GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston rolled out the red carpet to greet its newest Fun Ship, the Carnival Jubilee. She was welcomed with a grand water salute and a crowd waving and holding up signs.
To add to the excitement, there were a couple of special passengers on board. Santa and Mrs. Claus ditched their sleigh and cruised into the Lone Star State to enjoy a little pre-Christmas vacay.
Jubilee, complete with a Texas star on its bow, is Carnival's first brand new cruise ship to debut in Galveston.
“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,”
The official debut of the 26th Fun Ship in the Carnival fleet signals the start of a significant expansion strategy in Galveston, Carnival said. It's become one of the cruise line's top homeports over the last two decades.
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 moves to Galveston next fall.
Carnival’s decision to deploy the new ship at its Texas homeport generated a $53 million investment in terminal improvements.
“The terminal, which has been home to Carnival ships since 2000, has been renovated top to bottom, inside and out," said Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves port director and CEO. "From a new roof, expanded dock and exterior colors to new interior finishes and furniture, the terminal has a fresh, new look."
The enhancements include accomodations for the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), a first in Galveston.
Jubilee is also the first cruise ship in Texas with a roller coaster.
The Jubilee will welcome more than 6,000 guests Saturday for its maiden departure on a seven-day Western Caribbean cruise.