When Carnival Cruise Line first introduced the first ship in the Excel-class to the world, we were taken by surprise. So many things had changed from a design perspective. The previous class, the Vista-class, contained 3 identical sisters. Aside from a few tweaks here and there, the Carnival Vista, Carnival Horizon, and Carnival Panorama contain the same interior design style throughout, even carrying into the main dining rooms. When we first stepped foot onto the Mardi Gras in 2021, our breath was taken away! Not only did this ship exude personality, it also had brand new textures and a whole new layout!
As more Excel-class ships have been deployed, we’ve seen some major changes introduced to the passenger throughways. On Deck 6 and 7, we see the French Quarter on the Mardi Gras. Carnival Celebration changed that space out for an homage to the brand’s history with an area called The Gateway. While the layout has remained similar across the ships (aside from shifting bars to the outer edge and Emeril’s Bistro to the inside of the ship), the sights that you’ll encounter are vastly different. Cue Carnival Jubilee!
The Golden Mermaid
The space on decks 6 and 7 in Carnival Jubilee’s new zone is to be known as The Currents. It’s an area that celebrates being at sea starting with a cocktail bar and lounge called The Golden Mermaid. As the story goes, there is a Mermaid who swam to the depths of the ocean and collected little treasures along the way. This bar features drinks that are inspired from her findings from unique glassware adorned with elegant garnishes to drinks made with gold flecks. It’s the perfect place to grab a cocktail as you are waiting for your table to be ready in the nearby Atlantic Restaurant, or grab a leisurely drink at the end of a long day exploring the ship (or port).
Dr. Inks, PhD.
A clever play on words sparks interest at this next new space. This bar is hosted by a clever octopus whose eight arms decorate this crafty bar. As Dr. Inks would have it, the beverages that are served up in her unique venue will come with special effects from changing colors before your eyes, or jellyfish-inspired cocktails, to layered shots, or drinks with sea foam on top. Dr. Ink’s personality shines through at her bar with a library of her famous findings with some of her favorite books, journals, and fountain pens on display!
Emeril’s Bistro 717
The third installation of Emeril’s Bistro joined the Carnival Jubilee. Chief Culinary Office, Emeril Lagasse has put his flare and unique flavors onto the plate for those who enjoy his ostentatious cooking. You’ll delight in gumbo, muffuletta, and jambalaya among other dishes. This restaurant comes with a cost, but if you enjoy New Orleans cooking, then you’re in for a real treat! Curious about the numbers that follow the name? 717 refers to Carnival Jubilee’s hull number at Meyer-Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
Other Spaces in the Area
A surprise area is the corridor between the Golden Mermaid bar and lounge area as you head towards Dr. Inks, PhD. There’s additional seating located throughout the area and the design is quite unexpected. We love the way the corridor is framed out and how it’s lit up.
As you move towards the aft of the ship on deck 6, you’ll encounter one more space that is consistent in the designs to the rest of the Excel-class ships, Carnival Kitchen. This is a great place for cooking classes, where you’ll get to try your hand at preparing a full meal for yourself, or you can participate in one of the new programs curated by Emeril Lagasse especially for passengers on the Carnival Jubilee.
Heading upstairs, you’ll encounter a fleet-wide favorite bar called Alchemy. While the bar itself serves up familiar drinks, the surrounding areas might look a little different. This whole space is open to below and features giant LED screens both on the ceiling, as well as through “portholes” on the exterior wall of the ship. Over the course of the sailing, there are various shows that submerge you in the experience of being “under the sea”.
Final Thoughts
What are your thoughts on these spaces? They are fresh and new and provide great opportunities for you to explore your imaginative side. Be sure to watch the video below and check out our other article featuring the new zone found on deck 8 called The Shores!