Carnival Jubilee

Departure port: Galveston, Texas

Our journey began in the midst of an arctic storm in Kentucky. Despite the icy start, we knew sunshine and tropical vibes were waiting for us. Before embarking on the Carnival Jubilee, we stayed a night at the historic Grand Galvez Hotel in Galveston. This beautiful, vintage hotel is known for its haunted reputation, adding a unique charm to our pre-cruise experience.

For dinner that evening, we dined at Brick House Tavern. The deviled eggs I ordered as an appetizer were delicious, and the pizza I had for my main entrée hit the spot. We highly recommend this cozy and flavorful spot to anyone visiting the area.

The next day, we visited Moody Gardens, where my husband and I indulged in a relaxing couples massage and took a serene stroll along the boardwalk—a perfect way to unwind before setting sail.

Embarkation & onboard experience

We took an Uber to the Port of Galveston and began our adventure aboard the Carnival Jubilee. We had a Family Harbor Ocean View Stateroom, which was perfect for our family. The room was not only spacious and comfortable but also came with access to the exclusive Family Harbor Lounge—a quiet retreat offering snacks, breakfast options, and family-friendly activities.

Carnival Jubilee Kitchen Class

Once onboard, we wasted no time exploring all the fantastic amenities that Carnival’s Excel Class had to offer.

We enjoyed daily breakfast at the buffet, lunch across various onboard restaurants, and dinner in the Main Dining Room—each meal offering something new and satisfying. Our children had a blast at Camp Ocean, making new friends and participating in fun, supervised activities. This gave my husband and I some adult time, where we tried our luck in the casino, caught live performances and comedy shows, and watched late-night movies under the stars.

Ports of-call highlights

Roatán, Honduras:
Our first port day was spent enjoying the free beach, soaking up the sun, and relaxing. We wrapped up our visit with a stop at a local pharmacy, picking up a few essentials while browsing local shops.

Cozumel, Mexico:
Cozumel brought us both great shopping and a refreshing visit to Paradise Beach, an all-inclusive beach club. The food and drinks were excellent—I had pizza and tacos, while my husband raved about the coconut shrimp. The service was top-notch, making it one of our favorite stops.

Costa Maya, Mexico:
We affectionately call it “Costa Maybe,” since docking can be hit or miss depending on the sea conditions. Luckily, we were able to dock! We enjoyed the free pool, spotted wildlife including an iguana, flamingos, various birds, and even a monkey. However, the area was quite crowded, so we made the decision to head back to the ship early and enjoy the quieter pool deck onboard.

The journey home

As we cruised back to Galveston, we reflected on how quickly we had gone from winter coats to swimsuits. From snow and ice in Kentucky to 90-degree sunshine with a drink in hand, it felt like we had stepped into a completely different world. While returning to winter weather was tough, we came back feeling refreshed and grateful for such an amazing family getaway.

Final thoughts

Our Carnival Jubilee cruise was packed with relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories. From the haunted elegance of the Grand Galvez to sunny beaches, onboard fun, and the comforts of our Family Harbor Stateroom, every moment was special. We’re already looking forward to planning our next escape!

A day at Roatan, Hondorus

One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give to a fellow cruiser is to give yourself time to arrive to port, leave a day early if flying in or traveling during winter months!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cruises page.