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The Can’t-Miss Guide Carnival’s Hub App (with Pics)

These days, it seems like everyone has an app. From weather to sports scores to stock trading — you can seemingly get any information you need on your phone without visiting a traditional website. Cruising is no different. All the major cruise lines have an app for passengers to download to their phone that has all sorts of useful features to make the cruise more enjoyable.

Carnival has an app for its passengers called Carnival HUB. If you haven’t already heard about the service, you definitely will once you book your cruise or board the ship. Mentions of the app are everywhere. And with new protocols put in place following the health crisis, its importance is greater than ever.

What is the app? Carnival HUB is designed to be an all-in-one service that gives you everything you need to know about your cruise all in the palm of your hand. From maps of the ship to daily schedules of activities to a chat function — allowing you to stay in touch with other passengers — the app has you covered.

We recently completed a cruise and downloaded the app to put it to the test and review to see if it’s worth your time. Here’s what we found…

Downloading Carnival HUB

The Carnival HUB app is available for use on Carnival ships for both Apple and Android phones. The app is free, and you can download from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) .

We’d recommend downloading before you get on board the ship. That way it’s just one less thing to worry about on cruise day.

When you first download the app, it’s hard to see what the big deal is. You simply enter the details of your trip, and it provides you with a countdown timer measuring how much longer you have until you sail. Other than that, there isn’t much else to do on the app until you are aboard the ship.

Once you are aboard, however, there’s a big change.

On the ship, you’ll connect to the ship’s wi-fi for the app to run. Don’t worry, even though Internet is expensive on a cruise, the app runs for free over the ship’s wi-fi. No payment is required.

After setting up a connection, you’ll enter your shipboard folio details to sign in, all of which are on your Sail & Sign card you received at check-in. This allows you to log in and connects your onboard account to the app.

Once you are logged in, you can start to see the power of the app. Open up the menu and you can see the complete list of what’s available. Here are the items that we think most people will use during the course of a cruise:

What’s Happening (Daily Schedule)

Food & drinks, account summary, good to know, chat on carnival hub.

Traveling with a family? Then you will likely want to use the chat feature to keep in touch. For $5 per person (for the entire cruise), you can unlock the chat feature. You can make plans to meet or check-in with kids while on the ship. Note that the chat feature works only on the ship as it runs through the ship’s wi-fi. 

There’s always something on the ship from early in the morning into late at night. Every day you are delivered a schedule, but who wants to carry that around with them while they have fun on board? As well, on one of the first cruises back, we weren’t even delivered a paper copy of the schedule. Instead, we had to access it via the phone.

You have the entire schedule in the palm of your hand with the Carnival HUB app.

With a few clicks you can see what’s going on now, or even later days in your cruise. And if you aren’t sure what an event is, you can click it for more details about it.

Want to hit up the nearest bar or grab a bite to eat? This section of the app tells you what’s open and more information about the restaurant. By the second or third day you will have a good idea of what’s available, but it’s extremely valuable when you first get on the ship and aren’t sure where to go to grab lunch or a fruity cocktail. One thing we liked is having menus available for to check out for restaurants around the ship.

Just as you would guess, open times tells you when everything on the ship opens and closes — from the casino to Guest Services to restaurants. What’s amazing is that everything is included on the list, and it’s updated each day as schedules change due to port days.

Without a doubt the most valuable reason for downloading the Carnival Hub app is the access to maps. Every single deck is available, and you can quickly switch through them. Every restaurant, bar, or other facility has an icon you can click to get more information about what that spot is on the map. The search features is also helpful if you want to search for a specific spot on the ship instead of looking deck by deck.

If you want to keep an eye on your spending, then you can with the app. A couple of clicks shows you everything you’ve spent onboard with your Sail & Sign card. You can also look through the spending of other members of your party.

It’s a great way to keep an eye on if kids are being responsible in the arcade. Just like a credit card statement, there are details on each transaction, not just an amount spent. Best of all, the summary appears to update in near real-time.

There are tons of little FAQs that many passengers have when on the ship. The “Good to Know” section of the app attempts to answer many of these questions. From dress codes to stateroom calls, dozens of questions are covered.

Virtual Queues & Reservations

In an effort to reduce the number of lines around the ship, Carnival recently introduced “Virtual Queues” to the app. So instead of going to the dining room or to Guest Services to stand around until it’s your turn, you can check-in through the app online. Then when it’s your turn, a notification will come up alerting you.

As well, you can also select reservation times to eat at specialty restaurants without having to contact the staff.

Booking Excursions

One other thing you can do that’s helpful is booking excursions. With the app you can look through all the options, with details and descriptions of each. Find one you like? There is the option to go ahead and book through the app. It’s an easy way to save some time versus going down to book with the Shore Excursion desk in the lobby.

How Does the App Work on the Ship?

We’ve used the app several times before and it’s worked flawlessly. On our most recent trip, however, there were some hiccups here and there,. albeit minor. On the first day of the trip we had trouble logging in. It wasn’t until later in the day that we were finally able to get access.

Additionally, there is an option to have food delivered to you through the app. That feature kept telling us it was unavailable at the moment no matter when we tried.

Other than that, it was quick and easy to navigate all the features of the program. During our time we featured no crashes or other problems.

In our opinion, Carnival Hub is extremely useful for anyone taking a cruise aboard Carnival. In fact, with the menus and planner, it’s practically a necessity. Since it’s free (except for $5 if you want to use the chat function), there’s no reason not to download the app. You can download here for iPhone or here for Android .

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnival Hub

Do I have to pay for the app? No. The app is free to download and use. It’s a perk for traveling on Carnival and makes it easier to sail by packing a lot of information into your pocket. The only part that is a cost is the messenger service. That costs $5 and lets you message other people on the ship.

Do I have to download it before I get on the ship? You can download the app after you board, however, we recommend downloading it at home beforehand. Once you are on the ship there is a lot going on. You don’t want to spend your time downloading an app on your phone.

Do I have to pay for wi-fi to use the Hub app? One of the handy things about the app is that while it connects to the ship’s Internet service, you don’t have to pay for wi-fi to use it. That said, just because you connect through the ship’s wi-fi, you won’t have access to the regular Internet. If you want to check email or do other things, you have to pay for service.

Have other questions about using the app? Let us know in the comments below.

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Is it just text messages or are you able to talk?

When we were last on Carnival it was just texting. It wouldn’t surprise us to have calls sometime in the future.

Assuming the hub app is compatible, can I use an old inactive smartphone with the app? All of my kids don’t have smart phones and I think this may be a good option. (Would be the same as using an iPod touch-WiFi mode)

If you can download items from the app store then it should work. However, we’re not 100% sure.

I have an Android so I went to Google play store to download your app and was told that it is not compatible to my phone.

Is there a way to use the Carnival countdown as a widget? It doesn’t seem like it has that option.

We haven’t seen that available. Would be a nice feature!

Does the carnival hub app chat feature have a notification feature or do you have to continuously check for messages?

it’s not letting me upload an avatar picture. Any help?

Not sure. Don’t worry though, once you are on the ship there is staff on hand to help.

How do you add your second cabin/booking to the app. I added my first cabin but don’t see how to add another.

Not sure if you are able to do so. You should talk to the staff once you are on the ship.

Is the Carnival HUB app available for the new Samsung Galaxy smartwatch?

We’re not sure. We’ve never used one of those.

I couldn’t installed in my phone ( note 3=no compatible) so I installed on my chromebook. There is no airplain mode on the chromebook so, how I can use the app? Do I have to turn off the wi-fi?

Not sure. We’re not familiar with using the app on a Chromebook.

Will the app still work when you are offboard on excursions so you can see ship’s time or do you need to be on the ship?

Ashley, not sure. But you can just set your phone’s time to the ship’s time or bring along a wristwatch.

It will not work when you off the ship, even on a Carnival excursion. There is likely a various short off ship connection.

We are going to be on the Fantasy Dec. 1 and I have already purchased the social media package from the ship for my granddaughter and myself. But after reading this I may decide to cancel it and get the $5 package that goes with the hub app. I have already downloaded it on my phone but I do have a couple of questions. I understand we can chat with each other through the hub using airplane mode, correct? And we can use the app, even using airplane mode and we won’t be charged? But in order for my granddaughter to keep up with her snap chat, I can either pay for her to have the social package or just wait until we are at port and let her use it then, correct?

Pam — you have it correct. The $5 chat is just to text with others on the ship. Anything outside of that will need to have Internet access.

DOes it work on Carnival Victory? Cruising in March — Victory — with 8 yr old granddaughter

Our understanding is that it works across the entire fleet. Enjoy your cruise!

Do you have a list of which ships work with Hub (since some do not)? Am leaving on the Horizon in January and want to be sure.

Horizon definitely works with the Hub. We have personal experience using it on the ship.

I have a Samsung android ipad Galaxy Tab3. I have tried to run your downloaded HUB App but it will not run on my device. Any suggestions on why it does not work on my device?

John (Platinum Member)

John — We aren’t Carnival. You’ll need to talk to the cruise line. If you wait until you board the ship, Carnival has staff on hand that specialize in getting you up and running.

I have the Hub app. My question, when I am on the ship and want to call my daughter back in Maryland, what procedure do I need to follow?

That won’t be done through the app. The app only works for around the ship. If you want to call home, you can connect to the ship’s wi-fi to do internet-based calling or connect to the ship’s cellular network (which can be pricey). We would suggest waiting until you are in port, connecting to wi-fi somewhere on land for free, and then making a call through an app like Whatsapp so it doesn’t use cellular service.

Can’t figure out how to get notifications on the Hub app. I have to keep checking my phone to see if my kids have texted

Will the HUB show multiple cruise countdowns?

If it does, we’re not sure how to do it. Our shows only one.

Carnival Hub keeps stating it is not compatible with our Android MAXX with OS 4.4.4 and refuses to install. We have never had problems installing Shipmates or other apps. Is there a known incompatibility issue? Our Verizon carrier is no help what so ever, as Carnival Hub is not one of their applications

So using the hub it won’t cost through our phone provider for international calls or anything

Right. It’s through the ship’s wi-fi. You can put your phone in airplane mode and still use it. (Always put your phone in airplane mode on a cruise!)

How do you reset it for your next cruise? Unable to figure that out.

Good question. Maybe try to delete it and reinstall from the app store?

hola necesito saber si en los cyber cafe del barco.. donde estan todas las computadoras juntas.. se puede ingresar a cualquier pagina?.. voy a hacer un crucero pero necesito conectarme a recibir unas clases de maestria un dia.. sera que me puedo cobectar desde ahi??

This comment is asking if you can go to any page on the Internet. While we haven’t tested it, we would think some pages (such as adult websites) would be blocked. Classes for school would likely be ok.

Is the social package per person or per room? We only need one phone to send were ok to the kids. lol

We were on a cruise in late January…we each had the Social Wifi package ($5 per dayt) but sadly, that did NOT give us access to the app cruise feature. With the social wifi, we used FB Messenger if we needed to chat. Less than ideal, but it worked. If we’re buying a wifi package, it should include in-app chat. Just my opinion, of course.

We completely agree. It shouldn’t be an extra charge if you’ve already purchased wi-fi.

When using the chat feature, are you notified when you receive a chat from a family member onboard or do you just need to keep an eye on the app to see if you have a message? We are trying to decide whether to just use the app or buy the internet pkg to text.

We’re not entirely sure. On our trip, we did not enable the text feature but find it strange if there wouldn’t be a notification. I will say that paying $5 for the entire trip for messaging is way cheaper than paying for Internet the entire cruise.

There is notification, which works most of the time – but the connection regularly drops…so you just quickly connect back to wifi and you’ll see messages. I just got used to tapping it to make sure it was connected. This is the same way on Breeze, Magic, Valor, and Freedom – which makes me think it happens on all the ships.

Do you have to pay $5 for each person you want to connect with or just a flat rate? How do you connect to only the people in your party? It’s not just a public chat room, is it?

It works just like an instant message. You chat privately with whomever you select. You pay the $5 once and then you can chat with any other individual who pays the $5. Singly.

Can you buy the social $5 internet and get the chat feature?

Our understanding is that they are separate. The social Internet package is $5 per day and provides access to social media messaging including Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. You’d likely have to pay the separate $5 to chat through the Hub app.

Is the $5 fee for chat applied to your Sail & Sign card, or can you pay for it separately?

We believe it’s applied to the S&S card.

It’s added to your S&S card – you don’t pay for anything separately on the ship — unless it’s in the casino (or extra tips you might want to hand out)

Can the app be used on a Samsung phone?

Yes. It’s available on Android.

I had is on my Samsung note 3…now when I try to download it again it’s say that my note 3 is not compatible. . Did something change that prevents it from being compatible on the note 3?

I am assuming the app doesn’t work for iPad? Am I correct?

We’re not 100% sure, but it should work for iPad. The Apple App Store says it’s compatible.

It works great on iPads.

Thanks for letting other readers know!

Will I be able to use the app while my cellular data is off.

Kim — yes! Carnival Hub operates off the ship’s wifi, but you don’t have to pay for an Internet package to use it (unless you use the messaging features, which costs extra).

Yes. You go into airplane mode, connect to the wi-fi, then open the Hub App. It is all done through the ships wi-fi.

Thank you for this article. I found it very informative. I only hope that they have not started charging a fee to use since the article was written as we are going on a carnival cruise soon.

I downloaded to my Android but it will not let me post to facebook.

Paula — You can’t access Facebook through the Carnival Hub app. To access Facebook you need to signup for an Internet plan on the ship.

Yes, the Hub App Chat is separate from the Social Media Plan. The Hub Chat allows you to chat to people ON the ship and is available for $5 for entire cruise….the Social Media plan is $5/day ($4/day if you pre-buy), and allows you to communicate through social media to people OFF the ship.

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What good are Carnival "Personal Vacation Planners"?

By VisualFX , August 31, 2012 in Carnival Cruise Lines

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I talked with one a few days ago to check on prices, and the price I got was the same as booking through Carnival website. So my friend and I went ahead and booked thru the website. Today we got a call and email back, saying they had a very special rate for a room on the Lido deck. Basically the rate is the same as what we can get thru carnival website again.

So then I ask him if we can add a 3rd person and maybe upgrade. But he says we have to call Carnival direct to do that, since we didnt go thru him. What good are these people if they have no better prices, and cant help us change rooms? I see no advantage in booking through them.

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they could help you change rooms if you booked through him.

they are an extension of carnival, so sure the pricing will be the same. the benefit is having one point of contact, who 'knows' you perhaps a bit more than whoever picks up the phone, and can guide you through the process over the course of your booking. they can also offer inside type info, such as what rooms are available beyond the 10 per cat the web site will show you. they also can learn what your preferences are - such as if you're close to a port and would like to be informed of 'last minute' type deals/steals, the 800 number isn't going to call you with those...

don't get me wrong the 800# people are perfectly capable, it's just a different type of relationship when you get to know / use your pvp.

to each their own.

I talked with one a few days ago to check on prices, and the price I got was the same as booking through Carnival website. So my friend and I went ahead and booked thru the website. Today we got a call and email back, saying they had a very special rate for a room on the Lido deck. Basically the rate is the same as what we can get thru carnival website again.   So then I ask him if we can add a 3rd person and maybe upgrade. But he says we have to call Carnival direct to do that, since we didnt go thru him. What good are these people if they have no better prices, and cant help us change rooms? I see no advantage in booking through them.

If he is a PVP and you booked thru Carnival he should have helped you.

Its only if you use a TA that he wont

golfb4cruzing

I have learned and been subjected to different levels of PVPs.

When you book online you are putting the money straight in Corporate pockets, when you book with a PVP you are keeping someone employed.

I have used my PVP to book every Carnival Cruise and can't imagine not using her. While I've been very fortunate not to have had any travel difficulties, when it comes time to book or even plan, one call does it all swiftly and effortlessly. She knows what we like, when we dine, what cabin we want, what we like to do and that one-on-one experience is, for me, very important.

Good luck in your travels!

I have a great PVP who has battled with me when things go wrong. If you book enough cruises.. you might have a time when you need someone on your side.

When I leave a message for my PVP to call me back by the time she calls me back, she has a cabin on hold .. she knows my favorites and which one Ill want. She will put in my FCC for me.. I dont have to do it. She will bend over backwards to help if I need it.

Its not always about just getting a cheaper price.. I use a TA for that... sometimes works, sometimes doesnt.

i've always thought the same thing. and while i'm perfectly capable of booking online... i know what room i want to book, have done the research, etc. by the time i'm ready to book... but i'd rather extend that 'credit' to someone who i'm sure will give me better 'service' (as low maintenance as i am) than the 'web site'... because the web site sucks.

The website is not my favorite either and I like that I can get other cabins that are not online. BUt let me get this straight. You waisted their time on pricing and then decided to trun around and not compensate them for their efforts? Then you decide to as them for help? I don't blame them. I don't like to work for free. In the service indstry i have people that like to order me around all the time and not compensate me for my efforts. Expect in the service industry it is right to your face.

I have used my PVP to book every Carnival Cruise

You might want to consider increasing your font size. I was interested in your thoughts; however, I couldn't read your small priint so I'm writing to you and closing on your post.

Enjoy your next cruise!

funinthesun1964

I have a great PVP who has battled with me when things go wrong. If you book enough cruises.. you might have a time when you need someone on your side.   When I leave a message for my PVP to call me back by the time she calls me back, she has a cabin on hold .. she knows my favorites and which one Ill want. She will put in my FCC for me.. I dont have to do it. She will bend over backwards to help if I need it.   Its not always about just getting a cheaper price.. I use a TA for that... sometimes works, sometimes doesnt.

Your PVP sounds just like my PVP, puts the cabin on hold, submits my ES requests, and handles the FCC if we have it. She is great! Maybe we have the same one!

Not sure but the OP seems to be talking about an independent travel agent (TA) and confusing that with a Carnival employee Personal Vacation Planner (PVP). If the "PVP" told him he had to call Carnival, wouldn't that be the same phone number as the one he called to get the PVP? Doesn't make sense.

givemeliberty

When we called in to Carnival to book our first cruise, the lady told us to just go out on the website and do it ourselves. I was really confused by this. I thought she would want to do it for us. Was that strange? I don't know. So we booked online. For our upcoming cruise we booked online as well.

very strange. I wonder why.

PVP helped me get our group seated together at dinner. Put enough rooms on hold so we are all in the same general area.

LittleJeanne

I always see people talking about their great PVP and while in the past I have booked with a TA, I havemost recently booked several cruises myself through Carnival. I'd love to be able to find a PVP to really work with me. I unertand that names can't be given out here on Cruise Critic. So what's the best way to find your PVP?

SmogMonster

We always use out PVP. She know us (even knows my kids names) and knows the type of cabins we like, dining preferences etc. She also contacts me when special deals are coming up. Many times she knows about them before they are posted on the website.

I always thought that once you cruise with Carnival, they automatically assign you a PVP. I may be wrong as we have friends who went on their first carnival cruise last year and were never contacted. I hooked them up with our PVP.

If he is a PVP and you booked thru Carnival he should have helped you. Its only if you use a TA that he wont

Not so. We did not use a PVP to book our second cruise but we did call the general Carnival 800 #. Those people are not PVP's and if you book through them your PVP can help you some but is not able to do a lot. I talked to my PVP today to get something fixed and he explained that since we had gone through the general call center # that he could only do so much, but not everything. Next timeI will learn to wait til my PVP is available because we had several wrong things when we just booked with a call center person. In fact my PVP said that even if we call the general # and ask for him instead of dialing his extension then some people will even tell you they are not there or they no longer work there. We were told he was not there, when he was!

I called Carnival and booked our cruise, I thought the lady I spoke with was a TA then I thought she was a PVP now I don't know what she is.

Another thing, is it true, if you book through Carnival (ES) you cannot change to a different PVP or TA?

I've been reading this board for two months almost all day everyday! You are all the best, I appreciate all of your advise

I called Carnival and booked our cruise, I thought the lady I spoke with was a TA then I thought she was a PVP now I don't know what she is. Another thing, is it true, if you book through Carnival (ES) you cannot change to a different PVP or TA? I've been reading this board for two months almost all day everyday! You are all the best, I appreciate all of your advise

Booking any particular rate has zero to do with transferring to a TA or getting a new PVP.

I got a new PVP and she had me sign off on my old one saying yes I wanted her now as my PVP, and then she could help me.

You only have 60 days from when you booked to transfer to a TA. Again its number of days since you booked.. not the rate code.

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Location Select Dallas Manila Miami

Work Style Select Hybrid Onsite Remote

Personal Vacation Planner (REMOTE)

Job description.

Carnival Cruise Line is setting sail for Texas! 

We're thrilled to invite you to our in-person Job Fair in Houston and Dallas. If you're a Texas resident and eager to Embark on an exciting journey with Carnival Cruise Line, we want you to be part of our team as a remote Personal Vacation Planner (PVP).

Come meet our hiring managers, learn more about this incredible opportunity, and set sail for success with Carnival Cruise Line!

Job Fair Details:

Houston, Texas Date:               Tuesday, April 02, 2024 Time:               01:00 PM – 07:00 PM Location:         The Westin Galleria Houston, 5060 W Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77056-5801

Dallas, Texas Date:               Thursday, April 04, 2024 Time:               01:00 PM – 07:00 PM Location:         Doubletree by Hilton Dallas Market Center, Grand Ballroom, 2015 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75207

Are you ready to unleash your Sales potential?

This isn't just any opportunity – it's a chance to showcase your skills, achieve incredible growth, and embark on a new chapter of your career.  We're looking for enthusiastic, customer-centric sales professionals like you to join our upcoming training classes, starting on Monday, May 06, 2024 and Monday, June 03, 2024. .

As a remote PVP, you'll be the face of Carnival Cruise Line, making outbound calls to potential customers, building strong relationships, and converting leads into unforgettable cruise experiences. You'll have the freedom to work independently, meet monthly targets, and create memorable moments for our guests.  Don't miss your chance to be part of something extraordinary! Whether you're a seasoned sales expert or just starting out, our team is ready to welcome you aboard.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Excellent attendance and punctuality are an essential function of the job.
• Promote cruise sales by initiating telephone calls, acting on leads and/or prospects. Present cruise products and make travel recommendations.
• Establish and maintain customer relationships by delivering excellent customer service, meeting customer needs and expectations to meet/exceed sales goals.
• Maintain customer contact database of new and existing accounts to close sales.
• Participate in mandatory trainings and meetings to stay current with knowledge of products to present cruise product features, benefits, and pricing.
• Perform other job-related functions as assigned.
• Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: .

• Currently considering residents from ONLY Texas, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
• Minimum High School Diploma  or  GED.
• Inside / outside field 1 year sales experience with proven sales success.
• Experience developing new business and new accounts with a customer service background.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Results and goal-oriented sales professional with excellent verbal and written communication skills sufficient to successfully communicate with customers via telephone.
• Superior prospecting, presentation and closing skills.
• Comfort working in an environment requiring achievement of monthly sales targets and goals.
• Effective time management, organization, and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to maintain strong working knowledge of cruise products.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain individual lead database.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Monday through Friday 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM (EST).
• Monday through Thursday, 10:00 AM - 07:00 PM (EST), and Fridays 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM (EST). 
• Since this is an incentive-driven position, when business needs dictate, PVPs may be required to work the last Saturday of a month. 
• The starting hourly pay rate for this role is $15/hour for the first 5 pay periods. For pay periods 6 through 10, the rate is *$11/hour plus participation in the sales incentive program.  From the 11th pay period onward, the annual base salary will be $16,500 with continued participation in the sales incentive program. The sales incentive program is tiered and includes a 6-month incentive guarantee. Average annual earning for this role is $65,000 - $70,000 with high performers earning $100,000+.

                           *Or your State or City minimum hourly wage if higher

• Cost-effective medical, dental and vision plans
• Employee Assistance Program and other mental health resources
• Additional programs include company paid term life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) plan that includes a company match
• Employee Stock Purchase plan
• Holidays – All full-time and part-time with benefits employees receive days off for 7 company-wide holidays, plus an additional floating holiday to be taken at the employee’s discretion.
• Vacation Time – All full-time employees at the manager and below level start with 14 days/year; director and above level start with 19 days/year.  All employees gain additional vacation time with further tenure.
• Sick Time – All full-time employees receive 80 hours of sick time each year. 
• Complementary stand-by cruises, employee discounts on confirmed cruises, plus special rates for family and friends
• Personal and professional learning and development resources including tuition reimbursement

ETHICS & COMPLIANCE:

In addition to other duties/functions, this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speak up when they see misconduct or have concerns.

In addition to other duties/functions,this position requires full commitment and support for promoting ethical and compliant culture. More specifically, this position requires integrity, honesty, and respectful treatment of others, as well as a willingness to speakup when they see misconduct orhave concerns.

CarnivalCruise Line is the most popular cruise brand in North America and operates a fleet of ships designed to foster exceptionally safe, fun and memorable vacation experiences at an outstanding value. Our employees have a responsibility to be accountable for all actions. We consider the environment in all aspects of our business and have a responsibility to put safety and sustainability first. We live and share a positive attitude which is based on fostering an environment of inclusion, trust, a willingness to listen, openness and integrity. Doing this helps us to achieve our ultimate goal, which is to include FUN in everything we do! Speaking of fun, we are officially certified as a Great Place to Work aboard our ships as well as in our global corporate headquarters!

Carnival Corporation & plc and Carnival Cruise Line is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. In this regard, it does not discriminate against any qualified individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin,religion, sexual orientation, age,marital status, mental, physical orsensory disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, federal, and/or international law. 

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Carnival's HUB App offers an at-a-glance overview of the day’s events, including activity and entertainment options, dining choices, children’s programming and more.  The following entertainment and activities are offered fleet wide, unless otherwise noted. Parties  |  Full Gambling Casino |  Shows and Entertainment |  Youth Programs |  Sports |  Spa Carnival and Cloud 9 Spa |  Fun and Games with the Cruise Director and Social Staff |  Instructive Talks, Demonstrations and Classes |  Mixers and Meetings  |  Onboard Facilities Parties

• Sail Away Party : Following the Safety Briefing and as the ship sets sail, guests gather at midship Lido Deck where the cruise staff and DJ get the party started with music, dancing and drink specials.
• Captain's Welcome:  Join us for live music and a special welcome with the Captain and Senior Officers on your cruise.  This event is featured on all cruises four days and longer; on shorter cruises, guests will have the opportunity to mingle with the Senior Officers on the elegant evening.  
• VIFP Diamond and Platinum Reunion  : An exclusive party on cruises five days and longer, for Platinum and Diamond guests, featuring fun-filled activities with an interactive, casual and exclusive feel, as well complimentary drinks and appetizers.  
• Mega Deck Party : An island inspired party that celebrates the fun and spirit of RedFrog and BlueIguana - the colorful namesake characters from our poolside watering holes. This party is featured on cruises six days and longer; shorter cruises will feature the Mega Deck Party or the 80s Night Deck Party.
• 80s Night Deck Party : A high energy, fun and unique '80s themed party showcasing our exciting musical offerings. This party is featured on cruises six days and longer; shorter cruises will feature the 80s Night Deck Party or the Mega Deck Party.  
• White Hot Night Party : The fun on a Carnival cruise may start at sunrise, but that doesn’t mean it comes to an end when the sun goes down. So when packing for your cruise, bring your favorite, most fun… even quirkiest white clothing and matching accessories for an amazing night of dancing, giveaways and fun. This party is featured on select sailings. 

Full Gambling Casino

• Gaming: Blackjack , Dice/Craps, Roulette , Texas Hold ‘Em (electronic dealer), Caribbean Stud Poker, Three Card Poker and Let it Ride ,  Slots  
• Casino Tournaments : Blackjack, slots and poker tournaments for cash prizes

Shows and Entertainment

• Welcome Aboard Show
• Playlist Productions™ stage shows  
• Punchliner Comedy Club™  featuring established comedians as well as rising stars
• Karaoke  
• Live music  for dancing
• Carnival Seaside Theater  and  Dive-in Movies  (select ships)
• Big Screen Blockbusters (select ships) 
• Bingo  sessions
• First-run movies featured daily on the in-cabin TV
• ‘On Demand’ movies  (select ships)
• Behind the Fun Tour
• Thrill Theater  (on Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista)
• IMAX® Theatre  (on Carnival Horizon and Carnival Vista)
• Sky Zone® Trampoline Park at Sea (on Carnival Panorama)

Youth Programs

• Space Cruisers™
• Circle ‘C’® - exclusive program for teens, 12-14 years of age
• Teen's Party Time
• Teens' Digital Play
• Teens' Active Play  
• Seuss-A-Palooza Story Time
• Seuss-A-Palooza Parade
• Dr. Seuss® Bookville (select ships) 
• Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast  (all ships, excluding Carnival Jubilee)
• Thing 1 & Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast (on Carnival Jubilee)
• Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea  
• Turtles Program - for infants, 6 months to under 2 - coming soon!
• Zumbini® Program

Sports and Outdoor Fun Please note: Some facilities may not be available on every ship - check here to see what is on your cruise!

• Ping Pong (on all ships, excluding Mardi Gras)
• Volleyball  (select ships) 
• Basketball  (select ships)
• Pickle Ball (select ships) 
• Miniature Golf   (on all ships, excluding Carnival Luminosa)
• Putting Green (on Carnival Luminosa)
• Jogging Track  (select ships) 
• Ropes Course  (select ships) 
• SkyRide®  (on Carnival Horizon, Carnival Panorama and Carnival Vista)   
• BOLT® Ultimate Sea Coaster (on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee and Mardi Gras)
• Pools  
• Waterworks  (select ships)
• Twister Waterslide™  (on all ships, excluding Carnival Luminosa)
• Serenity Adults Only Retreat™   
• SportSquare™  (select ships)

Spa Carnival / Cloud 9 Spa

• Cloud 9 Spa™  (select ships)
• Spa Carnival  (select ships)
• ZSpa  
• Beauty Seminars
• Hair & Beauty Salon   
• Facial Treatments  
• Medi-Spa and Acupuncture  (select ships) 
• Men’s services  
• Massage  
• Fitness Center  
• Body Conditioning, Stretch, Abs, Tai Chi, Yoga, Pilates and Cycle Class 

Fun and Games with the Cruise Director and Social Staff Please note: Games vary and are up to the discretion of the ship’s Cruise Director and Social Staff

• Family Feud™ Live (on select ships)
• Deal or No Deal  ™ (on all ships, excluding Carnival Luminosa)
• Fun Ship Family Games
• Horseracing
• Fun Squad Trivia  
• Guess That Groove
• Love & Marriage (18+)
• What's Age Got to Do With It
• Scavenger Hunt 
• Bean Bag Toss 
• Lido Deck and Pool Games 
• Who Wants to be a Millionaire? 
• Battle of the Sexes
• Ship Building Competition
• Game Show Mania 

Instructive Talks – Demonstrations - Classes

• Fun Aboard, Fun Ashore  
• Ice Carving Demonstrations 
• Dance classes : Pick up some moves and learn to dance like a professional. 
• Carnival Kitchen : (on Carnival Celebration, Carnival Jubilee, Mardi Gras, Carnival Panorama): Guests can enjoy more than 15 onboard hands-on culinary experiences led by our talented chefs.
• Cooking Demonstration  (on select Carnival Journeys sailings): Learn to cook Steakhouse-style from our team of chefs as they demonstrate the tricks of the trade used to make those multi-course dinners that everyone loves. This is an hour-long presentation of kitchen skill and ingenuity - and taste tests are included. 
• Food and Wine Pairing: Learn how to match great wines with great food and enjoy as well; informative talk by our onboard Sommelier.
• Art Auction Program at Sea  (select ships) 
• ‘Groove for St. Jude’ : A fun dance activity held once each cruise that allows guests to make a $10 USD donation and groove to the music. Guests receive a ‘Care to Play’ tee shirt and wristband and the proceeds go directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Medical Research Hospital.
• Creativity at Sea: Complimentary, self-lead painting and craft experience (may be offered on select itineraries, scheduling permitted)
• Coloring at Sea: An opportunity for our guests to relax and unwind with this simple and fun activity (scheduling permitted).

Mixers and Meetings

• Friends of Bill W (Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting)
• Friends of Jimmy K (Narcotics Anonymous Meeting) 
• LGBTQ Mixer
• Singles Mixer (18-20, 40+, Independent Travelers)
• Card Players meet and play
• Military Appreciation Gathering
• Cruise Critic Meet and Mingle  (select cruises)  

Onboard Facilities

• Video Arcade   
• On Board Duty-Free Shopping   
• Library  (select ships) 

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Carnival Jubilee ship review: A guide to Carnival's third Excel Class cruise ship

Editor's Note

When Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee debuted in December 2023, it became the third ship in the line's Excel Class , closely mimicking sister ships Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. Although there are more similarities than differences among the three, Carnival has still found a way to make Carnival Jubilee innovative and fun by tweaking a few of the offerings.

The ship shares Carnival's "zone" concept with its two older sisters, meaning it has dedicated areas for dining, drinking, entertainment and outdoor fun, including Bolt, a top-deck roller coaster. The biggest differences on the newest iteration are in two reinvented zones, Currents and The Shores; respectively, they take the place of The French Quarter and La Piazza on Mardi Gras , and The Gateway and 820 Biscayne on Carnival Celebration .

On my voyage, the ship carried 5,676 passengers, plus crew. This meant it wasn't at capacity, but it still felt loud and crowded, and often was fraught with lines. However, the service was generally excellent, with an exceedingly friendly crew.

The vessel is also a ton of fun, featuring two new shows (one with a football tailgate theme and the other with an onboard wedding plot), plenty of daily activities and so many fantastic dining options — many of them free — that it'll make your head spin.

Here's the rundown on what you can expect on board so you can determine if Carnival Jubilee is right for your next sailing.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Carnival Jubilee overview

Carnival Jubilee is a megaship, coming in at 183,521 tons and carrying up to 6,631 passengers at full capacity. It's tied with Carnival Celebration for the title of the largest ship in Carnival's fleet.

The vessel offers weeklong Caribbean voyages on a regular rotation from its home port in Galveston, Texas, meaning you'll find a healthy dose of Texas-style fun on board (more on that later). In fact, Carnival is so dedicated to keeping the ship in the Lone Star State that it had a Texas star painted on the ship's hull.

Carnival Jubilee's demographics run the gamut from families with young kids or extended family groups to groups of friends, couples and even solo cruisers (even though it doesn't have any cabins for singles). True to the rumors about Southern hospitality, the people on my cruise were some of the warmest and most polite I've ever encountered; fellow passengers were saying "excuse me," allowing others to go first in line and generally being more courteous than I've found on sailings from other places.

The ship is divided into six zones, where passengers can find a mix of bars, restaurants, live performances, water-filled fun and exhilarating activities like a ropes course, minigolf and, of course, the Bolt roller coaster . Here's a bit about each zone.

Carnival Jubilee zones

Grand Central: This bustling area rises up three decks — decks 6, 7 and 8 — and replaces the traditional atrium found on older Carnival vessels. The focal point is Center Stage, a starboard-side (on your right when facing the front of the ship) secondary theater that's home to events like bingo during the day and song-and-dance performances at night.

Surrounding the stage are tons of seating options, as well as JavaBlue Cafe, which serves coffee and snacks; Cherry on Top candy shop; the Center Stage and Grand View Bars; and Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki. It also serves as an access point for the onboard shops, Piano Bar 88, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Jubilee Casino.

Currents: Currents is one of the other main social hubs on Carnival Jubilee. It starts on Deck 6, just aft of Grand Central and features two new bars. The Golden Mermaid has gilded decor and a custom-designed mural depicting mermaids and lots of hidden Easter eggs (look for SpongeBob SquarePants references). Meanwhile, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., is a bar based on the fictional character Dr. Inks — an octopus with academic credentials. Both bars have excellent drink menus.

Also in the space is Emeril's Bistro 717, a New Orleans-style, for-fee eatery developed by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

On the wall above Dr. Inks, window-shaped screens provide a show for anyone passing through the length of the Currents promenade area. Programming rotates between underwater adventures, nature scenes and even artwork produced by passengers and kids from St. Jude's Children's Hospital. For a better view, head up one deck to the Alchemy Bar.

The Shores: If the Currents zone is the underwater-themed area of the ship, The Shores on Deck 8 is what you get when you pop your head above the metaphorical surface. Inspired by boardwalks and beaches, The Shores offers two walk-up food counters: Beach Buns (Carnival Deli on other ships) and Coastal Slice (the equivalent of Pizza Pirate or Pizzeria del Capitano). Offset by colorful, blinking carnival-style lighting, the venues all but scream, "Step right up!"

Other venues in the area include the Marina Bar for cocktails and coffee, complimentary Italian restaurant Cucina del Capitano and for-fee seafood eatery Rudi's Seagrill, created by food pop artist chef Rudi Sodamin.

Summer Landing: From The Shores, continue aft on Deck 8 to reach Summer Landing. It's an indoor space that encompasses Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, a Guy Fieri barbecue joint with its own microbrewery and live music; the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which honors members of the military; and soft-serve ice cream.

Outside, the area continues with The Patio, which features a pool and hot tubs, and neighboring The Watering Hole, a bar that serves the space.

Lido: A mix of food and fun, the Lido zone fans out on decks 16 and 17 around the ship's main Beach Pool, which serves as the center of the action. Around and above it, you'll find outdoor movies, dedicated teen hangouts, a video arcade, a two-story version of the RedFrog Tiki Bar, cruiser favorite BlueIguana Cantina, extra-fee Seafood Shack and Street Eats street food.

On the upper deck is the popular Guy's Burger Joint, which is oddly set a bit farther away from the action on Excel Class ships. Farther afield on Deck 16, passengers can check out Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant or venture to Lido Marketplace, the ship's complimentary buffet.

The Ultimate Playground: If you're looking for alfresco thrills to keep you busy, The Ultimate Playground is the place to be. It comprises a miniature golf course, a basketball court, a ropes course and the line's signature WaterWorks water park, all of which are free.

Of course, the highlight of this zone is the Bolt roller coaster. It's an added-fee experience during which passengers (one to two people per ride) zoom twice around the track on a motorcycle-style vehicle that allows you to throttle up or down to a speed that suits you.

What I love about Carnival Jubilee

Grand central.

Grand Central is one of my favorite spots on board. Although it's often loud, busy and difficult to navigate, especially on sea days, it's a prime place to sit and people-watch. I found myself gravitating there repeatedly to enjoy coffee or a snack from the nearby JavaBlue Cafe while watching the cast from that night's show rehearse at Center Stage — something you can't usually do on other ships.

Plus, the space is a bit of a throwback to the days when interior designer and architect Joe Farcus was responsible for Carnival's ship decor. The decor is midcentury modern style meets '80s quirk, featuring a pink and teal color scheme, fun light fixtures and a bar with colored mirror accents.

I'm not generally someone who cares about alcohol. Give me one or two pina coladas on a weeklong cruise, and I'm good to go. However, the massively creative options on the menus at both the Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks, Ph.D., bars are absolutely worth a shoutout.

For the wow factor, the best drink I had was A Pearly Bubble. Found on the menu at the Golden Mermaid, it's a mix of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. It was a bit too dry for me, so I didn't care for the taste; however, you won't want to miss the presentation, which involves a giant bubble atop the drink. It pops when you poke it, leaving behind a tiny poof of smoke.

For taste, which I know is subjective, my favorite is the Crimson Catch (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, lime juice, pomegranate liqueur, white cranberry juice and Swedish Fish candy). I prefer sweet drinks, and this hit the spot.

It's not unusual for the line at JavaBlue to snake around the corner and down the hall at peak times. The staff members try their best to keep things moving, but if you don't feel like waiting 10-15 minutes for a cuppa, head upstairs to Deck 8's Marina Bar instead.

There, you can order any of the same coffee beverages you'll find at JavaBlue but in far less time. If you're feeling more like a cocktail, you can grab one of those, too. On my sailing, the bartenders were phenomenal and even remembered that I prefer non-dairy milk with my lattes.

Bolt roller coaster

Cruise fans know that Carnival brought Bolt, the first-ever roller coaster at sea, to Mardi Gras in 2021. Carnival Jubilee offers the same ride — the third of its kind on a cruise ship — in the deck 18, 19 and 20 Ultimate Playground area.

Pay a fee to ride, and you (or you and a friend) can navigate two laps of twists and turns around the ship's funnel as you use the throttle and hyper-boost buttons to try to break the day's speed record. (Yes, you'll be timed, and don't forget to smile for a photo.) The ocean views from above are totally worth the cost.

What I don't love about Carnival Jubilee

There's no easy way to say this: The ship almost always feels crowded. If you want to enjoy it when it's not, you'll have to stay on board during port calls just to find some space to yourself. Many restaurants and walk-up counters have near-constant lines, particularly at the complimentary venues during peak dinner times every evening.

It's so common for JavaBlue to be backed up throughout the day that an easy-to-miss sign directs passengers to other locations where they can grab a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, lines at the onboard deli and pizzeria counters frequently snake so far down Deck 8 that they block the entrance to seafood restaurant Rudi's Seagrill. One night, as I was dining at Rudi's with some of my travel companions, we joked that the lines were dangerously close to melding with the line for the nearby guest services desk.

And it isn't just a problem with dining. I arrived 15 minutes early for a magic show at the Punchliner Comedy Club, and I couldn't find a single available seat in the entire place. On another night, I showed up on time for Family Feud Live in the ship's theater, and it was a standing-room-only situation. The sizes of the performance venues are generally way too small for the number of passengers wishing to watch the shows.

My cabin had some of the best soundproofing I've experienced on a new ship in a long time — I had balcony accommodations near an elevator bank and heard nothing when I was in my room. However, a couple of passengers told me they could hear noise from Bolt in their balcony cabin on Deck 15.

Most other places on board seem to be excessively loud. Even on port days, when most passengers are ashore, the public areas are filled with loud music that makes it hard to find a quiet escape. Some of it is understandable. After all, Carnival vessels are known as the Fun Ships, but some of it seems unnecessary.

One example is the Dr. Seuss-themed Seuss-a-palooza Parade that makes its way through the Currents zone once per sailing. I happened to be sitting at a table in the area when the festivities kicked off. I decided to stay to see what it was all about, and I'm sorry I did. As costumed Dr. Seuss characters arrived, Carnival staff asked the children to scream solely for the sake of screaming. Ear-piercing shrieks reverberated throughout the space, which was also blocked off to passengers trying to pass through.

The excessive upselling

Combining noise with the annoyance of hawking alcohol, the roving waiters visited every table at Chibang! — the ship's hybrid Mexican-Asian restaurant — one night while I was having dinner there. Their goal was to push Rumchata shots on everyone. Whenever somebody bought one, the waiter would demand that they yell "Shot, shot, shot!" before downing it. This was extremely disruptive and added to the already loud atmosphere.

One afternoon later in the sailing, two different crew members approached me a total of six times in less than half an hour while I was having lunch on the Lido deck. The first five times, I simply said, "No, thanks." After the sixth time, I had enough and told them nicely but firmly to stop asking me. I found the high-pressure sales tactics excessive and irritating when all I wanted to do was eat my meal in peace.

The inconsistencies

Oddly, there were some discrepancies on board that I was surprised to see on a ship that's been sailing for several months.

The first couple had to do with differences between the Carnival HUB app and the daily Fun Times printed schedule. On one occasion, the app said Seafood Shack opened half an hour earlier than it did, while the paper version of the daily schedule had the correct information. Another time, the printed daily had the wrong theater show listed for that night; the correct one was posted in the HUB. On another day, the printed schedule was missing part four of a four-part show, which did show up on the agenda in the app.

In terms of food and drinks, I had a strange experience at Chibang! when I ordered spring rolls. Usually, they don't have meat in them, nor was meat listed as an ingredient on the menu. When the waiter took my order, he said, "Spring rolls with chicken." When I asked him about it, he said he could request for them to be made without it, but that doesn't explain why something with meat in it wouldn't have meat in its list of ingredients. If I were a vegetarian or vegan, it would have concerned me.

As for drinks, I ordered a Snapping Pop at Dr. Inks., Ph.D. It was completely different — different color, different taste and different presentation — from what I received when I ordered the same drink on a sailing two months prior. I was told the drink had to be changed for several reasons. However, the old ingredients were listed on the menu, meaning passengers weren't getting what they thought they ordered.

Carnival Jubilee cabins and suites

Carnival Jubilee offers cabins in the usual varieties: insides with no windows or balconies, ocean-view accommodations with windows, balcony cabins with outdoor veranda space and suites that include additional perks. These include priority check-in, boarding and disembarkation; preferred dinner times in the main dining room; pillow-top mattresses; two large bottles of water and bathrobes; and extra square footage.

Within those categories, Carnival Jubilee offers three types of special cabins. First is Family Harbor, which offers nautically themed cabins that sleep up to five people and rooms that can be connected via an interior door. Families booked in Family Harbor cabins have access to a dedicated Family Harbor Lounge, which offers daily breakfast, snacks and drinks, as well as board games and TVs with a selection of movies and video games. They also receive a free night of babysitting in the kids club so parents can enjoy some alone time.

The second special cabin type is the Havana Cabana. Done up in bright, tropical colors, these rooms offer extended outdoor lounge space and private access to the Havana Pool and Bar area.

The third type is Cloud 9 Spa cabins. With calming seafoam green and yellow decor alongside extras like Elemis toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, these are some of the most relaxing cabins on any ship. These guests also receive priority spa appointments and free access to fitness classes and the onboard thermal suite.

Suites in all three of these special accommodation types also give passengers the suite perks mentioned above.

Excel Suites, Carnival Jubilee's highest-level accommodations, receive all standard suite perks plus additional ones. These include complimentary access to the private sun deck at Loft 19, priority cabana reservations at Loft 19, concierge services, guaranteed reservations at most extra-fee restaurants, free room service, upgraded toiletries, fruit and sparkling wine upon embarkation, a free soft drink package, free in-room movies, an in-cabin coffee machine and complimentary laundry service .

Standard amenities in all rooms include a queen bed that converts to two twins on request, bedside shelving with reading lamps and USB outlets, a desk and vanity area, a sofa or chair, a closet and drawers for storage, a safe for valuables, a house phone and a hair dryer.

Bathrooms feature a toilet, sink and shower with a door instead of a curtain. Complimentary toiletries are basic: bar soap for handwashing and dispensers of shampoo and shower gel mounted on the wall in the shower.

On my sailing, I stayed in a balcony cabin, which was elegantly decorated in neutrals with blue accents. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of storage space. I appreciated touches like ample vanity mirror lighting, adjustable shelving in the closets and a surplus of USB outlets throughout the room, including near the vanity and beside the bed.

Speaking of the bed, it was exceptionally comfortable, and I was excited to find that the TV across from it had a sizable selection of free movies (as well as newer releases for a fee). The TV also allows you to watch select live channels and shipboard programming and to check your onboard bill.

Dislikes for me include a shower door that opens toward you instead of into the shower, making the already tiny bathroom even tighter. I also didn't like the "SNOOZIN'" door hangers, which often got caught in my door when I closed it; I would've rathered a "do not disturb" button like many other new ships have.

I also would have liked a taller table on the balcony, but it only had room for two chairs (not lounger-style) and a small drinks table.

Carnival Jubilee offers 82 accessible cabins in a mix of types and categories: inside, ocean-view, balcony and suite, as well as rooms in the Family Harbor, Havana Cabana and Cloud 9 Spa categories.

Within those 82 options, there are fully accessible accommodations with access to both sides of the bed and rooms that are fully accessible with single-side access to one side of the bed, which work well for passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters. Ambulatory-accessible rooms provide accommodations for people who walk with the help of assistive devices like canes or walkers.

Fully accessible rooms are stair-free, flat-threshold cabins, which offer wider (32-inch) doorways, turning space and bathrooms equipped with grab bars and shower seats.

There are no solo cabins on Carnival Jubilee.

Cabin cleaning is limited to once per day. Unless you specifically request your cabin steward to come at night for turndown service instead of earlier in the day, your room will be made up in the morning. Hang the "SNOOZIN'" card on the outside of your door, and no one will bother you — but your room won't be cleaned that day.

Carnival Jubilee restaurants and bars

Carnival jubilee food.

One of the best ways Carnival provides value to its customers is through its food offerings. Complimentary dining abounds on Carnival Jubilee, and the variety of cuisines is impressive. You'll find more free options on Carnival ships than on just about any other fleet's vessels, and they're actually tasty. It's entirely possible to eat only food that's included in the cruise fare and not feel like you're missing out.

Excellent added-fee options include steak, seafood and teppanyaki, which might be worth trying if you're celebrating a special occasion or feeling like a splurge.

Dinner reservations are recommended for many eateries, even the main dining rooms. You can make them by visiting your restaurant of choice or by using the HUB app. If you don't make one, you might find yourself waiting 20 minutes or more for a table at peak times. If you make a reservation through the app, you'll receive a notification to report to the host stand when your table is ready.

In my experience, waiters were diligent in asking about dietary requirements and restrictions. However, it was disappointing to see that many menus weren't marked with specific options for vegetarians, vegans and people who can't eat gluten.

The ship has two main dining rooms: Atlantic Restaurant (Deck 6, mid) and Pacific Restaurant (decks 6 and 7, aft).

One of them is dedicated to passengers who select Your Time Dining, which lets you eat anytime between 5 and 9 p.m. (The dedicated YTD restaurant can vary by sailing, depending on how many people choose that option.)

Both serve the same menu for dinner, but only the larger Pacific Restaurant is open for Sea Day Brunch on sea days and breakfast (but not lunch) on port days.

I very much enjoyed an omelet with hashbrowns at Sea Day Brunch and salmon during the formal night dinner in the Pacific Restaurant. I also had a wonderful time at two special events — complimentary afternoon tea and an extra-fee Dr. Seuss-themed Thing 1 and Thing 2 Birthday Breakfast — held in the Atlantic Restaurant.

Tip: If you're a vegetarian or a fan of Indian food, don't miss the daily Indian dish on the main dining room menu.

The buffet is the other free food option that's a staple on just about any cruise.

On Carnival Jubilee, the Lido Marketplace on Deck 16 is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, but I found it largely uninspired and lacking in variety. The French toast I had for breakfast and the mahi mahi I had for dinner were tasty, but there are definitely better no-charge venues on board.

A little-known fact is that, at least for the inaugural season, passengers can dine at Mexican-Asian restaurant Chibang! and the Italian Cucina del Capitano, both on Deck 8, for free. Cruisers with YTD can eat there for dinner anytime; those with set seating can dine there after 7:45 p.m.

At Cucina del Capitano, I was exceptionally pleased with the spaghetti carbonara I ordered. The nachos and spring rolls are don't-miss items at Chibang!

Unfortunately, both the service and atmosphere at Chibang! are lacking. The space is simply packed with tables — so much so that there were only about two inches between my table and the one next to me, even though I was dining alone. It then took nearly 10 minutes for a waiter to bring me water and another 10 before someone came to take my order.

Also on Deck 8 are Coastal Slice and neighboring Beach Buns, which respectively replace the pizza and deli counters found by the pool on most other Carnival ships.

The former bakes several different types of pies nearly around the clock, and they're scrumptious. The latter whips up hotdogs, soups and a variety of sandwiches. (I was pleasantly surprised by the grilled ham and cheese.) Lines for both counters are often long, but I promise it's worth the wait.

Two great staples in the ship's outdoor Lido zone are the BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 16), where you can find yummy tacos and burritos throughout the day, and Guy's Burger Joint (Deck 17), which is the place to grab some of the best burgers at sea via Carnival's partnership with chef and TV personality Guy Fieri.

The breakfast burritos at BlueIguana are fantastic. My pick from Guy's is the Chilius Maximus — an 80/20 ground chuck patty with cheese, chili, onion rings and barbecue sauce.

Guy Fieri isn't the only celebrity affiliated with Carnival's free food.

Shaq's Big Chicken , a restaurant backed by basketball great Shaquille O'Neal (who is also Carnival's CFO, chief fun officer), is perfect if you have a hankering for some fried chicken. In addition to chicken strips, sandwiches and fries, the counter-service venue also serves breakfast. Do yourself a favor and try the chicken and biscuit combo with fries.

If you're seeking a between-meal snack or light bite, try the JavaBlue Cafe on Deck 6 in Grand Central. The cafe offers a sizable menu of specialty coffee beverages and tea, as well as free and for-fee snacks.

Breakfast pastries, bowls and English muffin sandwiches, as well as all-day options like salads, sandwiches, wraps, empanadas and calzones, are complimentary; cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes and cheesecake cost extra.

As a sucker for soft-serve ice cream, I was a frequent visitor to the three soft-serve ice cream and frozen yogurt machines on decks 8, 16 and 17. At some point, I lost count of how many cones I ate.

Since there are no toppings, I recommend you snag a bowl of dry Froot Loops from the buffet during breakfast, and stash them in your cabin to mix with your ice cream later. Or grab cookies from the buffet for a DIY ice cream sandwich.

Carnival Jubilee has so many places to eat that I ran out of time to try them all on my weeklong sailing.

I missed Fresh Creations, a salad station in the adults-only sun deck area on Deck 18, and Street Eats, a set of three street food-style walk-up windows on Deck 16 near the main pool. The walk-up windows include Steam Dream, which serves dumplings; Time Fries, offering creative takes on french fries; and Sizzle, a grill that specializes in kebabs and other dishes.

Extra-cost food

My favorite onboard dining experience of the whole sailing was at Emeril's Bistro 717 in the Currents zone on Deck 6. A version of this chef Emeril Lagasse-affiliated spot is on each of Carnival's Excel Class ships, bearing the hull number of the original vessel for which the new one is named. Simply walk up to order at the counter, have a seat and a waiter will take over from there.

During my visit, I ordered a pound of stone crab claws in garlic butter (market price) with red beans and rice ($3) and a brie bowl ($6). The food was fabulous, and the service was friendly. My only complaint is that, apart from a claw cracker, there were no other tools available to get to the crab meat. (I asked.) My waiter had no bibs or wet wipes to offer, which left me a bit messy afterward.

The food item I most recommend you try when sailing on Carnival Jubilee is an order of beignets at Emeril's. Pillows of soft fried dough coated in powdered sugar with chocolate and strawberry sauces for dipping are $5 for an order of six.

My second favorite experience was a calm, quiet and uncrowded lunch at Bonsai Sushi on Deck 8. I partook in edamame ($3) and a California roll ($8). It was fresh, tasty, filling and reasonably priced.

Another excellent dinner during my voyage occurred at Rudi's Seagrill (Deck 8), an upscale seafood restaurant named for chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin. The lobster macaroni and cheese was the perfect indulgence to start my meal, and I followed it up with a delicious crab cake.

I wasn't overly hungry when I sat down, but the $49 cover charge ($15 for kids) would also have included a soup or salad and a dessert if I had wanted them.

No Carnival sailing would be complete for a carnivore without a visit to Fahrenheit 555, the onboard steakhouse . On Carnival Jubilee, it's adorned in neutral tans, dark browns and red tones.

The menu has several types of meat — including steak, of course, as well as lamb chops and chicken — and seafood items like fish and lobster tail. I went with a 9-ounce filet mignon, which was cooked to perfection. It came alongside several sauces and sides of broccoli and crinkle-cut fries for $49 ($15 for kids).

My two most disappointing extra-fee food encounters on Carnival Jubilee were Seafood Shack (Deck 16, in the Lido zone, near the pool) and room service.

The first one opened late, and despite my order being the first one of the day, it still took more than 20 minutes to be served. I chose a single crab cake for $15. When I received it, the bun was soggy, and no garnishes or sauces were offered until I went back to the counter to ask for coleslaw and tartar sauce, neither of which helped the flavor.

It didn't hold a candle to the crab cake from Rudi's, and I ended up abandoning most of it.

Room service, which comes with a la carte fees (except for free Continental breakfast), set me back almost $20 for a chicken quesadilla, chicken fingers with curly fries and a chocolate chip cookie, which I ordered sometime around 2 a.m.

Everything arrived quickly and at the right temperature. The fries and cookie were great, but the chicken fingers were rubbery and full of gristle. When I tried to order the quesadilla without chicken, I was told they were already made, which seems strange. Shouldn't room service be made to order?

Again, I couldn't fit every single restaurant into my time on Carnival Jubilee, so I missed out on Bonsai Teppanyaki, where chefs grill your food right in front of you, complete with corny jokes. I also missed Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse, another Guy Fieri creation that serves barbecue fare, wings and microbrewed beer made right on the ship (lunch is free). I couldn't make it to Chef's Table, an exclusive multicourse small-group dining experience that's the most pricey meal on board, either.

Carnival Jubilee bars

Drinks are priced individually unless you have a Cheers beverage package that includes alcohol.

My favorite bar on Carnival Jubilee is the Marina Bar in The Shores zone on Deck 8. It offers a menu of adult beverages, but it also serves the same specialty coffees you'll find at JavaBlue, which often has a long line.

This nautically themed outpost is next to a popular access point to the outer decks, so the only downside is that you might be blasted with hot air while your drink is being made.

Unique to Carnival Jubilee are two new bars in the Deck 6 Currents zone.

The Golden Mermaid is a nod to treasures one might expect to find under the sea, and a mural on the opposite wall depicts underwater scenes, including mermaids. (For some "Where's Waldo"-style fun, try to spot a miniature likeness of the ship, a pair of custom sneakers and references to SpongeBob SquarePants.)

The menu of drinks is noteworthy, too, featuring names like From Far Seas and Atlantis Potion. My favorite, though, is A Pearly Bubble — a blend of gin, St. Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, lime juice and dragon fruit that's as much for show as it is for taste.

The second new bar is Dr. Inks, Ph.D. In addition to a fun selection of cocktails — some of which involve candy — the bar's theme is tied to an animated octopus named Dr. Inks. She has a Ph.D., pet butterflies and extensive collections of both books and fashionable eyewear. Every so often, she'll appear on the screens above the area to chat.

Cruiser-favorite Alchemy Bar — where white-coated apothecaries prescribe drinks to heal what ails you (try the Cucumber Sunrise) — and the bar at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse returned to Carnival Jubilee after finding success on other Carnival ships.

Besides beer that's brewed right on board — which you can order by the glass, flight or growler, or in cocktails — you can snag one of several whiskies or interesting cocktails like a smoky watermelon margarita and a black bourbon fizz. I tried a bacon Manhattan, but the taste wasn't my favorite. I also wasn't impressed with how long it took a bartender to ask for my order, especially since it wasn't particularly crowded.

I'm not a huge drinker, so I didn't personally try cocktails from the Center Stage Bar (Deck 6) or Grand View Bar (Deck 7) in Grand Central. The former features a bit of a retro vibe, and the latter is backed by a giant light-up wall that looks like wave.

I also missed out on the RedFrog Tiki Bar, a two-deck (decks 16 and 17), hut-style setup that replaces the RedFrog Rum Bar found on many other Carnival ships' pool decks. It's where you'll find the most quintessentially tropical menu of mixed drinks on board.

Other outdoor bar options include The Watering Hole near Summer Landing on Deck 8, the Serenity Pool Bar on Deck 18 in the adults-only area and the Loft 19 Bar on the exclusive Loft 19 sun deck. (Access is free for passengers booked in suites or anyone who reserves a cabana for anywhere from $250 to $500 per day.)

Back inside, Deck 6's Piano Bar is where passengers can order a tipple while an onboard pianist tickles the ivories. Make your way up a deck, and you'll find the Limelight Lounge, which serves as a secondary performance space and trivia outpost.

Go one deck farther, and you can choose between the Havana Bar, which serves Latin-themed cocktails, and the Heroes Tribute Lounge, which has a special menu of drinks dedicated to military members.

Carnival Jubilee entertainment

Carnival jubilee activities.

Carnival Jubilee offers a full roundup of daily activities on each voyage.

Passengers might choose to head to the casino, play bingo, enjoy an alcohol tasting, participate in a sports tournament, go on a digital scavenger hunt, mingle at a deck party, play minigolf, take a dance class, learn towel folding, or attend a spa, jewelry or shopping seminar.

Particularly notable are the rotating animations that pop up throughout the Currents zone during each voyage.

If you show up during "Soundwaves Jukebox," you'll see synthesizer-like graphics pulsating to the music on the giant screens above the space.

"Change the Currents" will allow you to view underwater scenes from different areas of the world, including the Arctic and swampy Everglades; other experiences take you on an underwater adventure in a submarine and display ocean-themed artwork drawn by kids at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Some of my personal favorite pastimes on board included trivia, pool deck movies, for-fee culinary classes and a particularly relaxing massage. (Watch out for discounts early in your sailing or on port days.)

In addition to treatments, the Cloud 9 Spa offers salon services and a thermal suite — access to which is free with the purchase of a pass or a spa treatment — with a thalassotherapy pool, heated tile loungers, a sauna and two steam rooms. The adjacent fitness center is on the small side but features for-fee personal training and organized fitness classes, as well as equipment that's free for passengers to use.

Looking to find a group of like-minded travelers on your sailing? Check out meetups for solo travelers, singles, veterans and members of the LGBTQ+ community listed in the daily program.

If you're interested in spending time outdoors working on your tan by the pool, you can do so at one of five onboard pools.

There's the Havana Pool (private access for cruisers staying in Havana Cabanas) and the Patio Pool, both on Deck 8 (the latter with hot tubs); the Beach Pool and Tides Pool on Deck 16 (also with hot tubs); and the Deck 18 adults-only Serenity Pool (with hot tubs). There's also a hot tub at Loft 19 on Deck 19, which charges a fee for access.

Cabanas are available for rent on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices vary by sailing, but on my voyage, they were $500 per day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pool lifts accommodating up to 300 pounds are available for passengers with limited mobility.

On Deck 18, you'll find Waterworks, which offers waterslides and a splash area for kids.

Kids and adults who aren't afraid of heights will enjoy the top-deck ropes course, which offers two options for different levels of skill and bravery. The Bolt roller coaster, a minigolf course and a basketball court are also found in the SportSquare area within the Ultimate Playground zone.

Additional activities for youngsters take place in Camp Ocean, Carnival's kids club , which splits children into four groups: Turtles (up to 2 years old), Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11).

Fun pursuits on the daily schedule might include arts and crafts, themed parties, science experiments, games and story time, depending on the age group.

Camp Ocean also has an interactive space wall, where astronauts lead kids on virtual expeditions, complete with a ceiling that lights up like the night sky to show the constellations.

Kids can also attend Build-A-Bear workshops, march along in a Dr. Seuss-themed parade led by the Fox in Socks and Thing 1 and Thing 2, and listen to the Cat in the Hat read stories.

Tweens and teens have their own dedicated hangout spaces. Activities here are less structured, and participants can come and go as they please. Plus, an onboard arcade offers video games for a fee.

Carnival Jubilee shows

Entertainment on Carnival Jubilee is a combination of passenger favorites from other ships and new shows that you'll only find on this vessel.

Of the performances, I most enjoyed two main-theater shows that are also found on some other ships in the fleet. "Celestial Strings" is a mix of classical and modern pop instrumentals partnered with ethereal costumes and sets; "Soulbound" is a song-and-dance performance with a Victorian steampunk vibe, set in what feels like New Orleans, during which a soul-stealer tries to mess with a twisted love story.

Another excellent show is "Rio Carnival," which occurs at Center Stage in the Grand Central zone instead of the main theater. Although the first half felt a bit shaky and slightly boring to me, the second half redeemed it all, featuring a parade of dancers and aerialists dressed in flamboyant costumes synonymous with Rio de Janeiro's Carnival.

The ship's two new shows are just OK. The first, "Dear Future Husband," is a song-and-dance theater show with a plot that involves a couple taking their closest friends on a cruise for a combination bachelor/bachelorette party and wedding. Musical numbers befit the wedding theme and include Bruno Mars' "Marry You" and, of course, Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

After the performance, a "reception" (read: dance party with a DJ and visits from the cast) is held in one of the ship's public areas. When I saw this show several months ago, the reception was in the Limelight Lounge. On this more recent voyage, Dr. Inks, Ph.D., served as the reception location.

The second new show is the "Lone Star Tailgate." Drawing on Texas' love for all things football, Carnival has created four indoor/outdoor "quarters" of fun to mimic the four quarters of a football game. When I sailed, the first quarter, which is all about pool deck games for kids, was held on one sea day, and the other three were held on another sea day.

The second quarter involves pool deck games where passengers have to dress up in football gear to complete team races.

During "halftime," the ship's theater singers and dancers put on a show on the pool deck, dressed in team colors to support the fictional Carnival University — the team cruisers are supposedly cheering on during the festivities.

The third and fourth quarters occur in the Summer Landing zone; passengers can rope hay bales, participate in a hot wing-eating contest at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse Brewhouse and follow it up with music from a live band.

Don't miss the audience participation-style game shows like "Family Feud Live," "Deal or No Deal" and the "Love & Marriage Show." The first pits two family teams against one another to guess popular answers to survey questions; the latter tests couples to see how well they know one another, often resulting in hilarious answers.

Other entertainment during my sailing included several day and nighttime comedy acts, an absolutely phenomenal magic show (be sure to arrive at the Punchliner Comedy Club at least 30 minutes early or you won't find a seat) and "We Are One," a farewell show that focuses on togetherness.

Carnival Jubilee itineraries and pricing

Through at least April 2026, Carnival Jubilee offers two seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries out of its Galveston home port on a regular rotation. Both types of sailings begin and end in Galveston and visit Mahogany Bay in Roatan and Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico with three sea days mixed in. The only difference between the two itineraries is the order in which the port calls and sea days occur.

At the time of publication, prices started from $709 per person ($101 per person per night) for an inside cabin or $919 per person ($131 per person per night) for balcony accommodations.

What to know before you sail on Carnival Jubilee

Required documents.

If you're a U.S. citizen on a cruise that starts and ends in a U.S. port, you'll need a current passport or an official copy of your birth certificate and a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification to sail. A few other forms of identification, such as a passport card, also are acceptable.

Passports must be valid for at least six more months. For cruises from international ports, you'll need a passport. Note that it is important that the name on your reservation be exactly as it is stated on your passport or other official proof of nationality. All this said, we recommend checking Carnival's website before sailing for up-to-date requirements.

Related: Which documents do you need for a cruise?

Carnival Jubilee passengers will automatically have $16 per person per day added to their onboard bills. Cruisers staying in suites will pay $18 per person per day. (Children younger than 2 are exempt from gratuities.) An 18% gratuity is also added to bar and cafe bills, spa treatments and the cover charge of the Chef's Table.

Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships

Carnival Wi-Fi is generally fast and reliable, and Jubilee features StarLink connectivity. However, don't be surprised if you find yourself repeatedly and automatically disconnected, which is annoying.

Packages have increased significantly in price in recent years, and each plan is only for one device. (You can log out of one and into another with the same account, but you can't connect more than one simultaneously unless you buy additional plans.)

Three package tiers are available: Social (access to most social media and airline websites and apps for $18 per day or $126 for a weeklong cruise), Value (same as Social, plus access to financial and news websites and apps for $23 per day or $161 for a week) and Premium (everything from the Social and Value packages plus Skype access and video calling for $25 per day or $175 for a week). Passengers can also choose 24 hours of Premium access for $35.

Carnival claims that its packages don't allow FaceTime, iMessage or streaming from popular apps like Netflix and Hulu. However, TPG writers have had success using all of those services with the Premium package.

Carnival Jubilee is also the first ship in the fleet to offer 5G cellphone connectivity, which means faster speeds when you connect using your cellphone's plan. But be warned: If you don't have a special plan that allows you to connect at sea without roaming, you could be looking at hefty fees when you return. Generally, it's best to keep your phone in airplane mode when you sail.

Related: 5 things to know about cruise ship Wi-Fi

Carry-on drinks policy

Passengers can carry on one bottle of wine or Champagne per person (21 years and older); this will incur a $15 corkage fee for consumption in public areas. Each person can also bring up to 12 standard cans or cartons of nonalcoholic beverages like juice or soda. Alcohol-free drinks in plastic and glass bottles aren't allowed.

Related: Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Smoking policy

Smoking (including electronic cigarettes) is allowed but only in designated outdoor areas on Deck 8 mid-ship on the starboard side. Smoking is also allowed on the starboard side of the casino, but it's for cigarettes only. All types of smoking are forbidden in cabins and on cabin balconies.

Related: Cruise line smoking policies

Carnival Jubilee has self-service pressing rooms on decks 4, 5, 9, 14 and 15 with ironing boards and irons that are free to use. There are no self-service laundry facilities, though. Instead, passengers can send out their clothing for washing, pressing and dry-cleaning for a per-item fee.

Related: Everything you need to know about cruise ship laundry

Electrical outlets

Carnival Jubilee has standard North American 110-volt outlets in its cabins, as well as plenty of USB ports. In my balcony room, I had three standard outlets and four USB lightning ports by the vanity. There was also a USB port (non-lightning) on either side of the bed, just below the reading lamp.

The currency on Carnival Jubilee is the U.S. dollar. The ship also operates without cash. Passengers link credit cards to their onboard accounts or put up a set amount of cash to charge against, using their keycards as a means of making purchases. The only time you might want to have some bills handy is for tipping your room steward, bartenders, room service delivery people, luggage porters or shore excursion guides.

Drinking age

You must be at least 21 years old to drink alcohol on Carnival Jubilee.

Carnival Jubilee does not have a specific daytime dress code, and people dress casually. If it's a sea day in a warm-weather destination, and you're bound for the top deck, T-shirts, shorts and bathing suits (with a cover-up to go inside) are just fine.

During the evenings, the official dress code is pretty laid-back. Most nights are designated "cruise casual," which means just that — khakis or jeans, polo shirts, sundresses and the like. Super casual items such as cutoff jeans, men's sleeveless shirts, T-shirts and gym shorts are supposedly not permitted, but I saw plenty of them in the dining rooms during dinnertime on Carnival Jubilee.

Each weeklong cruise will schedule two formal nights — known as "elegant nights." If you're bound for the dining rooms, men are expected to turn up in dress slacks and a dress shirt, preferably with a sports coat or even a suit. The suggested attire for women on such nights is cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses. Passengers who wish to avoid dressing up can enjoy dinner in any of the casual eateries aboard.

Related: What to wear on a cruise – all about cruise line dress codes

Bottom line

Sure, Carnival Jubilee carries a lot of people, and it can feel crowded and cumbersome to learn your way around at first.

However, it offers new ocean- and beach-themed zones, delicious food, creative cocktails, friendly crew members, comfy cabins, outdoor thrills, Texas charm and a marquee packed with fun daily diversions and nighttime shows. You'll find it's an affordable Caribbean vacation that speaks to just about any traveler who enjoys a large-cruise-ship experience.

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‘She had cookies in the bottom of her bag’: Carnival Cruise dogs are now everywhere, expert warns. They’re even better than you think

‘carnival is still not playing.’.

Grace Rampaul

Posted on Apr 10, 2024   Updated on Apr 10, 2024, 12:40 am CDT

As marijuana consumption has increased once again to its peaking usage rates of the ’70s, Carnival Cruise line is cracking down on regulating both medical and recreational drugs to ensure that all cruise-goers can satisfy their desire of “All for Fun. Fun for All.”

In a TikTok posted on Monday, cruise enthusiast and influencer Melissa ( @professormelissa ) warns voyagers of Carnival Cruise’s newest apparent tactic to combat on-ship drug usage, more prevalent drug dogs. Receiving 1,716 likes and more than 130,600 views, Melissa briefly walks viewers through the embarkment process, which includes a K-9 narcotic detection team. 

“Y’all Carnival is still not playing when it comes to the drug-sniffing dogs,” Melissa forewarns. “Here’s what you can expect.” 

Dressed to the nines, Melissa stands in the doorway of her Carnival stateroom after making it safely on-board and continues her caveat via voice-over. 

At this point, the TikTok flashes to a security notice posted by Carnival, directly outside the maritime passenger terminal doors, presumably giving voyagers a chance to prepare prior to entering the way station. 

“Canine dogs on duty, drug free zone,” the sign reads in large lettering, accompanied by finer print directly below. 

“As per federal law, marijuana including maijuana for medical purposes and any other illegal drugs, are not allowed on board. Anyone in possession of illegal drugs will be disembarked at the guest’s expense and is subject to prosecution by the authorities,” the sign explains. 

Once again Melissa emphasizes just how strongly Carnival has been cracking down in recent years. 

With Tory Lanez’s song “ Hurts me (Alone At Prom) ,” echoing in the background, Melissa pans to her series of seemingly infinite bags on the floor, each being individually sniffed by a drug dog. 

“UH OH!” titles the short clip, but based on the introduction to the TikTok, it’s apparent Melissa had nothing to worry about.

Now a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 times stronger than humans , and it’s proven that virtually no machine can compare to a dog’s nose. For example, when sniffing dogs search for explosives, they are accurate 90% of the time in comparison to their mechanical counterparts who only reach rates of 14% success. 

Similar accuracy rates for narcotic detection canines have been found as well. 

So, it’s clear why some Carnival passengers may be a little extra nervous when boarding their vacation at sea. 

“Bags down for the dogs,” another sign reads, showing how clear Carnival is with its expectations. 

And according to the website, Carnival reserves the right to do this as well, and states this explicitly:

“ Under U.S. federal law, all cruise terminals in the U.S. are federal facilities and, along with our ships, are drug-free zones. Customs and law enforcement authorities in U.S. homeports and foreign destinations are present and have the right to conduct routine and random inspections with the assistance of narcotics-sniffing dogs. There is zero tolerance for possession of narcotics (which includes marijuana, even in those states where marijuana has been decriminalized). All guests and their personal items may be subject to screening by law enforcement and any guest found in possession of illegal drugs and other prohibited items may be subject to fines, arrest, and denial of boarding without refund or compensation. This is beyond Carnival’s control. Furthermore, Carnival reserves the right to deploy narcotics-sniffing dogs in terminals and on board our ships in order to enforce our obligations to uphold federal law.”

Owned by Carnival Corporation, the cruise line is a part of the world’s largest cruise ship operator, accompanied by sister lines Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard Lard.

The Daily Dot has talked with other experts on the subject as well. In an exclusive with the Daily Dot, cruise-planner Mandy ( @mandythecruiseplanner ) warned of similar scenarios on the cruise line. And though she wants her followers to have as pleasurable of an experience as possible, Mandy warns that nothing can ruin a cruise more than having to disembark for a small marijuana charge. 

Even commenters on Melissa’s TikTok acknowledged how persistent the drug dogs can be, detecting almost everything that was out of the ordinary. 

“My sister has a medical card in Florida, but had nothing in her bag and they still pulled her aside we think because her canvas bag smelled like it,” one commenter said. 

“Back in November the dog pulled my sister’s bags for a search because she had cookies in the bottom of her bag (regular cookies),” another warned.

@professormelissa This now seems to be standard practice. #Cruise #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruiselife #cruiser #travel #traveltiktok #cruisewithme #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #cruiseships #cruisecontent #cruisingcontent #cruisevacation #cruiselover #cruiseblogger #firsttimecruiser #cruisequestions #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruiseessentials #traveler #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruiseline #choosefun #virginvoyages #norwegiancruise #hollandcruise #hollandamericaline #disneycruiseline #msccruise #princesscruises #carnivalcruise ♬ Hurts Me (Alone At Prom) – Tory Lanez

Though of course there were some commenters debunking Melissa’s advice. Saying that they had gotten one or two small things across the terminal, at the end of the day it comes down to risk mitigation. It is up to the passenger to decide what they are willing to test, and if they decide to bring drugs on board, it is their own vacation at risk.

The Daily Dot reached out to Melissa ( @professormelissa ) for comment via TikTok DM and Carnival Cruise Line via their media email. 

Grace Rampaul is a social and multimedia intern at the Daily Dot. She is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, with a major in Journalism and focus on Media and Entertainment Studies. Grace is based in Austin and covers trending stories, entertainment, cultural phenomenon, and all things social.

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Travel | Carnival doles out more details on new Bahamas…

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Subscriber only, travel | carnival doles out more details on new bahamas destination.

MIAMI BEACH — Carnival Cruise Line has released another round of updates on what travelers can expect when its new private destination Grand Bahama Celebration Key opens.

Debuting in summer 2025, the port of call will be welcoming ships from Florida ports Port Canaveral, PortMiami, Tampa and Jacksonville as well as six other U.S. ports.

The 369-acre site less than 20 miles east of Freeport will be the first dedicated to Carnival Cruise Line, although Carnival ships have used sister line destinations Princess Cays and Half Moon Cay for years.

The largest port construction project in the line’s history will be carved into five segments the company calls portals, and Carnival released details about the third one tied to retail, an artisan village called Lokono Cove.

Named in deference to the native Lucayan language, “lokono” means “the people.” It was the winning selection from Grand Bahamas resident Deidre Rahming, who was on hand in Miami Beach with an entourage from the Bahamian government on Tuesday at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference.

She received a check for $5,000 from Carnival and a future day pass for the resort, which won’t normally be open to visitors from the island. The line says at least 300 jobs will be generated for locals serving the cruise guests.

Lokono Cove will have kiosks and stores alongside “an authentic Bahamian artisan market” showcasing local craftsmanship, according to Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. Beyond the items for sale, the space will have music and murals to enhance the space, and local food.

“Lokono Cove will be a treasure trove – a place for our guests to immerse themselves in the spirit of the Bahamas and find locally inspired keepsakes, symbols of paradise they can share with loved ones, or cherish for themselves for years to come,” said Duffy said/ “Honoring the beauty and culture of the Bahamas is integral to our plans for Celebration Key, and that will be on display throughout Lokono Cove.”

The space also will be the excursion gateway for visitors to explore Grand Bahama.

It’s the third name drop by Carnival following the reveal of welcome area Paradise Plaza and adult-friendly area Calypso Lagoon. The final two space names and details, which will be a family-friendly area and an adults-only private area, will be revealed later.

The site will also have a south-facing mile-long beachfront expanse and massive freshwater inland lagoon the line says is the largest in the Bahamas and Caribbean.

Paradise Plaza features a rainbow-colored walkway through a sunshine entranceway with a 10-story “Suncastle” as a centerpiece. The welcome area is the place to book the day’s activities including cabanas, water sports and shore excursions. The area will also feature a Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop.

Calypso Cove is the name of an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

This image shows cabanas within Calypso Cove, an adult-friendly area coming to Carnival's Celebration Key on Grand Bahama island when it opens in summer 2026. (Carnival Cruise Line)

Calypso Lagoon falls just to the west, home to the sport court and freshwater lagoon and lounging options galore. It’s home to a bar with 50 swings that let visitors dip their feet into the water, and just one of many bars serving the space and two full-service restaurants and other casual snack shacks. And adults-only area of the portal will feature a swim-up bar with a DJ, food trucks and more lounging options.

Future expansion will build beyond the five portals including the construction of a water park.

The port of call will open with one dock capable of handling its largest ships, the 6,000-passenger Excel class, including Port Canaveral-based Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration out of Miami.

The line announced this year a $100 million plan to expand that with a second dock so that it could handle up to four such ships beginning in 2026. That expansion, which grows the line’s investment to $600 million so far, means it expects nearly 4 million passengers to visit the site annually by 2028, an average of 11,000 visitors every day. For now, it has more than 500 itineraries planned among 18 ships available to book.

Other U.S. ports visiting the new site are Galveston, Texas; Baltimore; Norfolk, Virginia; Mobile, Alabama, Charleston, S.C. and New Orleans.

“As is fitting for our plans for Grand Bahama island, our vision for Celebration Key is quite grand, and we’re already thinking about the next phase of expansion and development,” said Duffy when the pier expansion was announced. “Building the second pier now allows us to implement growth plans and build itineraries with certainty, and signals to the local community just how important this development is to Carnival Cruise Line and the future of the island.”

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Award-Winning Actress & Performer Hannah Waddingham to Serve as Godmother of Stunning Sun Princess

Newest “love boat” to be officially christened in star-studded ceremony in barcelona on april 23, 2024.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , (April 8, 2024) - Award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham will serve the time-honored, maritime tradition as the official Godmother of Princess Cruises’ newest “Love Boat” Sun Princess. The star-studded naming ceremony will take place at the Port of Barcelona on April 23, 2024. 

Waddingham joins an esteemed group who have served as Godparent to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984), Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006), among many notable celebrities.

British actress and singer, Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” in which her performance garnered a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the highly anticipated Universal film “The Fall Guy” opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024. Earlier this year, Waddingham earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her own Apple TV+ holiday special “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.” Waddingham made her worldwide hosting debut in April 2023 at The Olivier Awards (she returns as host for the 2024 ceremony on April 14) followed swiftly by the BBC Eurovision Song Contest 2023, for which she has gained her second BAFTA TV nomination and won The Royal Television Society award for “Best Entertainment Performance” in 2024. Her upcoming films include Sony Animation film “Garfield” out May 24, 2024 and in 2025 “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.”

“We’re delighted to welcome the illuminous and elegant Hannah Waddingham to serve as Godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Just like Sun Princess, she exudes sophistication, beauty and wonderment through her inspiring work as a talented and award-winning actress and performer. We’re truly honored Hannah will officially name our most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, and join an esteemed group of Princess Godparents including members of the Royal family.”

The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started the inaugural cruise season on February 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October for the ship’s first Caribbean season. 

Princess ships are renowned for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.

Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including: 

The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea

Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from: 

Spellbound by Magic Castle : Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure. 

Makoto Ocean : Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions. 

Love by Britto : A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto. 

The Butcher’s Block by Dario : A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts. 

The Catch by Rudi : An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea. 

Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd : Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

Debuting a three-story dining room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Crooners with new design elements to impress.

Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces

The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall. 

Elevated & Welcoming Areas & Accommodations

Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley. 

The first-ever family activity zone, Park19, offers multi-generational fun from the top deck. Within decks 19, 20 and 21, guests can experience everything from the Sea Breeze, a glider ride that offers panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call to the Coastal Climb, an engaging climbing structure where guests can take in the gorgeous views.

With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.

Rooted in sustainability, Sun Princess is the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising. 

Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at  www.princess.com/sunprincess . 

Additional Sun Princess assets can be found here .

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting  www.princess.com . 

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Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

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