Heidi BucoloGLOBAL MUSIC SUPERSTAR GWEN STEFANI NAMES CARNIVAL JUBILEE, MARKING FIRST CRUISE SHIP CHRISTENING IN GALVESTON
Texas-themed Jubilee Celebrates Carnival Cruise Line’s New Flagship
The stars were out in Texas on Saturday as Carnival Cruise Line celebrated the naming of its new flagship Carnival Jubilee. Global music superstar Gwen Stefani was honored as the ship’s godmother, and Feb. 24 was declared “Carnival Jubilee Day” by Galveston Mayor Craig Brown. This day also marked the 100th birthday of the late Ted Arison, Carnival Cruise Line’s founder.
Stefani spent the day on the ship, visiting the bridge to meet the captain and blowing the ship’s horn. She also cut the ribbon at several venues including:
- Joining Carnival Chief Culinary Officer Emeril Lagasse at his newest Emeril’s Bistro on Carnival’s Excel class ships
- The St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s sculpture, where she met Ty Crowninshield who drew the artwork that inspired the sculpture
- The EFFY Jewelry store, where she received her godmother gift of an EFFY Legacy panther ring.
After a cocktail reception and celebratory lunch, invited guests attended the 45-minute naming ceremony in the ship’s theater.
Carnival Jubilee is the first brand-new ship to homeport in Galveston, and the port’s first cruise christening ceremony. And with reference to the embossed Texas star on the bow of the ship, Christine Duffy provided assurance that Galveston is Carnival Jubilee’s forever home.
Carnival also used the occasion to celebrate its relationships with its two national charitable partners. After meeting its goal of $33 million for St. Jude by 2024, the company has set a new pledge goal of $50 million by 2030. And the cruise line auctioned off a pair of Carnival Jubilee-themed cowboy boots by Houston-based Parker Boot Co. for $25,000. The proceeds benefit Operation Homefront, which supports military families.
“I know she has been honored in so many ways for her music with numerous awards and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and now she has a ship!,” said Duffy as she introduced Stefani.
Joined by Duffy and Captain Stefano Bonica, Stefani blessed and named the ship. She then pulled a lasso rope releasing the champagne bottle that struck the ship’s bow to officially christen Carnival Jubilee. Stefani then performed a private concert for guests featuring some of her hit songs, like “Just a Girl,” “The Sweet Escape”, and “Hollaback Girl.”
More on Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Jubilee sails year-round in Galveston on week-long Western Caribbean cruises. The ship utilizes an LNG technology platform and accommodates 6,500 guests and 1,750 crew. The ship celebrates the sea and features the ultimate fun, from a roller coaster to a resort-like retreat.
Carnival recently announced that a fourth Excel sister ship will join Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Celebration, and Mardi Gras in 2027.
Click here to watch the special ceremony.
SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line
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