Whereas on board the Carnival Jubilee for a particular pre-maiden voyage preview, a small group of us acquired the fun of seeing the ship via the eyes of a person who helped carry the challenge to life, Glenn Aprile, the Senior Director of Model Expertise and Product Improvement at Carnival Cruise Line.
By him, we acquired unbelievable perception into the whole lot from the unique Excel-class ideas to the most recent improvements on board this ship.
Exploring Carnival Jubilee
Earlier than the Carnival Jubilee preview tour began, Aprile defined that the outside areas on board this ship are an identical to these on the sister ship Carnival Celebration.
Due to that — and the not-exactly-ideal climate — we as an alternative targeted on the 2 areas of the ship — or Zones, in Carnival converse — that includes the most important variations: Currents and The Shores.
First Impressions
We started the tour within the ship’s Grand Central zone, the atrium. That appeared like a logical place to start out, provided that that is the primary house company will encounter when boarding Jubilee.
Grand Central is genuinely gorgeous in an Insta-worthy manner. Spanning three decks, it manages to be an enormous house whereas additionally providing up cozy pockets. The realm was, says Aprile, designed to “create experiences that stick with company lengthy after their voyage.”
For instance, it might be arduous to neglect the attractive underwater seascapes that stuffed the huge LED screens as we handed via.
Below (Or Beside) The Sea
Given that the majority cruisers have a deep and abiding love for the ocean, it is smart that Jubilee embraces celebrating the ocean. Shades of blue could be discovered all over the place, giving even the most important areas a way of tranquility.
However the ocean-centric theme really involves life within the Currents and Shores zones. Curiously, they handle to showcase two totally different features of the ocean.
Whereas Currents virtually envelopes you within the peacefulness of life beneath the waters, Shores — as its identify implies — brings to life a few of the vibes (and venues) you may discover at a beachfront resort.
And that, says Aprille, is all executed very deliberately. Transferring via the areas, the concept was to assist company really feel related to the ocean from under the waves or whereas mendacity within the sunshine.
The Star of Texas
The ship’s bow, which proudly brandishes a Texas star, isn’t the one place you’ll discover indications of her homeport. Discovering homages to the state is sort of like discovering “hidden Mickeys” at Walt Disney World.
Look shut sufficient, and also you’ll discover delicate nods to the Lone Star state right here and there… together with on the menus. It’s not a coincidence that you just’ll discover Tex-Mex and BBQ pizza on the menu at Coastal Slice.
The unique MS Jubilee, launched in 1986, was a proud Carnival Vacation class member. So, it was important for Aprile and his workforce to search out methods to include components from these much-loved ships. Elsewhere, the Elissa — a tall ship in-built 1877 and at the moment docked in Galveston’s harbor — is featured in a number of items of art work, a pleasant nod to the port and the lengthy historical past of crusing vessels.
One thing For Everybody
Aprile was significantly pleased with the ship’s family-friendly design. “We’ve meticulously created areas that cater to all ages, guaranteeing everybody aboard has one thing to get pleasure from,” he stated.
There are additionally quite a few methods through which expertise has been used to create unusually immersive environments. For instance, the digital portholes within the Currents zone periodically come to life with multi-media displays designed to wow children of all ages.
The realm can be interactive, with a “Change the Currents” station permitting passengers to create a fish which, via the wonders of recent tech, turns into a part of the setting displayed on the digital portholes. Most of the interactive options play proper into the tutorial features of Carnival’s sustainability program.
The Final Phrase
In some ways, Jubilee is extra a fraternal than an identical twin to sisters Mardi Gras and Celebration. Sure, the resemblance is apparent to see, however look nearer, and also you’ll additionally discover variations… a few of them substantial.
However what makes the corporate’s flagship vessel distinctive is her give attention to the waters she is going to sail via.
Carnival’s first ship Excel class ship, Mardi Gras, evoked the full of life spirit of New Orleans, whereas Carnival Celebration paid tribute to the wealthy historical past of Carnival Cruise Line. Equally, Carnival Jubilee is a heartfelt homage to Texas and the open sea.
