Carnival Cruise Line is set to bring exciting new cruise itineraries to the Bahamas aboard its flagship Carnival Jubilee beginning in September 2026. For the first time, the 2023-built vessel will sail regularly from its homeport in Galveston, Texas, to the beautiful islands of the Bahamas, offering passengers an enhanced tropical getaway experience.

The updated itinerary includes stops at two of Carnival Corporation’s signature private islands in the Bahamas: Celebration Key and RelaxAway located at Half Moon Cay. Both private ports promise unique experiences designed exclusively for Carnival guests, adding fresh appeal to the line’s expanding Caribbean offerings.

Celebration Key, currently under development on Grand Bahama Island, is slated to welcome its first visitors in July 2025. Tailored for families and active travelers, the new port will showcase an array of engaging activities including a waterpark and multiple family-friendly venues. This addition aims to create a vibrant, fun-filled environment perfect for all ages and is expected to become a major highlight on Carnival Jubilee’s upcoming Bahamas cruises.

RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay, meanwhile, is also undergoing enhancements ahead of the Jubilee’s arrival. Originally developed by Holland America Line, this private beachfront destination emphasizes tranquility and natural beauty. With its pristine sandy beaches and tropical surroundings, RelaxAway offers guests a serene escape that contrasts with the more action-packed atmosphere at Celebration Key. The ongoing upgrades will allow RelaxAway to accommodate larger vessels like Carnival Jubilee and her sister ships, ensuring a seamless and spacious experience for visitors.

Carnival Jubilee’s Bahamas cruises will combine these private island visits with stops at Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas. This popular port of call provides guests with rich cultural experiences, shopping opportunities, and vibrant local cuisine, offering a balanced itinerary of relaxation, adventure, and exploration.

For the 2026-27 winter season, Carnival Jubilee will offer a rotating schedule of six- and eight-night cruises, all departing from Galveston. The longer eight-night sailings will include the Bahamas routes featuring Celebration Key, RelaxAway, and Nassau. Meanwhile, the shorter six-night cruises will visit the Western Caribbean, calling on ports like Cozumel in Mexico and Mahogany Bay in Honduras.

Carnival Jubilee is a sister ship to the Mardi Gras, launched in 2020, and Carnival Celebration, which entered service in 2022. Constructed at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Germany, Jubilee has the capacity to host as many as 5,400 passengers. Since her debut in late 2023, the ship has been primarily sailing seven-night Western Caribbean cruises from Galveston, visiting Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Mahogany Bay.

The introduction of these Bahamas itineraries marks a significant expansion in Carnival Cruise Line’s offerings from Galveston, one of its key homeports. It also reflects the company’s ongoing investment in private destinations that provide unique experiences tailored to its guests’ interests and preferences.

Passengers booking these upcoming cruises can look forward to a blend of lively entertainment, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural encounters. The private ports of Celebration Key and RelaxAway at Half Moon Cay are expected to become favorite stops, combining family-friendly activities and peaceful natural retreats within the same vacation.

With its fresh Bahamas itineraries, Carnival Jubilee enhances Carnival’s competitive position in the Caribbean cruise market and offers travelers from Texas and the surrounding regions convenient access to some of the most sought-after island destinations in the world.

As the private ports develop and new features come online, Carnival Jubilee’s cruises promise to deliver memorable, diverse experiences for a wide range of travelers — from families and adventure seekers to those looking for a relaxing tropical getaway.

In summary, starting September 2026, Carnival Jubilee will offer guests sailing from Galveston a new choice of Bahamas itineraries that feature exclusive private destinations, cultural port calls, and a mix of short and longer cruise options. These new routes showcase Carnival Cruise Line’s commitment to innovation and guest satisfaction in one of the most popular cruise regions globally.