We were on the Dream last January. They had a "Tex-Mex" themed buffet. We were excited, love Tex-Mex. Went to the buffet, the option was pumpkin enchiladas. At that moment I knew that Carnival 100% would never know how to do "Texas." 😂😂
Galveston is my home port. I live about 30 minutes from the port. If you live on the East coast, Galveston doesn’t make sense as a cruise port. We recently sailed on Harmony from Galveston. We spent a lot of time in the piano bar. One night the piano player said something about nobody being from Florida, and most of us responded with why would anyone from Florida sail out of Galveston. I do understand that people might want to hit an inaugural cruise out of Galveston, but generally speaking, it doesn’t seem worth it if you’re anywhere near Florida. Your cruise line options, ship options, and port options are much better.
I agree, there is so much in Texas culture that would be an absolute fun vibe for a cruise. It’s so much easier to cruise out of Miami and Port Canaveral, the only way I would choose to go out of my way to cruise out of Galveston is an exceptionally unique experience.
Being a person who has lived in Texas my whole life and who sails with carnival, that blows that carnival really did miss the mark with this ship! Hopefully they can little by little make it into what it could truly be which is as great as the lone star state!!!
Thank You for The Review! However I would say that Galveston is a great port option for cruisers that live west of the Mississippi River. Also keep in mind Texas is Home To 3 Extremely Large MSA’s and it’s also a less expensive travel option for Cruisers coming from California, Colorado, AZ, Washington etc… Not to also mention most of middle America and The Great Plains Region. I agree if you live in Florida or on the east Coast you should definitely consider Florida over going to Texas unless just want to try somewhere different to cruise from. I’m hoping to see Galveston continue to make great strides and improvements. I When I Live in Dallas it was great to know you could make short 4 1/2-5 hr drive down to board the ship instead of flying to Florida or the east coast.
I totally agree with you about the lack of any Texas or Hispanic culture on the Galveston departures from CCL. I often cruise from Galveston, as it is the closest port to Colorado. It’s pretty ridiculous regarding CCL’s concept of the regional cuisine. Blue Iguana is good, but beyond that, their idea of regional cuisine is vegetarian enchiladas with black bean (ugh). No taco bar, no nachos,Nada. The BBQ may be good, if you’ve never had true BBQ. The Havana Bar on the Vista, now moved to Port Canaveral, had good Latin music, but it’s not on any of the remaining ships.
there is a havana bar on the jubilee. Also a Guys pig and anchor bbq joint with an excellent band called the Backyard band that played lots of music Texans loved. There were plenty of tributes to Texas that a Texan would notice but others maynot because they never lived in Texas
They probably didn't want to "over Texas" the ship to avoid turning off some customers, I bet. Even as a lifelong Texan, I don't like too much as it can be too stereotyped. But they certainly should have put on some good Texas restaurants or options such as hill country BBQ and maybe something like the Pappas restaurants. But I can say I wish some ships would go places besides the same 3 ports to give us some variety.
We’ve sailed many times from Galveston, and the cruise terminal there was a weak link. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean built their own new terminal there, which is super efficient and easy to get through both on embarkation and disembarkation days. We also enjoy RCI as a cruise line far more than Carnival (which seems to provide a Walmart late at night atmosphere). But that’s the great thing about cruising; there’s a cruise line and ship that’s just perfect for you and your desired vacation. Thanks for your reviews allowing us all to choose our next cruise wisely.
As a Houstonian that flew to Miami for the Celebration and loved how Miami the ship was I’m kinda annoyed the jubilee is mid. I just knew they call that strip “broadway” like in Galveston. Sooo many ideas and they missed the mark😅
Hey J. Thanks for the heads up about the 2 airports into Houston. Well don’t know what they do about the design and Texas decor now; but aren’t inaugural’s usually working out the kinks and not fully rehearsed and prepared? Hopefully that will resolve soon. Are kids running amuck at 3 am Carnivals fault or the parents? Parents need to be addressed to manage their children. Well for the thousands everyone is paying for the Icon inaugural; good luck.
Ok, this is one of the most creative, entertaining sponsor messages I’ve seen on a video, what with the grocery store shots. Good job, J! I died at the 2010 dancing 🤣
I have been on a carnival cruise out of Galveston many times before and it has always been smooth getting on and off the ship. However it doesn’t shocked me they struggled with the mega ship. The worst experience I have ever had at Galveston was on the Carnival Vista when getting off the ship last Christmas Eve as the tide was high and disembarkation was delayed by about 3 hours and we ended up getting off on deck 0. Wish I could have been there and glad to see you had fun despite the issues!
Great review J, I’ve heard the same issues from other influencers also. I did book a cruise on her but not till later this year, so hopefully Galveston will have their act together.
First of all, was great to meet you on the Jubilee... The embarkation was miles worse than the debarkation. Many people came first thing in the morning, even though they had much later check-in times. In addition, the staff calling the boarding groups, seemed confused, and that further added to the mess. It also didn’t help that the ribbon cutting ceremony happened at 10:15, creating large crowds in the waiting area. I do agree that Carnival could've added additional touches to separate the Jubilee from her sister ships. They did add unique items to the pizza place and sanwich shop that relates to Texas, and the Chef's table menu is completely unique to the Jubilee. The Carnival app itself was pretty glitchy. But, my internet was amazing. Best I've ever encountered at sea, and in many on-shore places. I actually really enjoyed "Dear Future Husband", except for the dance trends. The entertainment was pretty good, and i really enjoyed the cruise. Things could've been done better in some aspects. However, I think my experience of the cruise on a whole was awesome. Definitely one of my top cruises
So do you think that the Texas tie-in was the last minute thing? Seems like they just built a standard issue ship and they did a... Wallpaper / skin themeing over the top of it. Easy changes just in case they need to take the ship and send it somewhere else
Jay, if you don't like inaugural cruises anymore, you should join me on Sun Princess on her 3rd cruise from Rome. Fly to France, grab your lady and meet us for an amazing 10 day cruise from Rome to Barcelona! Feb 28-March 9.
Great video!! Galveston is my home, and my entire ....everything is dependent on tourism, so it sucks we let you down! I've only ever sailed out of Galveston and my last few have been on Vista, getting off the ship to go home has always been an absolute poopshow. I just expect it, and it seems like everytime there is an "excuse rumor" (computers are down, passport readers are offline) that's all BS, it's just a crapshow, not sure why they haven't figured that out yet. I have seen quite a few nods to Galveston on the ship, but from the videos I've seen, I agree, as far as Texas goes, they let us down. Thank you for such a great video, I'm not going until November, but I've been watching everyone's videos because I sprang for an aft excel suite so I'm trying to get myself STOKED about it. I've never been impressed with any of the entertainment on Carnival, so I am 100% happy to lay on my balcony and catch up on some much needed sleep for my 7 days away from Galveston. I wish more people would come down a day early and experience the island, most folks fall in love with our character. 😁
I agree with you on the venues being too small on the xl ships. I also agree with not wanting to do inaugural sailings because shows are not ready. I went the Wonder the 3rd sailing and there was not a show at all
Agreed. I live in Florida and waiting on the vlogs to see if there's any reason to add the cost of a flight to cruise on a new cruise, especially if it's the same ports.
Would have liked to have met you in Galveston. We were on the Dream. We sailed out of the terminal that the Jubilee uses and returned in the other terminal when we got back. Both going and returning were very smooth for us. We will sail on the Jubilee in a few weeks and hope the ship and port of Galveston get their act together. AS FAR AS KIDS GO…… Yes you are spot on correct about them. On the Carnival Dream they were running wild like feral dogs. They tore up the Christmas decorations on our cabin door and even after 5 calls to security, not one security guard ever responded. The kids were running down our hallway on deck 12 which leads to the sauna and they were in there getting it on. I would not be shocked if some of the parents who let their kids run wild became grandparents on this cruise. They will figure it out in about 9 months. Sorry you weren’t able to have any family with you on this cruise but I sincerely appreciate your content and the effort you put into your videos. Hope you have an amazing New Year 🎉!!!!
As always, thanks for your honest review. I live in Cali and have sailed out of Galveston 3 times. It's less expensive for me to sail out of Galveston. For me there are 2 drawbacks to that. 1) It's far from the airports. Bush Intercontinental has way more flight oprions than Houston Hobby from my part of Cali. 2). The limited itineraries. I've done a 5-night sailing and 2 different 7 night itineraries, all of which included Cozumel. I am sailing out of Miami in May. My flight cost $814.00, compared to the 300-400 I typically spend flying into Texas. I want to experience one of the larger ships, and from this review and others, I've seen and read, I might need to sail out of Florida on the Madri Gras or Celebration Problem with that, my favorite CD Kyndall Fire is no longer on the Madri Gras but back in her homestate on the Jubilee, and the cost of the airfare. New York is less expensive, but the reviews for the Venezia are mixed with more leaning towards the negative.
Hoping next year I can sail on the inaugural cruise of the MSC World America. Maybe by then, MSC would be able to improve itself and make the cruising experience enjoyable for all passengers.
I did a West Med sailing on the Meravilglia back in 2018 and it was the worst cruise I have ever been on. The ship was stunning, no doubt, but all the common complaints that plague them today were even an issue back then. I just didn't do enough research and let the price be the factor on my decision to book. Lesson learned for me 🤷🏻♂️
One thing I want to add. J keeps saying to book dining venues when you first get on board. You CAN book them BEFORE you board. Just keep your excursions in mind. we booked the steak house, the chef's table (which was cancelled BOO) ahead of time. As well as our excursions. ahead of time
I saw you a couple of times around the ship and noticed now we were in the same areas at the same time. I actually enjoyed the productions, especially the fiesta show. They were all leaps and bounds over the shows on some of the smaller ships. Weirdly enough my debarkation went very well. We were off the ship in less than 10 minutes. I, of course, didn’t wait for the elevators (a mess!). We just walked down the stairs. Once off the ship… it was very quick. The line for passports was empty so we breezed by the much longer BC line and picked up our bags. I too was a little upset as I watched the aerialist practice for a show that we wouldn’t see. Guess I’ll have to book another cruise 😅
@JSHIPLIFE We were on the same cruise and loved it. Everything went very smoothly for a Inaugural Cruise. How did you end up paying that much for an interior? We got a balcony for a fraction of that cost.
I just don't understand $3,100.00 for an inside cabin? What's that all about? Because of the ship? I usually pay $1,200-$1,500 for a balcony room for a week up to 10 days
@@live2skide1 I just read that , apparently inaugural cruises are very expensive. Well this taught me to never go an inaugural cruise! lol. Especially if you are paying that amount and things are not totally worked out yet. I understand it's this guys job to bring us info so I get why he paid it.
I do not either. We were on the same ship paid a fraction of the cost for a Spa Cove Balcony. Did he buy his ticket at the last second? I never did see him on the ship or experienced any of the negative things he spoke of. It went very smooth for a maiden voyage, we loved it.
I'm not surprised. It's a Christmas cruise, inaugural sailing, sailing solo. It could only get more expensive if it was a New Years Eve cruise. Those are literally the two most expensive times to cruise. I can only sail during peak times and it's depressing how expensive those time are.
I think most ships that sail from Galveston are only there for one season (a few months). Hence, I am sure it will be too expensive to change the names of restaurants (and the menus) just for a few months for example. For Carnival. I believe most of the restaurants are the same on all their ships (Guy's Burger, etc.). I have sailed twice from Galveston since we live about three hours away. The disembarkment went well back in January 2019. However, the ship was smaller (Freedom I believe). In Galveston, the main issue is related to reserving your parking, which can be complex and costly. There are many different lot owners/companies. As you mentioned, passengers don't fly there. Therefore, most travel by car to the port.
About half the ships out of Galveston are seasonal. Carnival and Royal Caribbean sail from Galveston year round. And MSC is going to build their own terminal there too soon form what I hear.
@@texasboykc09 Thanks for the info. I am aware that the Galveston's port is becoming more popular and is currently expanding. When I was on the Elation five years ago, the crew told us that they were moving ports in March of that year (before we knew about Covid) and they would be sailing through the Panama Canal. Even if the ships are staying longer (two or three years), I don't see any of companies spending money to fully make them as a Texas ship.
Love this honest review, booked on her in March and cant wait to see if any changes are made by then. On serious note, you got screwed in the cabin cost Wow! Hopefully you will give us another chance and sail out of Galveston again. Would love to cruise with ya!
Hi Jay! I really enjoy your reviews. Your honesty is appreciated. I like thorough, well thought out reviews and you cover a lot. Keep up the amazing work.
As an older parent…I am 67 years old and have a well behaved 12 year old adopted daughter- I have to speak up. It is a vacation for the entire family. We are making memories by taking our children on a cruise. If you want a vacation without children, there are other options. I don’t think the children should be let wild to run around the ship, but let’s hope that they are safe and having fun too! 😊🎈
I was on your sailing, and it was a pleasure meeting you. Your review is pretty accurate, and we thought the same for some things. The pizza could have been called Texas Slice. The Golden Mermaid could have been called a saloon. But, since the ship had an underwater theme, it fit. We never saw the kids running amuck, and there were lots of them. But the next week for New Years was a different story. Less kids, and they did run amuck. Overall, our two weeks onboard were enjoyable, and the crew was outstanding.
That port is built to handle 3300 . The port of Galveston says that they are doing millions in upgrades. A new coat of paint doesn’t help. They are supposed to be build a new port for MSC or NCL. RC did it the highway . A bigger ship requires a bigger port.
Are people all over the boats recognizing you now ? I feel like that would be a crazy experience. My husband's not even a RU-vidr and he won lip sync battle ( being a hip hop dancer ) and everyone on the boat knew him. ❤😂 even people on the islands talking to him.
As a tx resident who can drive to Galveston from DFW in 5 hrs, it really is a beating to sail from there. And Jay, there is no incentive for you to sail from there because there are no ports that are not accessible from FL. In fact, the biggest problem sailing from Galveston is that no matter which cruise like you choose, they all go to the same 5 ports
Cozumel is also my favorite port! And I agree, I don’t think I would ever want to do an inaugural cruise just because of all the different things they have to work out. It’s like going to a restaurant on the first day they open.
Thank you for the as always, honest review. We are thinking of trying to cruise out of New Orleans. Would be fun to spend a week there then cruise. I wonder if it would be like Galveston? Lol. Anyway, appreciate your honest opinions. As we think somewhat alike, these reviews really help. I hope too see lots more content in 24 on all of your channels!
I was on the new year cruise for Jubilee and security was on point with the curfew. And for me, it is more convenient for me since I live in Texas, to sail out of Texas. If I can sail to a port of call from Texas, then I refuse to cruise from another port! But I have cruised from Florida and are willing to cruise from other ports because I can’t get to all the stops that I want to go to from Texas.
I loved seeing Kyndall Fyre she is the best cruise director. As for the port of Galveston. It's my favorite port. The down side is it's far from Houston and the drink package doesn't start until the 2nd day. On the positive it's closer to the southern Caribbean so you get an extra port or 2 on your cruise.
speaking of a mexican influence, total missed opportunity with folklorico as entertainment. it's so beautiful, i bet it would be a stunning and unique experience.
you should try royal caribbean galveston port. it’s so much better. they have massive included parking, buses that run often, or it’s walkable. the overall experience is so put together and quick
Great post my man! You are so right regarding the marketing opportunity missed. It's as if it was so on all levels and probably, Jubilee was place there as an afterthought. But this is something that needs to go up the flagpole for those in charge for running Galveston as well as the brass at Carnival. Give this ship and the area a deeply embraced Texas theme to entice visitors from other states to not only enjoy Galveston today, but maybe come back another time.
Thanks for this incredible overview! I'm looking forward to meeting you on the Icon Inaugural - I hope she is ready! Those Big ships need everything functioning to take care of ALL of those guests at one time! Wendy
jay i have a serious question for you. i do santa every year and and went on the madri gras first christmas cruise and like the pics i just saw on this video they need a real santa so how could i go about trying to get them to hire me as santa?
So I Live in Texas and I do not like to sail out of Galveston. I have sailed out of Galveston four times and this upcoming July I will be selling again only because I wanted to be on the new ship jubilee. if I have to choose I would. I would also do Florida ports. Thank you so much for cruising the Jubilee and letting us know all of the things that you did. I must agree with you they could have done better being that this was a cruise from Texas. They could have done more Texas things. on there but thank you keep up the good work😊
We were on 2nd and 3rd sailing. The WIFI was still cutting out and there was no sign of the Cirque du Soleil style intertainment! I agree that the ship, though lovely, was very generic. Still can't beat the Carnival crew. Even though there were far fewer kids onboard by the 3rd week ( thanks to school) it's still a very crowded ship. And though there are more elevators, those elevators are quite small and often very crowded. Which brings me to the reason we went home a week early...we caught Covid on the ship toward the end of the 2nd week of our trip. I started feeling bad, thought I had a cold, figured I was contagious so we decided to head home. Tested when i got home and was positive for Covid. Yes, we had the shots. No, we didn't wear masks ( which I noticed quite a few people doing...smart people). There are a lot of people who won't cancel a much anticipated trip just because they feel a little bad ( even if they know they're contagious). So just be smart in very crowded conditions...my bad! And yes, I'm sailing again as soon as I'm all clear.
The thing with sailing out of Galveston, is over half the people on the cruise will be from Texas. We are from San Antonio and almost exclusively sail out of Galveston, with the exception of a cruise we won that sailed out of New Orleans.
I will never do a Xmas cruise again. We went on Mardi Gras and the kids running rampant through hallways was excessive. Even my own kids were like “what’s wrong with the kids?” My next cruise is adults only
I’ve watched other Videos about The theme and they are referred to the theme as intentionally being Ocean/beach type and not specific to Texas thus the reason for the limited Texas decorations and entertainment. They ship is beautiful!
screw that price, live 2 hrs from galveston and sail carnival over 40 times. i cant afford them now. taking the regal princess 12 day for 700 total balcony. guess im done with the fun ship
I really wish they had leaned into the Texas theme more-living in FL I’m not running out to book this ship. If they had done a more country theme with shows and such I 💯 would be booking. I booked the Venezia instead.
Went out of Galveston on allure of the Sea this June for the first time and found it to be very easy both embarkation and debargation. Since it was a new terminal designed since all the changes of the digital age, they had no permanent desks. Everything was just standing in the new line that they created with the turn styles so they were able to adjust for the size of the crowd.
great video again and ship looks exactly the same as celebration no difference even do i think celebration looks allot better inside. i live in central florida sebring highlands county in the middle of all ports i wouldn't find a need to go to texas port only NY or Washington for alaska.
To many kids on Carnival with no parent supervision- I cruise when kids are in school, never holidays or summer. I heard that they did not have JiJi restaurant , very disappointed. I’m cruising on the Jubilee in October and looking forward to it
I did Harmony for Thanksgiving out of Galveston in 2023 and the unruly, loud, and out late kids seems like a Texas thing. I will never go out of my way to leave out of Galveston ever again.
I personally think actually having it home port out of Galveston was an after thought. I was probably slated for like Long Beach as home port but somewhere that was changed and with all the negotiations with Galveston the probably agreed to home port it there.
I may be in the minority. But having sailed the different classes, I prefer the other ships to the XL class. The layout and open seaside show I just didn’t care for. The ship is beautiful and the people as always are great. But I really missed the layout I was use to with the other classes.