A Fun and Relaxing Vacation

Item: Carnival Jubilee
Rating: 4.6
Author: pudding1

Carnival Jubilee Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

pudding1

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 26

Overall rating:

4.6 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: January 13, 2024

Ship: Carnival Jubilee

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 9274

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

The cruise was great and relaxing. We did what we wanted to do at our own pace and didn't feel we needed to do anything we didn't really want to. I would suggest booking your excursions at the ports with Carnival and not through . It is usually a little more expensive but their excursions seemed to be much more organized and well thought out.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

We walked up quite a few ramps and a good distance to get on the ship but the lines moved quickly and efficiently and the staff was nice.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

We enjoyed having breakfast in the dining room, on the days it was available, and dinner in the main dining room every night (late seating). At night we had the same table staff each night and they were fantastic remembering our names and drink orders before we even ordered. For lunch we usually went to one of the many quick fast food kiosk type venues or the buffet. Good food and service in all but Shaq's Big Chicken was the best chicken sandwich and fries I've ever eaten. I wish they had a location near my home! There were so many side eating venues we didn't even get to all of them. The only one we felt could have been better was the pizza. It was bland, thin on toppings and the crust was lacking. It should have been so much more for something that is so popular.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

We didn't partake in many of the onboard activities but certainly could have if we chose to. There were multiple swimming pools on board and none of them were ever very busy. The hot tubs seemed to be usually occupied but not crowded. There were several organized parties on the Lido deck that were well attended and people seemed to be really enjoying themselves but they were to loud for us old fuddy duddies. Tip - If you enjoy food and would like to see a little behind the scenes of how it is prepared for thousands of people, I can highly recommend doing the Chef's Tasting". Unbelievable food, presentation, and staff. It is limited to only 16 people a night so book as soon as possible before you get on the ship. It was the best under $100 I've ever spent. I'm sure they loose money on every guest who is lucky enough to book this great experience.

Entertainment

4 out of 5

The main stage shows were nice but usually very crowded and loud. Get to any of the types of performances at least 15 - 20 minutes early to secure a seat. We had scheduled late dining and missed many opportunities to see some things we would have liked to have seen. I think next time, I would choose open time dining so we could make more shows. All the bars had some type of entertainment scheduled each day that could be enjoyed in a more relaxed atmosphere. I think the ship is missing a huge opportunity by not giving the piano bar entertainer a larger space to perform in. He seemed to be the "hit of the ship" and it was always standing room only with people out in the hallway just to see and listen. They really should give him the opportunity to perform on the larger stage area, where the bingo is held, at least one night of the cruise so more people could enjoy his antics.

Children's Programs

We didn't have children with us but we were amazed at how few kids we saw throughout the ship. Where ever they were they must have been well taken care of. I guess it might have been because we sailed when school was in session.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

The waitstaff at evening dining were excellent. At all others meals they were very efficient, accommodating, and pleasant. Our room steward was great. If there is anything you require extra just let him know when you first meet up. My wife requested there be a bucket of ice each day in our room and we never had to remind him after the first request.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

I worried about how crowded it would be on a ship with over 5000 guest and 1700 staff but it was never a problem. I really don't know where everyone was because it never felt crowded and we didn't have long lines for anything. Getting from one place to the next wasn't a problem, even though the ship is very long, because things were centrally located. Occasionally there was a lengthy wait for an elevator going down, with room for 4 people, but we learned (hint) to get on an elevator going up and ride it to the top and then ride it back down to the floor we needed.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Our balcony cabin was fine. It had 2 large closets and some drawers. We didn't even need all the hanging space it had. The bed was great and our suitcases fit under it out of the way. Like on most cruise ships the bathrooms were small but adequate.

Ship tip

We really enjoyed cruising on the Jubilee. It is a new ship and that is a huge bonus as things were clean and bright. There is an adult only area on the top deck that I wish I would have discovered earlier. It has a pool and lots of deck chairs to sit in the sun and enjoy the waves. Very peaceful and private.

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