Check out more than 100 Carnival Jubilee photos

Cabins

Carnival has come a long way since the days when its staterooms were colored like cotton candy. Instead, its newest vessels are done up in neutrals with calming accents of blue and green, depending on the cabin category.

Daily Newsletter

Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter

Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts

On my sailing, I was in a 341-square-foot Ocean Suite capable of sleeping four people with a queen bed, a twin sofa bed and a single bunk that pulled down from the ceiling. In addition to tons of closet and drawer space, there were two TVs, a sizeable balcony and a ton of USB ports.

I also had an opportunity to check out a couple of other cabin types, including a 158-square-foot inside that sleeps three people, a 243-square-foot Family Harbor ocean-view room, 249-square foot Cove Balcony accommodations, a 341-square-foot Spa Suite and an 861-square-foot Excel Aft Suite.

Restaurants

Carnival Jubilee’s restaurants are elegant but fun. Whether you’re enjoying the Hogwarts vibes provided by the central lighting in the main dining rooms as the waiters dance or admiring the glass fish on the wall at Rudi’s Seagrill, there’s always something to talk about over dinner.

Food and drinks

Bars and lounges

As with all Carnival ships, there are plenty of bars from which to choose on Carnival Jubilee. For me, the three most notable are the Golden Mermaid, Dr. Inks Ph. D. and the Center Stage Bar. The first has a golden vintage theme that evokes buried treasure, and it serves interesting concoctions that include smoke bubbles and glitter.

Dr. Inks, found in the ship’s Currents Zone, focuses on life under the sea and features appearances by a new character, Dr. Inks, an octopus who has a doctorate in philosophy, pet butterflies and a sizeable collection of eyeglasses in different colors and styles. On that menu, you’ll find more smoke bubbles, as well as whimsical ingredients like Pop Rocks.

Meanwhile, the Center Stage Bar offer standard drinks but in a central location near the atrium. With its iridescent accents and combination of shapes and colors, it gives me subtle Joe Farcus vibes — appropriate for a throwback Carnival ship.

Entertainment

Limited entertainment was offered when I sailed Carnival Jubilee, but I did have a chance to see the ship’s brand-new theater show “Dear Future Husband.” The premise is that a couple plans a wedding on a cruise ship, and they bring their friends. We follow them through the pre-wedding party shenanigans, the prep and the ceremony, all set to popular songs like Bruno Mars’ “Marry You” and, of course, Meghan Trainor’s “Dear Future Husband.”

When the show ends, passengers are encouraged to head from the Jubilee Theater, where it takes place, to the ship’s Limelight Lounge for the “reception,” which features a DJ playing music for dancing. (Don’t get too excited, though: the happy couple won’t grace attendees with an open bar.)

Top decks

The top decks belong to Carnival Jubilee’s Lido and Ultimate Playground zones. The former houses the ship’s main pool, along with the RedFrog Tiki Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint.

Spa and fitness center

Carnival has brought its Cloud 9 spa, salon and fitness center to Carnival Jubilee. They feature a plethora of pampering treatments that run the gamut from massages and facials to manicures and pedicures, hair styling and classes like yoga and spin. The fitness center, which is free to use, is equipped with LifeFitness machines, exercise balls, dumb bells and other amenities.

The spa’s thermal suite, which you can access for a fee or with the purchase of a spa treatment, includes saunas, heated tile loungers and a whirlpool.

Kids club

Camp Ocean, Carnival’s kids club, is impressive on Carnival Jubilee. It’s fun, brightly colored and modern, and it’s staffed by a dedicated team that organizes games, crafts and other activities for children, based on age.

Activities are split into four groups, each with its own designated area: Turtles (up to 1 year old), Penguins (2-5), Stingrays (6-8) and Sharks (9-11). You’ll find Dr. Seuss’ Bookville children’s library in that space, too. There are also two lounges — Circle C and Club O2 — for tweens and teens in a separate area of the vessel.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories: