7 Nights Western Caribbean From Galveston, TX Cruise

Food, fun, entertainment and great service!

A Wonderful Week Aboard the Carnival Jubilee in the Caribbean Our family of three had a really fun seven-night cruise aboard the Carnival Jubilee last week, and it was a trip we won’t forget! We sailed the Caribbean on May 10th, and while the weather was very hot and humid, we were always happy to return to the ship after time in the three ports. Seven days wasn’t enough — we were having such a great time on this beautiful ship! The Ship and Decor The Jubilee has an impressive, underwater-themed design that really sets it apart. Everywhere you look, there are playful touches like mermaids, sea creatures, and ocean-inspired animations. The ship’s decor gives it a fun and lighthearted vacation vibe, and it’s clear a lot of thought went into creating a nautical atmosphere. It was a great backdrop for our Caribbean getaway and looked different from the other Carnival ships. Our Cabin We stayed in balcony cabin on Deck 14, mid-ship. It was a comfortable space for three because it had an upper berth for our adult daughter, and that made a huge difference in terms of space. The cabin was quiet, well-located near the central elevator, and had plenty of storage for all our things — more storage space than many ships, and we've sailed 29 times! Our cabin steward, Julius, was attentive and friendly, always making sure we had everything we needed. When we had a small issue with the sink and air conditioning, he made sure they were addressed promptly, and we appreciated his help and attitude throughout the cruise. He was good at his job and had the perfect temperament for dealing with cruising guests. Dining and Food The dining options on the Jubilee are impressive. We had a chance to try several specialty restaurants, including Chibang (offering Chinese/Mexican fusion) and Cucina Del Capitano (Italian), both of which were excellent and better than we've had on other ships. The food at the buffet was consistently good, and there was always something new to try. The dinners in the buffet were very similar to options in the dining room. We also loved the anytime dining, which was very convenient, and we never had to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes — and that was through the app, so we could wait anywhere on the ship. Although finding a table near the buffet can be a bit tricky, we always managed to make it work, and we were usually able to get a seat by the window. For us, no Carnival cruise would be complete without their famous Chocolate Melting Cake, which was as delicious as ever, especially with vanilla ice cream! The fresh gelato at the buffet was another highlight every day during lunch and there were two flavors to choose from each day. Activities and Entertainment There was no shortage of things to do onboard. We participated in arts and crafts, went to comedy shows, saw all the production musicals (the cast is talented!), used the gym, and even tried out the Bolt Roller-Coaster and the ropes course. There’s something for everyone, from those looking to relax to those seeking adventure, and we like both! We also visited the bars, lounges, and the arcade. There was always something going on from morning to night, and the entertainment was varied and enjoyable. One of the unique things onboard was the Jubilee's interactive, two-deck underwater-themed zone called "Currents." This area is the location for Seaquest, A simulated Submarine Adventure, with an immersive promenade experience where guests see an interactive underwater journey. Additionally, guests can transform the entire zone into different underwater environments through zone-wide activations called "Change the Currents." It’s unique for a ship, but we did find that the volume of the "Seaquest" adventure animation was so low that it was nearly impossible to follow the storyline, which made it frustrating for all the people trying to watch it. The attraction has great potential for kids and adults, but with the audio so low, it was disappointing, and I was sorry we attended. When I commented on this situation to an employee, she stated that although she understood my frustration, it was "above her pay grade," so she was not going to extend my opinion to anyone. Since the event only runs (maybe) once per day, for about ten to fifteen minutes, raising the volume wouldn't be difficult or annoying to anyone in that area of the ship or the bars/restaurants surrounding it, and would make a significant difference to the enjoyment of the experience/attraction. A lot of money was clearly spent on developing this attraction, so why not make it effective...just raise the volume!!! New Cruise Director Gabby (her first official gig as cruise director) did a fantastic job keeping the energy up and keeping guests engaged, as well as being personable and often present at the events. The entertainment team really made the cruise feel lively, with everything from trivia games to live performances and game shows. Youth Programs The youth programs on the ship appeared to be excellent, and it was clear that the kids were having a blast. We saw children engaging in Dr. Seuss-themed activities, which seemed to be a real favorite, even with adult family members. The programs looked well-organized, and the kids looked like they were having a fantastic time. Ports of Call This cruise took us to three familiar ports: Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya; and Cozumel. We decided to do something a little different at each stop than we had previously. In Roatan, we took a tour that included a nature preserve, a rum cake factory, a chocolate factory, and a visit to a beach called Bananarama, which was very peaceful and had shade just steps from the water. In Costa Maya, we kept it simple and spent time walking around the port, taking photos, and enjoying the sights. Our final stop was Cozumel, where we took a Carnival excursion to Playa UVAS beach, close to Chankanaab. It was a perfect spot to relax and do some snorkeling — always a highlight for me. Food and alcohol were included as well on that excursion. I brought my own snorkel equipment and swam with many big fish right off the shore. It's very rocky there, so bring water shoes also. My husband and daughter had the lunch and alcohol tastings and said they were good. Service Overall, the service on the ship was excellent. The staff in the dining rooms, buffets, and throughout the ship were friendly, helpful, and always quick to attend to our needs. We also had the chance to meet Chef Bartek from the Pacific Dining Room and Senior Maître D' Alexander, who were both very approachable and seemed genuinely interested in guest feedback regarding the dining experiences. Final Thoughts We had a truly enjoyable and relaxing time on the Jubilee. The ship is beautiful, the food is great, entertainment varied, and there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. The service was top-notch, and we left feeling very well taken care of. We would definitely recommend this ship to anyone looking for a fun, relaxing week in the Caribbean. We’ll certainly would sail on the Jubilee again, and we will recommend it to our friends who enjoy cruising

A Wonderful Week aboard the Carnival Jubilee!

A Wonderful Week Aboard the Carnival Jubilee in the Caribbean Our family of three had a really fun seven-night cruise aboard the Carnival Jubilee last week, and it was a trip we won’t forget! We sailed the Caribbean on May 10th, and while the weather was very hot and humid, we were always happy to return to the ship after time in the three ports. Seven days wasn’t enough — we were having such a great time on this beautiful ship! The Ship and Decor The Jubilee has an impressive, underwater-themed design that really sets it apart. Everywhere you look, there are playful touches like mermaids, sea creatures, and ocean-inspired animations. The ship’s decor gives it a fun and lighthearted vacation vibe, and it’s clear a lot of thought went into creating a nautical atmosphere. It was a great backdrop for our Caribbean getaway and looked different from the other Carnival ships. Our Cabin We stayed in balcony cabin, which was on Deck 14, mid-ship. It was a comfortable space for three because it had an upper berth for our adult daughter, and that made a huge difference in terms of space. The cabin was quiet, well-located near the central elevator, and had plenty of storage for all our things — more storage space than many ships, and we've sailed 29 times! Our cabin steward, Julius, was attentive and friendly, always making sure we had everything we needed. When we had a small issue with the sink and air conditioning, he made sure they were addressed promptly, and we appreciated his help and attitude throughout the cruise. He was good at his job and had the perfect temperament for dealing with cruising guests. Dining and Food The dining options on the Jubilee are impressive. We had a chance to try several specialty restaurants, including Chibang (offering Chinese/Mexican fusion) and Cucina Del Capitano (Italian), both of which were excellent and better than we've had on other ships. The food at the buffet was consistently good, and there was always something new to try. The dinners in the buffet were very similar to options in the dining room. We also loved the anytime dining, which was very convenient, and we never had to wait more than 10 or 15 minutes — and that was through the app, so we could wait anywhere on the ship. Although finding a table near the buffet can be a bit tricky, we always managed to make it work, and we were usually able to get a seat by the window. For us, no Carnival cruise would be complete without their famous Chocolate Melting Cake, which was as delicious as ever, especially with vanilla ice cream! The fresh gelato at the buffet was another highlight every day during lunch. Activities and Entertainment There was no shortage of things to do onboard. We participated in arts and crafts, went to comedy shows, saw all the production musicals (the cast is talented!), used the gym, and even tried out the Bolt Roller-Coaster and the ropes course. There’s something for everyone, from those looking to relax to those seeking adventure, and we like both! We also visited the bars, lounges, and the arcade. There was always something going on from morning to night, and the entertainment was varied and enjoyable. One of the unique things onboard was the Jubilee's interactive, two-deck underwater-themed zone called "Currents." This area is the location for Seaquest: A simulated Submarine Adventure, with an immersive promenade experience where guests see an interactive underwater journey. Additionally, guests can transform the entire zone into different underwater environments through zone-wide activations called "Change the Currents." It’s unique for a ship, but we did find that the volume of the "Seaquest" adventure animation was so low that it was nearly impossible to follow the storyline, which made it frustrating for all the people trying to watch it. The attraction has great potential for kids and adults, but with the audio so low, it was disappointing, and I was sorry we attended. When I commented on this situation to an employee, she stated that although she understood my frustration, it was "above her pay grade," so she was not going to extend my opinion to anyone. Since the event only runs maybe once per day, for about ten to fifteen minutes, raising the volume wouldn't be difficult or annoying to anyone in that area of the ship or the bars/restaurants surrounding it, and would make a significant difference to the enjoyment of the experience/attraction. A lot of money was clearly spent on developing this attraction, so why not make it effective...just raise the volume!!! New Cruise Director Gabby Gamboa (her first official gig as cruise director) did a fantastic job keeping the energy up and keeping guests engaged, as well as being personable and often present at the events. The entertainment team really made the cruise feel lively, with everything from trivia games to live performances and game shows. Youth Programs The youth programs on the ship appeared to be excellent, and it was clear that the kids were having a blast. We saw children engaging in Dr. Seuss-themed activities, which seemed to be a real favorite, even with adult family members. The programs looked well-organized, and the kids looked like they were having a fantastic time. Ports of Call This cruise took us to three familiar ports: Roatan, Honduras; Costa Maya; and Cozumel. We decided to do something a little different at each stop than we had previously. In Roatan, we took a Viator tour that included a nature preserve, a rum cake factory, a chocolate factory, and a visit to a beach called Bananarama, which was very peaceful and had shade just steps from the water. In Costa Maya, we kept it simple and spent time walking around the port, taking photos, and enjoying the sights. Our final stop was Cozumel, where we took a Carnival excursion to Playa UVAS beach, close to Chankanaab. It was a perfect spot to relax and do some snorkeling — always a highlight for me. Food and alcohol were included as well. I brought my own snorkel equipment and swam with many big fish right off the shore. It's very rocky there, so bring water shoes also. Service Overall, the service on the ship was excellent. The staff in the dining rooms, buffets, and throughout the ship were friendly, helpful, and always quick to attend to our needs. We also had the chance to meet Chef Bart from the Pacific Dining Room and Senior Maître D' Alexander, who were both very approachable and seemed genuinely interested in guest feedback regarding the dining experiences. Final Thoughts We had a truly enjoyable and relaxing time on the Jubilee. The ship is beautiful, the food is great, entertainment varied, and there’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. The service was top-notch, and we left feeling very well taken care of. We would definitely recommend this ship to anyone looking for a fun, relaxing cruise in the Caribbean. We’ll certainly sail on the Jubilee again, and we will recommend it to our friends who enjoy cruising.

Great cruise, friendly staff and fabulous vessel.

We loved everything about this ship. In particular, our balcony cabin on deck 10, the food, and the entertainment were all excellent. We ate at several specialty restaurants, including the steakhouse, the hibachi grill, and Chabang. We LOVED both the steakhouse and the hibachi grill. We were not as impressed with Chabang, but it was fine. The Mexican food is not authentic and the Asian food is all fairly sweet. We also ate in the main dining room several nights, including both elegant nights and one of the sea day brunches. All but one meal were fabulous. We also really enjoyed beignets at Emeril’s Bistro. My husband loved both the Guy’s burger place and BBQ place, as well as the Shaq’s chicken. I don’t eat fast food so I skipped these. However, the seafood shack was really good. We did not eat at the buffet. The room was spacious and very comfortable. The bathroom was small, but worked really well for us. There was plenty of storage in the bathroom, as well as in the cabin. We brought extra storage solutions and didn’t end up needing them. Both the musicals and comedy shows were excellent. We saw two shows a night, both the 7:45 and 9:15 shows each night. We also managed to several really great comedy shows that were hilarious. Our absolute favorite show was Soulbound followed closely by the Family Feud Live. We didn’t try the pools since it was fairly cool when we sailed, though they looked really fun. We also didn’t visit the casino since we’re not big gamblers. We did attend several of the trivia games, guess the song games, and live music events. We loved them all, especially Felipe in the Mermaid Lounge. The crew was amazing! They were all extremely friendly and helpful. We particularly loved our room steward, Richard, and our main dining room waiters, Ouissem and Shayder. We loved this cruise so much that we immediately started planning our next cruise upon disembarkation. Things we learned for next time: 1. We brought way too much stuff. Not clothes, but stuff. I would highly recommend bringing sneakers for roaming around. We clocked at minimum of 15,000 steps a day and often hit 25,000 steps a day. We took the stairs a lot since the elevators were slow, small, and crowded. 2. We’ll avoid deck 7 forward at all cost. The casino doors are constantly open, or maybe don’t close at all, therefore the elevator/stair area on deck 7 smells very strongly of smoke, which I cannot stand. 3. We will plan an earlier disembarkation time. We weren’t sure what to select so we picked 10am. You have to be out of our cabin by 8:30 and there really isn’t anything to do past then besides eat at the buffet, which we chose not to do. 4. Next time, we’ll walk out of the port, across the street and down a block or two. The Uber driver suggested this would be much easier and faster than waiting on the drivers to arrive at the pickup point. It took over 25 minutes for us to get into our Uber, even though he was on the other side of the parking lot the entire time. They won’t let you just go meet your Uber in the parking lot. You have to wait for them at the designated spot, which takes forever.