Carnival Marks 25 Years of Sailing from Galveston with Celebration Aboard Jubilee

Carnival Cruise Line reached a major milestone this week, commemorating 25 years of voyages from Galveston with a lively celebration aboard the Carnival Jubilee. The company, recognized as the pioneer cruise line to establish a homeport in Galveston in 2000, has since hosted over 10 million guests at the port, playing a significant role in elevating the island city to a prominent cruise destination.

Carnival President Christine Duffy led the anniversary celebration, accompanied by community leaders, business partners, and government officials such as U.S. Rep. Randy Weber, Galveston Mayor Craig Brown, and Port of Galveston Director and CEO Rodger Rees.

“Setting sail from Galveston has been a pivotal chapter in Carnival’s narrative for the past 25 years, and we’re only beginning,” Duffy stated. “This achievement serves as a compelling testament to the potential that emerges when robust collaborations, community backing, and a love for enjoyment unite.”

The Carnival Jubilee marks a notable milestone in that legacy, being the inaugural new ship welcomed at the Port of Galveston upon her arrival in 2023.

“Over the past quarter-century, one fact has stood the test of time: Galveston has a deep affection for Carnival,” Mayor Brown stated. “In commemorating this milestone, we eagerly anticipate countless more years of inviting Carnival visitors to experience everything our city provides and sustaining their beneficial economic influence on our community.”

Carnival continues to be the sole cruise line operating four ships from Galveston. The company is set to enhance its presence with an updated four-ship lineup in 2027–28, promising its largest-ever guest capacity and a wider variety of itineraries from the port. Celebrating a quarter-century with Carnival highlights the enduring relationship between our port and this esteemed cruise line,” Rees stated. “The ongoing commitment to our community has resulted in a remarkable economic influence, and we take pride in celebrating this significant achievement alongside them.”

Carnival offers various cruise options from Galveston, featuring both short weekend trips and week-long adventures to popular destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Bahamas. Numerous travel plans include visits to Celebration Key, the company's latest exclusive getaway.

The anniversary event aligned with the Port of Galveston’s bicentennial celebration, featuring the 200th Anniversary Gala sponsored by Carnival. The funds raised from the gala will support maritime scholarships at Texas A&M University at Galveston.

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