Carnival Cruise Line marked 25 years of sailing from Galveston this week with a milestone celebration aboard its flagship, Carnival Jubilee.
Since becoming the first cruise line to homeport there in 2000, Carnival has carried more than 10 million guests through the Texas port and established Galveston as a premier cruise destination.
The event brought together community leaders, business partners, and government officials including U.S. Congressman Randy Weber, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, and Port Director Rodger Rees.
“Sailing from Galveston has been a defining part of Carnival’s story for the last 25 years, and we’re just getting started,” said Carnival President Christine Duffy. “This milestone is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when strong partnerships, community support and a passion for fun come together.”
Carnival Jubilee Represents a New Era’
Carnival Jubilee holds special significance in this legacy. When she arrived in December 2023, she became the first new ship inaugurated at Port of Galveston.
The Excel-class vessel features a Texas star on her bow and was the first North American homeported ship powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), detailing Carnival’s focus on sustainability and innovation. She was also the first homeported ship in Galveston to offer 5G connectivity.
Carnival remains the only cruise line deploying four ships from Galveston. Starting in 2027/28, a refreshed four-ship deployment will deliver the port’s largest-ever guest capacity along with a broader range of itineraries.
What’s Available Now and What’s Coming
Carnival offers sailings from Galveston ranging from short weekend getaways to week-long vacations, visiting the Caribbean, Mexico, and The Bahamas. Many itineraries now include stops at Celebration Key, Carnival’s new exclusive destination that opened earlier this year.
“Throughout the last 25 years, one thing has remained true—Galveston loves Carnival,” said Mayor Craig Brown. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we also look forward to many more decades of welcoming Carnival guests.”
