During the construction of Carnival Cruise Line’s next new ship, the Carnival Jubilee, a key milestone was reached when it floated out of Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany and revealed an important design element: a Texas star on the bow.

Our commitment to Galveston is symbolized by the Texas star on Carnival Jubilee’s bow. As the first cruise line to sail year-round from Galveston, we have a long history with the community, and our new ship is our latest investment in supporting the local economy’s impressive growth while delivering innovative experiences for our guests,” said Carnival Cruise Line president Christine Duffy. Carnival Jubilee’s Texas pride will be displayed later this year. I’m looking forward to seeing it.”

A tailgate-style party, complete with snacks and drinks from Carnival partner PepsiCo, accompanied the ship’s float out at the shipyard. Hundreds of spectators witnessed the world’s first look at the new Carnival ship and got a taste of Texas.

The shipyard’s outfitting pier is where Carnival Jubilee will conduct its next phase of construction. Over the weekend, the vessel will briefly depart the pier to perform various tests on the bow thrusters and stabilisers. Sea trials are scheduled for November.

With its groundbreaking Excel-class design, Carnival’s latest ship will offer breathtaking features that have already wowed guests on her sisters Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration, including the first roller coaster at sea, BOLT: The Ultimate Seacoaster. There are six fun-filled zones on board, two of which are uniquely themed to celebrate the ocean, which provide a wide range of dining, beverage and entertainment opportunities.

Carnival Jubilee will sail year-round from Galveston on Western Caribbean itineraries starting late December – though she will not be the first Carnival Jubilee to do so. Like her sisters, the ship shares a name with a classic Carnival ship, and Carnival Jubilee sailed from Galveston in 2002 for the first time. With four times as much fun on board as her predecessor, the new Carnival Jubilee is twice as big.