both hotels and the cruise industry. He joined Carnival in 2004, was promoted to hotel director in 2011 and has worked on 14 other Carnival ships – including Carnival Venezia, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Freedom, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Pride.

Entertainment Staff

  • Entertainment Director Gordon Travis: Travis hails from Scotland and has over 25 years of experience in entertainment – 10 of those years working as a leader in the cruise industry. Gordon became an entertainment director for Carnival in 2016 and recently led entertainment on Carnival Venezia.

  • Cruise Director Joey Boyes: Originally from England, Boyes joined Carnival in 2017 as a member of the Fun Squad. He is known for his cheeky British charm, humor and quick wit. He also performs his own stand-up comedy. He most recently served as cruise director on Carnival Horizon and has also been cruise director on Carnival Venezia and Carnival Panorama. 

Carnival Firenze is currently undergoing a major investment ahead of its formal introduction to bring Carnival features to the ship. Carnival Fun Italian Style combines Italian theming with Carnival’s signature fun. Built in 2020, Carnival Firenze accommodates more than 5,000 guests and will sail year-round from Long Beach, offering a variety of cruises to Mexico. To see all Carnival Firenze sailings currently open for sail, click here.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE FLEET GROWS TO 27 SHIPS AS CARNIVAL FIRENZE OFFICIALLY JOINS

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Carnival Firenze to Become Second Ship Featuring ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style’

MIAMI, Feb. 2, 2024 – Carnival Firenze has officially joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet from sister line Costa Cruises, growing the Carnival fleet to 27 ships. This morning in Cadiz, Spain, team members from both cruise lines met on the ship’s bridge to complete the handover. 

            Now, Carnival’s team will lead a refurbishment project over the next two months to bring many of the favorite features Carnival guests know and love on board – with a touch of Italy. 

            “The beauty of Florence, Italy is about to meet the FUN of Carnival Cruise Line! We are elated to welcome Carnival Firenze to the Carnival fleet, joining her sister Carnival Venezia to showcase ‘Carnival Fun Italian Style,’” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

            Carnival Firenze will begin sailing year-round from Long Beach, Calif., on April 25, 2024. With a wide range of sailing options available, Carnival Firenze offers guests three- and four-day sailings to Mexico and Catalina Island, and five-, six- and seven-day cruises to the Mexican Rivera, visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

            When guests board Carnival Firenze, they’ll be immersed in Italian architecture, both inside and out. The ship’s atrium is modeled after Florence’s beautiful main public square, Piazza del Duomo, whereas the Lido deck draws inspiration from the Italian Riviera. The ship will feature many food and beverage venues currently popular on Carnival Venezia, including La Strada Grill, with classic Italian street food, a Mexitalian fusion restaurant, Tomodoro and Il Viaggio, Carnival’s newest specialty Italian restaurant, showcasing distinct culinary regions of Italy. Bars Amari and Frizzante will serve up a variety of Italian specialties, with Amari offering craft cocktails, authentic Italian coffee and biscotti and Frizzante delivering bubbly libations. Guests will also enjoy activities like Festa Italiana, a deck party where Little Italy meets Lido, the Captain’s Venetian Toast and Italian-inspired youth programming for kids and teens.

Guests will also find many of the activities and experiences they enjoy on other Carnival ships in the fleet, including the Heroes Tribute Lounge, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse,Java Blue Café, Serenity Adult-Only Retreat and Carnival WaterWorks.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE ANNOUNCES A ROUNDUP OF NEW ENHANCEMENTS

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Guests Can Embark on New Culinary Adventures, Book ‘Behind the Fun’ Pre-Cruise Online and Debark Seamlessly with New HUB App Feature

MIAMI, Dec. 22, 2023 – Carnival Cruise Line is deploying a series of new enhancements to elevate the guest experience in time for a fun-filled new year. From a reimagined culinary journey with Chef’s Table and Carnival Culinary Center curated by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse, to new online enhancements aimed to make debarkation more convenient, Carnival continues to elevate its offerings for guests.

Dedicated Cooking Class Offering Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse’s Favorites

Debuting on Carnival Jubilee as part of the Carnival Kitchen offerings, the Carnival Culinary Center features a dedicated cooking class curated by Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse. As part of the program, guests will learn to curate a three-course meal with hand-selected recipes by Emeril, including his world-renowned New-New Orleans Pasta, Shrimp & Okra Gumbo with Filé and Strawberries Romanoff. Carnival Kitchen is also featured on Carnival Panorama, Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. 

Chef’s Table Revamps with New Menu and Wine Selections

Carnival has launched a new option for its popular Chef’s Table, an immersive VIP culinary experience that includes a sumptuous multi-course dinner hosted by the Executive Chef onboard. The premium Chef’s Table 2.0 will offer new menu items for guests to enjoy. The experience starts with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for a select group of 14, followed by a tour to see the galley in operation and concludes with a remarkable dinner of appetizers, entrees and desserts. 

The Chef’s Table 2.0 menu promises an exquisite array of new flavors with unique selections of food and wine selections on each Carnival ship. From tantalizing starters and main course offerings to world-class wine selections and decadent desserts, guests can fully immerse themselves in a unique and savory experience. Offerings are available fleetwide.

“Behind The Fun” Ship Tours Are Now Available Online

A guest favorite among Carnival tours, ‘Behind The Fun’ will now be available for bookings pre-cruise on Carnival.com starting Jan. 1. Until now, the popular tour was only available for booking once on board.

The new feature will be rolled out fleetwide. To book, guests will select the tour as a shore excursion under their ship’s homeport. The tour will take place on a Fun Day at Sea during the cruise. An accessible, abbreviated tour is also now available for guests with disabilities.

Debark Seamlessly with New HUB App Feature

To simplify debarkation, Carnival added a new feature on the HUB App. Instead of picking up zone tags for their luggage, guests can indicate a debarkation time via the app and list the number of bags to be placed outside their stateroom so the tags can be delivered directly to them. In addition, guests that would like to carry their own luggage off the ship are also welcome to use the new feature to choose the time they wish to debark by selecting a group suitable for them.

VIFP members and suite guests will still receive special tags with priority debarkation as normal, and guests who prefer not to use the app can still follow the traditional debarkation process and retrieve their tags.

The new feature is available on Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Dream and Mardi Gras, while the rest of the fleet is targeting a rollout by February. For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

CARNIVAL JUBILEE HOSTING TEXAS-SIZED TAILGATE PARTY AND LIVE INTERACTIVE POP MUSICAL: DEAR FUTURE HUSBAND

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New Additions Put Texas Twist on Carnival’s Award-Winning Entertainment

MIAMI, Dec. 19, 2023 – Aboard the first all-new ship to homeport in Galveston, Carnival Jubileewill host a Texas-sized celebration as one of many Texas twists enhancing Carnival’s award-winning entertainment on its newest ship that will welcome its first guests on Dec. 23.

            Lone Star Tailgate, a Texas-sized deck party, will take over the ship’s Lido during each cruise. Celebrating the spirit of all-things Texas, the three-hour tailgate is divided into four quarters – much like a football game – with the energy of a country fairground and rodeo, with games and giveaways that promise fun for guests of all ages.

            “The Lone Star Tailgate isn’t just a party – it’s a celebration of family, fun and fierce competition,” said Chris Nelson, vice president of entertainment for Carnival Cruise Line. “We have created Carnival University, a fictious university in the heart of Texas. It’s the big game night and we are throwing a tailgate party for the whole family. The activities, from races and challenges to a party band celebrating Texas born musical artists, put a fresh take on our crowd-pleasing fun.”

            In addition to the tailgate party, Carnival Jubilee’s entertainment pays homage to Texas in other ways. Guests on the ship, which is proudly adorned with a Texas star on its hull, will hear music from Texas artists across several areas of the ship. For example, Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse will feature the Backyard Band – mixing Texas tunes with party band music.

 

Carnival Jubilee to Raise Curtain on New Live Show: Dear Future Husband

            Adding to popular Playlist Productions performances already loved by guests across the fleet, Carnival will unveil a new live show aboard Carnival Jubilee: “Dear Future Husband,” an interactive pop musical. Guests will follow a bride and groom on a wedding adventure – aboard a cruise ship – with their best friends. The cast performs four acts of pop mega hits, like “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 and “Man! I Feel like a Woman!” by Shania Twain. After the show, guests join in on the fun with a reception of sorts, where they’ll dance to more pop hits and interact with the cast. The party includes a first dance, a groom and groomsman surprise, and of course, the iconic garter toss and a toast to the happy couple.

Along with the new show, guests can also see another live Playlist Production already popular aboard other Carnival ships. With its roots deeply set in the south, the R&B-infused Soulbound tells a sinister story of mischief, mayhem and dastardly deeds set to the greatest R&B hits of all time.

            Carnival Jubilee’s entertainment offerings also include live game shows like “Family Feud Live” and “Deal or No Deal,” along with stand-up comedy at the Punchliner Comedy Club. Popular comedians at Punchliner keep guests laughing with live shows throughout each cruise. Carnival Jubilee will also feature the guest-favorite venue Piano Bar, where guests can sit around a grand piano for an intimate musical performance by a live entertainer nightly. From a skilled DJ on Lido to “Dive-In Movies” at the Seaside Theater, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on board.

            Carnival Jubilee will sail from Galveston year-round on week-long Western Caribbeanvoyages, visiting destinations like Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan. To see cruises currently open for sale on Carnival Jubilee, click here.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

HOWDY, CARNIVAL JUBILEE! PORT OF GALVESTON GIVES TEXAS-SIZED WELCOME TO NEWEST FUN SHIP 

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Santa Helps Deliver Carnival Cruise Line’s New Flagship as Onboard Team Prepares to Sail More Than 6K Guests on First Cruise 

GALVESTON, Tex., Dec. 20, 2023 – Waving from the newest Fun Ship, Santa Claus swapped his sleigh for the day so he could help deliver Carnival Jubilee – the first brand new cruise ship to debut in Galveston, Tex. Carnival Cruise Line’s new flagship, which dons a Texas Star on its bow, was welcomed home with a grand water salute as she docked at Galveston Wharves’ Terminal 25 for the first time. 

The official debut of the 26th Fun Ship in the Carnival fleet signals the start of a significant expansion strategy in Galveston, which has grown among Carnival’s top homeports since the company became the first cruise line to operate there year-round more than two decades ago. In addition to bringing Carnival’s most innovative and dynamic entertainment and dining offerings, the ship will now significantly expand capacity from the port. Carnival Jubilee joins Carnival Breeze and Carnival Dream at the port as part of a four-ship deployment plan that will be complete when Carnival Miracle repositions to Galveston next fall. 

“The Texas star on her bow isn’t just decoration, it’s a symbol of our gratitude to our  guests sailing from Texas who’ve made us the number one cruise line in Galveston, and our commitment to the future of cruising from this great city and state,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “When we cut the ribbon to welcome our first guests on this ship this weekend, we’ll be celebrating the beginning of a new era of operations here.”

Along with bringing the first roller coaster on board a cruise ship to Texas, Carnival Jubilee will also usher in the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Galveston. Enhancements were made at the port to accommodate the use of LNG and additionally, Carnival’s decision to deploy the new ship at its Texas homeport generated a $53 million investment in terminal improvements. In a Dec. 20 column, The Galveston County Daily News described Carnival Jubilee as a significant addition to the port and said, “The fact Carnival is willing to base its newest, biggest asset in Galveston is testament to the port’s standing in the industry and further evidence that past investment in cruise facilities was, and more investment would be, prudent.”

“The terminal, which has been home to Carnival ships since 2000, has been renovated top to bottom, inside and out. From a new roof, expanded dock and exterior colors to new interior finishes and furniture, the terminal has a fresh, new look,” said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. “We are happy the time has come for this historic event and honored to host this beautiful, state-of-the-art ship.”

Now, Carnival Jubilee’s 1,750 team members are preparing to welcome more than 6,000 guests aboard for a maiden departure on Saturday. The ship is set to sail on a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise, visiting Mahogany Bay as well as Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. The ship will continue sailing week-long cruises year-round.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation on Carnival, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit http://www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras

CARNIVAL VISTA RESCUES SIX PEOPLE AFTER CARGO VESSEL CAPSIZES 

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Search Continues for Additional Missing Crew Members from Cargo Vessel

MIAMI, Dec. 13, 2023 – Carnival Vista’s team saved six men stranded in the ocean near the Dominican Republic early this morning after a small cargo vessel capsized overnight. A search and rescue operation for six additional vessel crew who are missing is being led by Coast Guard authorities.

            Carnival Vista’s officers under the direction of Captain Paolo Severini immediately altered the ship’s course, in coordination with Carnival’s Fleet Operations Center in Miami, when an onboard monitoring system received an emergency alert. The ship’s officers then spotted six men on a life raft and stopped to rescue them and bring them on board. 

The Carnival team informed Coast Guard officials in the Dominican Republic about the additional missing crew members. The officials launched a search for the remaining crew members and advised Carnival Vista to return to its route.

Carnival Vista will visit Amber Cove today as scheduled. The ship, which is homeported in Port Canaveral, Fla., is currently sailing a six-day itinerary that departed Sunday. 

Our in-depth review of Carnival Mardi Gras