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I'm one of the first passengers on Carnival's newest ship: Check out more than 100 Carnival Jubilee photos

TPG's Ashley Kosciolek accepted a free trip from Carnival Cruise Line to attend a behind-the-scenes voyage of new ship Carnival Jubilee. The opinions expressed below are entirely hers and weren't subject to review by the line.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a cruise ship almost entirely to yourself? I have, and for two days this week, I had the chance to experience it. I was one of just three non-employees on Carnival Cruise Line 's new Carnival Jubilee, the third ship in the line's Excel Class , which gives a nod to some of the brand's original vessels.

I was visiting the vessel before its first official revenue cruise, which began on Saturday.

Not everything was open during my time on board, but that's because there weren't enough people to warrant it. That changed soon after I left the ship, though. More than 6,200 passengers embarked Carnival Jubilee for its first sailing, a completely full 7-night voyage to the Western Caribbean.

It was nothing short of magical to see the final touches for Carnival Jubilee's first sailing come together.

The crew was busy preparing – polishing brass, shampooing carpets, washing linens, stocking the onboard shops, rehearsing shows, doing meal service dry runs and putting up the last of the holiday decorations that have taken up residence in just about every public space. (The first voyage is happening over Christmas, after all.)

During my short visit, which included a quick sailing from Galveston, Texas, where Jubilee is based , I toured several types of cabins, caught two of the theater shows, ate at six of the ship's restaurants and snagged enough coffee from the onboard cafe to stay awake for what feels like a week. I also checked out the Bolt roller coaster – one of just three at sea – and the ship's new Golden Mermaid and Dr. Inks bars in the ship's "Currents" zone, which features an under-the-sea theme that celebrates ocean life.

So, what was it like? Here are more than 100 Carnival Jubilee pictures so you can sneak a peek before you sail on this phenomenal new ship.

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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.

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

I'm just going to say it: Carnival's food is severely underrated. It's consistently some of the best I've eaten at sea , and the wide variety of cuisines — from Italian and Asian to seafood and steak — means there's something to please even the most picky eaters. Plus, you can't beat the value, with free options like burgers, pizza, burritos and fried chicken.

On my sailing, I tested out fare from The Pacific main dining room; Chibang!, a combination Asian and Mexican restaurant; Rudi's Seagrill, a for-fee seafood eatery dreamed up by food artist and chef Rudi Sodamin; Guy's Burger Joint, which serves up complimentary burgers designed by Guy Fieri; and Coastal Slice and Beach Buns, two counter-service areas that offer free pizza and deli items in the ship's The Shores zone.

And, what would a Carnival sailing be without testing a few tipples? After dinner on the first night, I ventured to the Golden Mermaid Bar, where I ordered the A Pearly Bubble, a mixture of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. Meanwhile, a friend tried the Sapphire Sparkle: lemon rum, blue curacao, white cranberry juice and aquafaba.

After that, I headed around the corner to Dr. Inks Ph. D., an octopus-themed watering hole in the Currents zone, which carries an underwater theme, and tried a Snapping Pop (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, triple sec liqueur, maraschino liqueur, Pop Rocks and green apple candy). I also started each day with a coffee from the JavaBlue cafe in the Grand Central zone.

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.)

Also on Carnival Jubliee is "Rio Carnival," a show that first debuted on Carnival Celebration . It focuses on the flamboyance of Brazil and its street fair culture, complete with bright colors and sparkling costumes.

The ship's Grand Central zone, which houses Center Stage, also serves as an entertainment venue. Although no full shows were offered there during my sailing, I did catch a peek at the cast during rehearsal for a special holiday performance.

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.

Just above that, the Ultimate Playground is where passengers can splash down the tangle of waterslides that is Carnival Waterworks, give the ropes course a go, play a game of miniature golf or basketball, or hop on the Bolt roller coaster for an adrenaline-pumping ride.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, the upper decks are also the place to find a relaxing, adults-only spot to sunbathe or soak in a hot tub, thanks to the adults-only area Serenity and Loft 19, a retreat-style area that offers cabanas. Both come with a fee for entry.

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.

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.

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First Look Inside Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras [PHOTOS]

Richard Simms

• December 21, 2020

Although the first sailings of Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship are still several months away, photos of Mardi Gras offer a glimpse into some of what will await us on board.

From the stunningly redesigned atrium to familiar favorites with an updated look, we’ve got your first look at the ship… which will change everything for Carnival and their guests.

Come Aboard… They’re Expecting You

Carnival was one of the first cruise lines to recognize the importance of the atrium, especially since their ships’ design means that this is the first space guests encounter.

While the fleet’s past ships have always provided arriving passengers with a wow factor, Mardi Gras ‘ entirely new atrium concept takes that to a new level. A wall of glass stretching up three stories will offer incredible views of the waters through which the ship sails or the ports on which she calls.

Plus, the atrium will be home to a wide variety of entertainment options, including a unique nighttime show combining music, live performers, and technology.

It wouldn’t be a Carnival ship without an opportunity to chow down in one of Guy Fieri’s restaurants. Of course, Mardi Gras will offer the wildly popular Guy’s Burger Joint, but it will also feature Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse|Brewhouse (aka Flavortown), a concept introduced on the newer Vista-class ships. This is the place to head for a variety of tasty treats, not to mention some amazing beers brewed right on board.

READ MORE:  5 Things To Know About Mardi Gras’ Cruise Director

Because you can never have too many spots offering menus created by celebrity chefs, Mardi Gras will feature Carnival’s first collaboration with Emeril Lagasse. If you know anything about Lagasse, you know he’s big on creole flavors. So look for Bistro 1396 to feature the kind of flavors that spice up your life and put a little pep in your step. Not surprisingly, Emeril’s restaurant will be located in the ship’s French Quarter Zone. As it happens, this is also where you’ll find another new-to-Carnival concept, the Brass Magnolia bar.

You can’t think of New Orleans without thinking of jazz, and the Brass Magnolia’s entire concept is that of an old-school lounge serving up not only great tunes, but also classic regional cocktails like the Sazerac.

Located just a stone’s throw from the Brass Magnolia is another new venue, the Fortune Teller’s Bar. Here, Vice President of Beverage Operations Eddie Allen and his staff have conjured up several unique cocktails with what he calls a “whimsical twist” — perfect for adding a touch of mystery to any evening.

Next on our photo tour of Mardi Gras is, well, another bar! This one’s a great outdoor spot, located in the Summer Landing zone. The Watering Hole was designed to be a bit reminiscent of the coolest backyard hangout spot ever. That is, if your backyard happened to come with views of the ocean.

READ MORE:  7 Stateroom Changes Coming to Carnival’s Mardi Gras

You can’t talk about Carnival cruise ship bars without mentioning our personal favorite, the Alchemy Bar. As you can see in the photo below, the version on board Mardi Gras has been both expanded and updated, allowing it to keep that classic cocktail bar theme while also upping the aesthetic.

While on some Carnival ships this venue can feel as if it was squeezed into a space instead of fitting in organically (which is, in some instances, the case), here the Alchemy Bar was given plenty of room.

As you might expect, Cucina del Capitano — Carnival’s signature Italian restaurant — can be found in the La Piazza zone on board Mardi Gras . What’s special about Mardi Gras’  version of the venue is that it will offer not only indoor, but outdoor dining as well. Want to avoid the madness that can sometimes be the main dining room on the first night of your cruise? Make a reservation here and enjoy a far more relaxed experience. Trust us, you won’t regret it.

When you’re ready for some fun, head to the Ultimate Playground Zone where you’ll find all kinds of ways to entertain yourself including miniature golf and, yes, the much-ballyhooed BOLT roller coaster.

In fact, in the picture below, you can see a section of the coaster’s track and the golf course’s cool landscaping. Good luck keeping the kids focused on their golf game when all they’re going to want to do is jump back on BOLT!

Another Carnival Cruise Line staple? The WaterWorks aqua park, complete with dizzying water slides and a whole lotta other ways to get wet without even having to get into the pool.

That concludes our photo preview of Carnival’s newest ship, which is slowly making its way toward a spring 2021 debut. Which of the six zones are you most excited to explore?

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You Won’t Want to Miss the Northern Lights in 2024: Here’s Why

By Carnival Cruise Line

Ready for an adventure that will literally light up your life? The Northern Lights are a cosmically show-stopping natural wonder that have dazzled onlookers for generations. 2024 is shaping up to be one of the best years to catch the lights due to a variety of science-y factors, which we’ll be diving into in this post! Keep reading for reasons why 2024 is a top year to see the Northern Lights, the best time and place to see them and more!

Wait a Minute, What Are the Northern Lights?

We’re so glad you asked! The phenomena we know as the Northern Lights happens when the sun ejects particles from its upper atmosphere, creating a solar wind that then collides with Earth’s magnetic field— resulting in the beautiful streaks of lights we fondly refer to as “aurora borealis.” The term was coined by Italian astronomer and philosopher Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century, coming from the name for the Roman goddess of morning, Aurora, plus the Greek word for northerly wind, “borea.” 

Why Will the Northern Lights Be Special in 2024?

In 2024— a little over 400 years after Galileo first recorded this incredible natural light show— we can expect some of the most impressive Northern Lights in a long time. They’re expected to be even more powerful this year due to increased sunspot activity ; this increased activity boosts solar wind and energy from the sun that then reaches Earth, creating an even better aurora borealis! The peak of the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, called the solar maximum, is set to occur this year. This means the lights are expected to be more frequent and intense, reaching even further across the sky!

Basically, this (already breathtaking) natural occurrence will be even more awesome than it already is! Now that you’re an expert on the “why” behind the Northern Lights, let’s talk shop about some ways you can see them for yourself.

How to Take Pictures of the Northern Lights

Whether you’re a seasoned pro with a DSLR or a casual photographer with a trusty smartphone, here are some tips to help you snap the perfect photo of the Northern Lights:

Tips for Professional Photographers

• Gear Up : Before you head out, make sure you have everything you need to catch your dream photo. That means your camera, any additional lenses, a remote shutter release, a sturdy tripod for stabilization and anything else you may need!
• Use Manual Mode : Switch your camera to manual mode so that you have better control over all the settings that matter, including ISO, shutter speed, aperture and more.
• Adjust Your Aperture : Set your camera’s aperture to a low f-stop number (f/2.8 is commonly suggested for Northern Lights photography) to allow more light to enter your camera while you’re shooting.
• Select a Low Shutter Speed : A low shutter speed (or longer exposure time) is important for adequately capturing the movement and ethereal nature of the lights. Depending on how fast the sky is moving, set your shutter speed for somewhere between 5 and 15 seconds.
• Shoot in RAW : Switch your camera’s photo format to RAW in order to better preserve all the beautiful image data you worked so hard to capture. This will give you more flexibility when editing the photos later.

Tips for Smartphone Users

• Download Extra Camera Apps : A smartphone may not have all the bells and whistles of a professional camera, but there are apps available that allow manual control over many of the same photography settings, including ISO, shutter speed and focus.
• Turn Off Flash : It may be tempting to turn your flash on to make up for low-light conditions, but don’t do it! The light from the flash can interfere with the natural glow and colors of the aurora.
• Adjust Your Phone’s Shutter Speed : If you don’t want to download any extra apps, most smartphone cameras now have a shutter speed setting that lets you manually adjust how your camera captures movement. 
• Bring a Power Bank : Extreme temperatures can quickly drain your phone’s battery, so bring a power bank to keep it fully charged and ready to capture every magical moment.
• Hold It Steady : A stable phone is absolutely essentially for grabbing clear, sharp photos of the Northern Lights. Bring a portable tripod for your phone, or set it up against a stable surface for long exposure photos.

When & Where to See Alaska’s Northern Lights in 2024

While these show-stopping lights have a tendency to show up whenever and wherever they want, “Aurora Season” is generally considered to be from August through April . These months have the least amount of daylight, allowing the Northern Lights to shine even brighter against dark night skies. The best time for seeing the lights is between 10pm and 2am.

When it comes to choosing where to view the aurora borealis, the further north you go, the better! We recommend Alaska for a viewing experience that still offers plenty of adventures and sights to enjoy during your trip to see the lights. Click here to learn more about the best time to see the Northern Lights on a cruise to Alaska!

Here are some of our top Alaska destinations for seeing the Northern Lights this year (and every year):

Seward (Anchorage)

During the day, long before the signature Alaskan Northern Lights come out to play, dive into the long history and exciting adventures of Seward that create the bright culture it is known for. Explore the nearby Kenai Fjords National Park, offering stunning views of glaciers and marine life. And don’t forget to stop by the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to see some of the local rehabilitated wildlife like eagles, bears, elk and more.

Step into Ketchikan , the gateway to the North! Stroll along the historic waterfront, immerse yourself in the flourishing art scene, and drop into local shops. Also pay a visit to the Totem Heritage Center to observe the preserved totem poles. 

Valdez is a tiny town with a big personality! With booming communities of salmon and halibut, open waterways for kayaking, and sights like Worthington Glacier, you’ll never run out of things to do that’ll keep you happily occupied during your time here.

Home to the headquarters of the American Bald Eagle Foundation, as well as a budding salmon and grizzly bear community, Haines is an animal lover’s paradise! After a day of observing the wildlife, you can indulge in a delicious meal downtown where you are sure to find a variety of dining options sure to satisfy any craving .

See Alaska’s Northern Lights in 2024 with a Carnival Cruise

Okay, so you know the what, when, where and why of this year’s Northern Lights. Now only two questions remain: who , and how? The who is easy— it’s you, of course! Seeing the aurora borealis is a bucket-list adventure for a reason; it’s an out-of-this-world experience that will absolutely dazzle your senses, and we’ll keep recommending it to people until someone tells us to stop!

We’re a little biased, but we think a cruise to Alaska is the perfect way to explore this wonder of the northern sky, all while enjoying the built-in, fun-filled experiences that a cruise vacation has to offer. We cordially invite you to kick back and let Carnival cruise take you on a summer journey through Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes, charming towns, and of course, the stunning Northern Lights with a variety of shore excursions that can’t be beat. Onboard, you can relax in your cozy cabin, indulge in delicious dining, and enjoy endless entertainment, thrills, quiet moments to yourself and so much more. Plus, seeing the Northern Lights on an Alaskan cruise is sometimes as easy as stepping outside and gazing up at the shimmering light show in the sky!

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The Best Time to Take an Alaskan Cruise

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It’s time to see this breathtaking beauty for yourself, don’t you think? Start planning your Alaskan cruise to see the Northern Lights in 2024, and remember that when it comes to fun on a Carnival Cruise, the sky’s the limit!

If you’ve decided a Carnival Cruise Line Gift Certificate is the perfect gift, we love your style! Head over to our gift card page or buy cruise tickets here .

Book your summer cruise to Alaska today and let us light up your world! ✨

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