Skip to content

Carnival Cruise Line Pushes Back Debut

Carnival Cruise Line has announced they are pushing back the maiden voyage of Carnival Jubilee. Carnival Jubilee is Carnival’s third Excel class ship and the sister ship to Carnival Celebration and Mardi Gras.

Carnival Jubilee was to debut in October 2023, but the shipbuilder at Meyer Werft in Germany has cited “supply chain logistics and related matters” as the reason for the delay until early December 2023. 

The original plan was to take delivery in October 2023 and begin a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to Galveston. However, that sailing has been canceled along with five Caribbean voyages from Galveston. The cruise line is now hoping that the first cruise scheduled for December 23, 2023, will take place for the Christmas sailing out of Galveston.

“This is disappointing news, but with the notification from the shipyard, we are advising our guests as quickly as we can,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We appreciate their understanding as we work to deliver another spectacular ship that will provide a vacation experience our guests deserve and will absolutely love.”

Booked guests will receive full refunds and receive future cruise credits equal to 25% of their booked cruise fare. Cruise credit must be used by December 15, 2023, and if rebooked by February 10, they will be given $100 per person onboard credit as well. 

Carnival Jubilee is the same size as her sister, Carnival Celebration, runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG), and can carry up to 5,374 passengers. She will also have a top deck roller coaster, water park and ropes course, restaurants by Guy Fieri and Shaquille O’Neil, and six themed zones, along with many other amenities and attractions for everyone to enjoy. Once she begins regular sailings, Carnival Jubilee will offer seven-night voyages to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan.