Carnival Hosts Naming Ceremony for Carnival Jubilee with Ship Godmother Gwen Stefani

This weekend, Carnival Cruise Line hosted a belated naming ceremony for Carnival Jubilee at the ship’s homeport in Galveston. On hand to celebrate were local public leaders, business partners, and music superstar Gwen Stefani, who served as Carnival Jubilee’s Godmother. 

February 24, was declared “Carnival Jubilee Day” by Galveston Mayor Craig Brown. This day is special for the brand as it marked the 100th birthday of the late Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Line.

During the ceremony, Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy noted that Carnival Jubilee is the first new ship to be homeported in Galveston, and the first cruise ship to be christened in Galveston. 

Carnival used the occasion to celebrate its relationships with its two national charitable partners - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Operation Homefront. Duffy announced that after meeting its goal of $33 million for St. Jude by 2024, Carnival has set a new pledge goal of $50 million by 2030. A specially designed pair of Carnival Jubilee-themed cowboy boots by Houston-based Parker Boot Co. were auctioned off for $25,000 to benefit Operation Homefront. 

Carnival Jubilee Godmother Gwen Stefani joined Duffy and Captain Stefano Bonica on stage to bless and officially name the ship.

“I know she has been honored in so many ways for her music with numerous awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and now she has a ship,” said Duffy as she introduced Stefani. “She’s also put giving back as an important focus in her life, especially to several children’s causes, so we are truly thrilled to have Gwen as the Godmother of our flagship Carnival Jubilee!”

For the official christening, Stefani pulled a lasso rope and lever to release a champagne bottle that struck the ship’s bow. Stefani then treated the guests to a private concert of some of her hit songs, including “Just a Girl,” “The Sweet Escape” and “Hollaback Girl.”

You can watch the naming ceremony for Carnival Jubilee in its entirety at: 

Video from Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Jubilee began operations on December 23, 2023. The ship is the third of Carnival's Excel class, with the capacity to hold 6,500 guests, and is powered on an LNG technology platform. From its forever home at the Port of Galveston, Carnival Jubilee is sailing 7-night Western Caribbean cruises, with visits to Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan. Bookings for cruises through the end of 2025 are on sale. 

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